the real difference between a psychologist vs psychiatrist

Okay, so you're probably wondering about the real difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist, right? I get it! As the head of Masters Psychology, I hear that question a lot. People often ask if we prescribe meds, or if they should see a psychiatrist instead. Is there even a difference? Well, yes, there absolutely is. And understanding it can really impact your journey to better mental health.

Let's try to clarify things a little.

Here at Masters Psychology, our team focuses on helping people through talk therapy, or psychotherapy, as some call it. We use different evidence-based approaches. Think CBT, ACT, and other tools that can help you understand your thoughts, emotions, and the way you behave. While we don’t prescribe medication, we definitely do spend a lot of time listening and guiding you towards useful strategies that work in real life.

You might consider seeing a psychologist if:

• You're struggling with, say, anxiety, depression, or even just plain old stress.
• You’re going through grief, trauma, or some major life changes.
• Relationship challenges, perhaps?
• Maybe you want some support for your child or teenager through whatever emotional/behavioral things they're going through.
• Or, you simply want help with personal growth, confidence, or even managing your emotions more effectively.

We aim to help you understand why you feel a certain way and give you tools to cope, to heal, and to grow, generally speaking.

Now, what about a psychiatrist?

Well, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor, but one who has gone on to specialize in mental health. Because they're MDs, they can prescribe medication, like antidepressants, mood stabilizers, things like that.

Often, psychiatrists work with individuals who have more severe or, perhaps, complicated mental health conditions. Examples may include bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or even severe depression or anxiety that really hasn't responded adequately to therapy alone. Or, you know, conditions that require both medication and therapy. Some psychiatrists also offer therapy, in some cases, though their main thing is usually diagnosis and medical management. Lifepoint in Willeton, Perth are great. https://www.lifepointclinic.com.au/

So, who should you see, then?

That really depends on what you need, doesn't it? If you're looking for someone to talk to, to dig into your feelings, to learn coping strategies and navigate life's curveballs, then a psychologist is, in most cases, a fantastic place to begin. If you – or your doctor – think you might need medication, or if you have a more complex condition, then a psychiatrist could be part of your overall plan, too.

The great thing is that psychologists and psychiatrists often collaborate! We here at Masters Psychology work frequently with GPs and psychiatrists to make sure our clients get the best mix of support.

Ultimately, mental health can be pretty complex. But getting help shouldn't be! Whether you start with a psychologist or a psychiatrist, what really matters is that you're taking that step to start feeling better, in my opinion.

And, just remember, you don't have to figure everything out on your own! If you're just not sure where to begin, chat with your GP or reach out to us here at Masters Psychology.

We're here to help guide you.

Warmly,

Rochelle Masters

Clinical Psychologist & CEO, Masters Psychology