Psychiatrist vs Therapist

Have you ever wondered about the terms psychiatrist vs. therapist? Perhaps you think that they are just used interchangeably and that the two words describe the same professional. Did you receive a referral to a psychiatrist in the past and did not follow through because you kept your appointments with your assigned therapist? It’s important to understand a psychiatrist vs. therapist is not the same profession.

Casa Palmera staff assigns each client with a medical doctor. Also, we assign a psychiatrist and therapist. The experienced team at the Casa Palmera helps you understand the wide range of services offered while you are in treatment, as well as the differences related to psychiatrist vs. therapist.

What is a Psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with a specialty in mental health. The American Psychiatric Association explains that psychiatrists have the qualifications to assess both the physical and mental aspects of many issues.

Psychiatrists focus on diagnosing, preventing, and treating various emotional, behavioral, and mental health disorders. When you see a psychiatrist shortly after your arrival at Casa Palmera for addiction treatment services, the psychiatrist discusses with you. The diagnostic and treatment services that a person receives depends upon the needs of the individual. Psychiatrists utilize a variety of treatment approaches, which are not the same for every individual.

What is a Therapist?

A therapist is a professional that meets with clients to establish the client’s view of why the client needs therapy and employs a variety of treatment methods that are based on the specific needs of each client. Talk therapy helps the client discover and understand destructive habits and behaviors, such as substance abuse. Therapists help the client along a path that leads to the client understanding the emotions or behaviors that the client can change and which ones the client cannot change.

When considering the psychiatrist vs. therapist role, it is important to understand that a therapist serves in a broader role, and potentially includes:

  • Substance use monitoring
  • Case management
  • Referrals to other professionals as needed
  • Evidence-based treatments
  • Recovery support

What are Some Psychiatrist vs Therapist Differences?

Although some people likely use the terms interchangeably, there are distinct differences between a psychiatrist and a therapist. A therapist likely meets with the client more often than the psychiatrist, although this is not necessarily true in all cases.

There is a primary difference when considering the psychiatrist vs. therapist role, which concerns the issue of medications. A psychiatrist prescribes medications if it is determined that you need psychiatric medication as part of your treatment. Remember, the psychiatrist is a doctor, which means that he or she can prescribe the medication. A therapist, on the other hand, is a professional but is not a medical doctor. This means that the therapist cannot prescribe medications.

Both the psychiatrist and therapist play a critical role in collaborating to determine the best evidence-based treatments for every client and helps guide the client through recovery. The therapists and psychiatrists at Casa Palmera work with other members of the staff, including the dual diagnosis staff, to help clients get their life back on track again.

The Casa Palmera Treatment Approach

Casa Palmera professionals recognize that your needs are not the same needs of another client. We guide you through the admissions and assessment process to develop the ideal treatment plan for you. We use an interdisciplinary approach to treat you as a whole person, not just the addiction.

At Casa Palmera, we accept most major insurance plans. Take back control over your life when you contact us and get started on your recovery today.

Disclaimer


This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for medical advice. We understand that everyone’s situation is unique, and this content is to provide an overall understanding of substance use disorders. These disorders are very complex, and this post does not take into account the unique circumstances for every individual. For specific questions about your health needs or that of a loved one, seek the help of a healthcare professional.