There comes a time when we need to see a mental health provider.
Depending on your circumstance you may be in need of a Psychiatrist or even a mental health counselor.
What’s the difference?
Well for one it depends on what kind of services you are looking for. Not only that but each profession requires different education requirements.
There are a variety of mental health care providers and finding one that fits your needs can be extremely challenging.
For example a mental health counselor is a holistic profession that focuses on improving personal well being.
Meaning that we see the human mind as a puzzle piece.
We believe a lot of behaviors are connected to the client’s past, present and future self.
We as mental health counselors do recognize that there are disorders that have a huge genetic component.
In our profession we tend to use psychotherapies to guide our clients to self realization.
Psychiatrists on the other hand are a more logical and clinical based profession. Meaning they prescribe medications to treat the symptoms of certain disorders.
They follow a different standard of care.
It is important to note that psychiatrists are medical doctors. They perform a series of examinations to provide the most accurate diagnostic reading.
Mental Health Counselors do not prescribe medication but they combine the use of therapeutic modalities to enhance the client’s health.
What does that mean?
Well for one, not everyone responds well to medications.
Some require a safe and unbiased environment in which they can disclose personal issues.
We as counselors see our clients in a more broader perspective.
We typically believe that clients can struggle with multiple developmental factors that affect their cognitive functions.
I know it can be confusing but listed below is a chart that differentiates Psychiatry between Clinical mental health counseling.
| Psychiatry | Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Uses a variety of techniques to determine whether a person’s symptoms are psychiatric, the result of a physical illness, or a combination of both.
Requires the psychiatrist to have a strong knowledge of general medicine, psychology, neurology, biology, biochemistry, and pharmacology. |
Assesses and diagnoses clients experiencing symptoms of psychological distress |
| Performs a Mental Status Examination
|
Provides psychotherapy to clients. |
| Biomedical Diagnosis | Talks to clients about their experiences, emotions, and thoughts. |
| Psychotherapy | Examines social issues that may influence a client’s mental well-being, including peer pressure, bullying, substance use, prejudice, work stress, financial challenges, and health issues. |
| Psychiatric medications | Refers clients to other health professionals as well as to other resources in the community, such as other social services, job services, and support groups |
| Other treatments- Psychosurgery | Works with clients to identify situations, behaviors, and thoughts that interfere with their wellness and recovery. |
| Source:
Cherry, K. (2022a, August 1). What Is a Psychiatrist? Medical Specialty Straddling Psychology and Neurology. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/psychiatrist-a-career-overview-2795641#:~:text=Psychiatrists%20will%20use%20a%20variety,biology%2C%20biochemistry%2C%20and%20pharmacology. |
Cherry, K. (2022b, December 17). Why would you see a mental health counselor?. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-mental-health-counselor-4157925#toc-what-do-mental-health-counselors-do
|
We all follow the The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders for guidance.
Most of our differences are based on our level of education and how we approach a client.
Some clients prefer a 1:1 a more humanistic approach while others prefer a clinical science approach.
Psychiatrists and Clinical Mental Health Counselors are not the only professions that can provide you with mental health care.
It all depends on what exactly you are in need for.
For more information talk to your healthcare provider or even your case manager.
On the back of most insurance cards you will find a number that can connect mental health care services.
This post was written by Jasmine P., and published by Convenient Counseling Services.
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References
Cherry, K. (2022a, August 1). What Is a Psychiatrist? Medical Specialty Straddling Psychology and Neurology. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/psychiatrist-a-career-overview-2795641#:~:text=Psychiatrists%20will%20use%20a%20variety,biology%2C%20biochemistry%2C%20and%20pharmacology.
Cherry, K. (2022b, December 17). Why would you see a mental health counselor?. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-mental-health-counselor-4157925#toc-what-do-mental-health-counselors-do
