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- Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are licensed physicians or medical doctors who have finished psychiatric training. They diagnose all types of mental health diseases and conditions, prescribe appropriate medicines, and provide therapy. They assume the greatest responsibility when dealing with mental health problems.
A psychiatrist first goes to pre-med school (some of them have psychology as their pre-med), then medical school and internship, pass the medical boards to become a licensed general practitioner, and undergo residency training in psychiatry. After passing certifying exams, they’re designated as board-certified psychiatrists. After all of this, some of them may still want to specialise and focus on child and adolescent mental health, geriatric psychiatry, or substance abuse disorders. A small number of psychiatrists do psychotherapy. They usually don’t counsel patients.
- Psychologists
Psychologists have a doctoral degree (Doctor of Psychology or Doctor of Philosophy in the field of psychology). They evaluate and analyse your mental health, using psychological tests and clinical interviews. They can formulate a diagnosis.
Some of them have more training in special types of therapy like dialectical behaviour therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and other forms of therapy. They provide group and individual therapy. Psychologists don’t prescribe medications. They refer you to a psychiatrist for medication and monitoring. Like psychiatry in Australia and New Zealand, the practice of psychology is tightly regulated by professional organisations and governing bodies.
- Psychotherapists
In most parts of the world, the term psychotherapist is more of an umbrella or general term for any mental health professional trained to treat people troubled with emotional problems using psychotherapy. Your psychotherapist can be a psychologist, psychiatrist, licensed professional counsellor, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed social worker, etc.
People living in New Zealand should know that the use of the term or title of psychotherapist is restricted. To call yourself a psychotherapist, you should be registered with the Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa New Zealand (PBANZ) who have their own set of requirements. On the other hand, psychotherapists in Australia are self-regulated.
- Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) or Licensed Mental Health Counsellor (LMHC)
A licensed mental health counsellor has a master’s degree (after acquiring a bachelor’s degree) in counselling, psychology, or any related field. After graduate school, this professional must have experience (at least two years) working with a qualified or licensed mental health professional. Specific requirements may vary between states or countries regarding licensure requirements. Mental health counsellors use counselling or psychotherapy to treat mental health problems. Some licensed mental health counsellors are also trained psychologists and psychotherapists.
Is there even a difference between psychotherapy (talk therapy) and counselling?
Yes. First, the things they have in common. Counselling and psychotherapy are both forms of treatment used to address mental health issues. They’re sometimes used interchangeably by a lot of people. Counselling may be a part of the psychotherapy, and a counsellor may address problems in a psychotherapeutic manner. Yeah, we know, it can be confusing.
Their key differences predominantly lie in their duration and focus. Counselling is commonly a short-term treatment that centres on changing your behaviour. Psychotherapy takes a longer time and delves into emotional issues and the circumstances surrounding the problem.
Get the help you need
There’s an abundance of mental health professionals that can help you. As you’ve probably noticed, there’s quite an overlap concerning the treatment methods and responsibilities between these mental health professionals. The key to choosing the right fit (and support) for you will depend on your:
- Condition or concern. What kind of issues do you want to address? The more severe your issues, symptoms, or problems are, the more specialised training and expertise you will require from your mental health professional. Schizophrenia or an eating disorder is quite different from learning how to cope with life after losing someone to cancer.
- Need for counselling, medication or both
- Referral or recommendation from your primary healthcare provider or general practitioner
You must also look for a mental health professional that you’re comfortable with who can address your issues. Your well-being and treatment are on the line, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t find the right fit at your first appointment. Don’t hesitate to ask about their credentials. There’s no such thing as too many questions.
National Helplines New Zealand:
- Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
- Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or Text ‘Help’ to 4357
- Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Healthline – 0800 611 116
- Samaritans – 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202
National Helplines Australia:
- Beyond Blue Support Service – Phone: 1300 22 4636
- Lifeline Australia 24-hour telephone counselling service. Phone: 13 11 14
- MensLine Australia Phone: 1300 78 99 78
- Suicide Call Back Service Australia Phone: 1300 659 467 call any time
Related Articles
Related Links
References
- http://www.thecounsellorsguide.co.uk/difference-between-counselling-psychotherapy.html
- https://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/
- http://www.lucidpsychotherapy.co.nz/choosing-a-mental-health-practitioner.html
- https://www.inneractions.com.au/res_whatsthedifference.php
- https://www.mhanational.org/types-mental-health-professionals
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/choosing-right-mental-health-provider-2018032313423
- https://adaa.org/types-mental-health-professionals
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ServicesAndSupport/whos-who-in-mental-health-services
- https://www.allpsychologyschools.com/psychology/psychology-vs-psychiatry/
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies/index.shtml
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