Understanding Mental Health Professionals
When you’re struggling with your mental health, finding the right support can feel overwhelming. You might hear the terms therapist and psychiatrist thrown around, but what do they actually mean? While all three professionals help people improve their mental well-being, they each play different roles in treatment. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right path for your needs.
What Is a Psychiatric Prescriber?
Psychiatric prescribers are healthcare professionals who prescribe medications for the treatment of mental health conditions. A psychiatric prescriber can include psychiatrists (MD/DO), psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNP), and physician assistants (PA) with specialized training in psychiatry. These professionals diagnose and treat mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and more. To become a psychiatric prescriber, they must complete extensive education in their respective field, obtain a master’s or doctorate level or higher degree with an emphasis on psychiatry.
Psychiatric providers focus on diagnosing mental health conditions and prescribing medication, such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotics. While some psychiatric prescribers offer talk therapy, their main role is managing treatment through medication. Brief talk therapy may be incorporated into your medication management appointments. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, and private practices.
What Is a Therapist?
Therapist is a broad term that includes mental health counselors, licensed clinicians, and social workers. They help people navigate life’s challenges, offering support for stress, relationships, grief, and mental health conditions. Therapists typically hold a master’s degree in counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or psychology. Common licensed professionals include Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). Their training focuses on talk therapy, behavioral interventions, and emotional support.
Therapists provide counseling to individuals, couples, families, and groups of patients, helping them manage anxiety, depression, trauma, and everyday stress. Unlike psychiatrists, they don’t prescribe medication, but they often work alongside medical providers to ensure a well-rounded integrated approach to care. Therapists work in a range of places, including schools, integrated clinics, counseling centers, and virtual care.
Similar to therapy, psychologists are experts in human behavior and mental processes. They help people understand their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through therapy and psychological assessments. The main difference is that psychologists have a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology, followed by extensive training in therapy techniques and psychological testing.
Key Differences in Each Role Type
| Role | Education & Training | Treatment Focus | Prescribes Medication | Work Settings |
| Psychiatrist | Medical degree and residency in psychiatry | Diagnosing & treating severe mental illnesses | Yes | Hospitals, private practice, mental health clinics |
| Psychiatric Prescriber | 2–4-year Masters or Doctorate level degree & certifications in some cases | Diagnosing & treating severe mental illnesses
|
Yes | Hospitals, private practice, mental health clinics
|
| Psychologist | Doctoral degree (Ph.D./Psy.D.) | Therapy, psychological assessments | No | Hospitals, private practice, research institutions, Schools, integrated clinics, counseling centers, virtual platforms
|
| Therapist | Master’s degree (LMSW, LCSW, LAMFT, LMFT, LAC, LPC) | Counseling for emotional and behavioral issues | No | Schools, integrated clinics, counseling centers, virtual platform |
How to Choose the Right Mental Health Professional for Your Needs
- See a psychiatrist or psychiatric prescriber if you need medication for a mental health disorder, have severe symptoms, or require a medical diagnosis.
- See a therapist if you need support for stress, relationships, or mild to moderate mental health concerns.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between therapists and psychiatric prescribers can help you make informed decisions about your mental health care. Each professional offers unique support, and choosing the right one depends on your specific needs. If you’re unsure where to start, Denova Collaborative Health can help you find the right provider. We offer Therapy, Psychiatry and Primary Care Services all in one place, in-person or online. Schedule an appointment today for same-day or next-day care!
