So, you’ve become interested in seeking mental health support – and good for you! These services should be available to everyone. After all, for some people, they are essential to their overall well-being. The difference between psychotherapy and psychiatry is significant, but it’s not too complicated. In this blog post, we will discuss the goals, differences, and methods of both psychotherapy and psychiatry. Read on!
What Is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or counseling, is a collaborative treatment approach. It involves a psychologist, social worker, or another trained mental health professional partnering with an individual, couple, family, or group to address emotional, psychological, or behavioral issues.
Psychotherapy aims to help people better understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while developing coping strategies to improve overall well-being.
What Is Psychiatry?
Psychiatry is a type of medicine that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental illnesses and emotional disorders. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has the training and expertise needed to assess both the physical and psychological aspects of mental health challenges.
Primary Differences
The main difference between psychotherapy and psychiatry concerns professionals’ scope of practice.
Therapists, counselors, and other psychotherapy professionals focus on talking to clients to help them work through and develop coping skills for their mental health challenges. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, can prescribe medications to offer additional support.
Diagnoses Treated by Psychotherapy and Psychiatry
It’s important to note that both psychotherapy and psychiatry can be used to treat a wide range of mental health diagnoses, including the following:
- Attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD)
- Depression
- Substance abuse
- Drug abuse
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
Keep in mind, too, that many of these conditions are best treated with a combination of psychiatry and psychotherapy. A multi-pronged approach typically yields the most significant results.
Psychotherapy and Psychiatry Methods
Psychotherapy and psychiatry can both be administered through a variety of methods. The following are some of the most common options:
- In-person treatment: In-person treatment involves working with a therapist or psychiatrist face-to-face and meeting with them in an office. If you have the time and ability to travel to and from an office and prefer in-person communication, this method may work best for you.
- Virtual treatment: Virtual treatment involves meeting with a therapist or psychiatrist remotely, typically via video chat. If you don’t have access to a vehicle or don’t have time to visit a professional face-to-face, virtual treatment could be a good alternative.
- Residential treatment: In a crisis situation or for those who need long-term rehabilitation, residential treatment — which involves staying full-time in a mental health facility for an extended period — is likely more suitable.
How to Get Started with Professional Mental Health Services
Maybe you think you need mental health support, either psychotherapy or psychiatry, but you feel intimidated and unsure of where to begin. In that case, here are some steps you can take to get started:
- Assess your needs: Consider whether you want to take medication or just want to begin by talking to a professional.
- Ask for a referral: Your primary care provider can likely refer you to a therapist or psychiatrist and help you begin the process of getting mental health help.
- Check your insurance coverage: Make sure your insurance covers a particular provider to minimize the amount you have to pay out of pocket. At New Horizons Medical, we work with most Massachusetts health plans to provide mental health treatment.
From here, you can book your first appointment. Do your best to keep an open mind during this initial appointment, and remember that it can take some time to find a mental health professional who is the right fit for you and your needs. See more on how to get started at New Horizons Medical.
Caring for Your Mental Health Is Critical
Initially, it can be challenging to acknowledge that you need help and want to work with a mental health professional. Remember, though, that it’s often helpful to speak to a trained and experienced third party about your mental health needs. They can help you understand and become a better version of yourself.
Keep in mind, too, that most people – including mental health professionals – are trying to do their best every day and genuinely are well-intentioned. They want to do their job well, provide the best service, and help you achieve your goals.
Mass. Behavioral Health Help Line – Available 24/7 (833) 773-2445 – Call or Text 24/7. Main (617) 626-8000 – Available Monday through Friday 9am-5pm. See more on Mass.gov.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the key differences between psychotherapy and psychiatry, are you ready to move forward on your mental health journey?
If you’re not sure where to begin, start with the less intrusive service and progress as needed based on specialist recommendations. Give us a call at 888-999-2041 and we can help you get started!
Don’t forget that mental health services are beneficial for most people — you deserve to take care of yourself!
