Psychiatry vs. Therapy: Understanding the Key Differences

How are Psychiatry and Therapy Similar?

Psychiatry and Therapy can both be beneficial or even crucial for mental health wellness. Both psychiatrists and therapists can provide evaluations, diagnoses, and treatment for mental health disorders. Both psychiatrists and therapists can provide a safe place to talk about your mental health symptoms and learn more about treatments that may work for you.

How are Psychiatry and Therapy Different?

Psychiatric providers are medical professionals who can assess, diagnose, and prescribe medication to treat mental health disorders.

In your intake appointment with a psychiatrist, your provider will complete an assessment by asking about your mental and physical health history, symptoms, and goals. A psychiatrist may also complete a general medical exam to assess any physical issues that may impact medication choices. Usually, psychiatry intake appointments take one hour and follow up appointments with psychiatrists are shorter (15 – 30 minutes). Follow-up appointments may be scheduled weeks or months apart depending on how long you have been working with your psychiatrist. In follow up appointments with your psychiatrist, your provider will inquire about your symptoms and how medications are impacting you to best achieve your mental health goals.

Therapists, Counselors, or Social Workers are mental health professionals who can assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders with counseling and therapeutic techniques. If you’re looking for Therapy Near me in Moorestown, feel free to contact us today.

In your intake appointment with a therapist, your provider will complete a similar assessment of mental health history and current symptoms (but without the physical exam). This intake appointment will take 45-60 minutes and follow up appointments with therapists are the same length of time. Follow up appointments with therapists are usually scheduled weekly at first and you can decrease your session frequency over time. There are many different types of therapists who provide different types of therapy in sessions. Some therapists may focus sessions on processing your family history and attachment, while other therapists may focus on teaching coping skills for homework, and others may help you practice mindfulness skills in the session itself. There are many different types of therapists and one of the most important indicators of success in therapy is finding a therapist that you connect with and feel comfortable sharing within sessions.

How can I get connected to Psychiatry or Therapy?

If you are looking for a great team of providers to help you with your mental health, you can get started with psychiatry or therapy at Mind, Body, and Soul! You can email [email protected] to get connected to a therapist or [email protected] to get connected with psychiatry.