Know your mental health professionals: psychologist or psychiatrist?

Psychologist or psychiatrist? We’re taking away the confusion between the two so you know who to seek out for help that matches your needs.

When it comes to seeking help, it is important to tap the right person for the job. Because mental health is a vast and complex aspect of one’s life, there are a number of mental health professionals that are involved.

In the Philippines, a common question we tend to ask is this: who should I see for a consult, a psychologist or a psychiatrist? Let’s see the differences and where they can overlap.

Psychologist: When talk can mean a lot mentally

There is a certain picture that comes to some people’s minds when they envision a psychologist or psychotherapist. It is a picture of a homey office with a big couch where the patient can lie down, while the therapist is on a big chair nearby.

This stereotypical view of psychotherapy has changed a lot, especially with the advent of telehealth. However, the benefits and the approaches still possess their roots in certain traditions.

Psychologists hold the RPsy license, which means they are licensed to facilitate psychotherapy in the Philippines. They train in different types of therapy modalities, which include, but are not limited to, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoanalytic therapy, client-focused therapy, narrative therapy, and art therapy.

Because they do not have training in the medical field, psychologists cannot prescribe medications. However, their work is crucial in complementing medical needs related to mental health. Psychologists can conduct assessments and psychological evaluations for different concerns, such as those needed in academic placements, professional evaluations, and even for medical diagnoses.

Usually, psychologists are in clinics, health-related programs, or even in companies that have employee assistance programs for employee wellness. Psychologists also facilitate types of therapy, from individual therapy to group modalities like couple’s counseling, group therapy, and parent coaching—all depending on the needs of the client.

As far as their work is concerned, talk therapy is a powerful treatment that helps in unpacking and addressing internal issues that have to do with one’s feelings, thoughts, beliefs, and subsequent actions.

Psychiatrist: When symptoms need management

Psychiatrists are medically licensed, so they have the authority to conduct medical procedures. Their training involves medical school and residency in psychiatry, so they usually prescribe medication to patients.

“We can give therapies as well, but we shine more with medications,” says Dr. Tiffany dela Cruz, a psychiatrist at Soma Clinica.

Because of the complicated nature of mental health, there is typically no single medicine that fits all the symptoms or the conditions. In some cases, especially for conditions with comorbidities—that is, when a patient experiences two or more conditions simultaneously—there needs to be a balancing of medications. In other cases, some patients may not do well with the side effects of certain medications, so psychiatrists will have to recommend other treatments.

For the most part, psychiatrists view mental health concerns from the medical perspective, much like doctors. Psychiatrists typically work in hospitals, but there are also those who are partners in wellness centers and clinics, which can be more accessible to patients

Like psychologists, psychiatrists also now offer online and telehealth services, given the changing times.

Who do I go to? The good and better options

Ideally, it’s better and actually more efficient to go to both a psychologist and psychiatrist at the start. Even if it costs more, the condition is more likely to be treated effectively because it addresses both physical and psychological aspects.

However, starting with a psychiatrist is also a good option if the budget is truly limited, as it often is in this economy. Psychiatrists are often the go-to when symptoms can no longer be ignored.

This is why it’s important to consider, when possible, a preventive rather than reparative approach to mental health.

“It’s common to see patients who have waited for too long that the symptoms are worse. It’s an absolute scenario where they can no longer function well and would need a lot of assistance, physically and medically,” says Dr. dela Cruz. “But if you feel that something is wrong, and you have the means to have yourself checked, this is definitely a sign to do so.”

When symptoms are far more pronounced and require prescriptions for management, going to a psychiatrist is a beneficial first step. You may want to see a psychologist while the medication takes effect.

Once you manage your symptoms, a psychologist can serve as a valuable partner and co-facilitator in your psychological healing journey. In therapy sessions, a psychologist will use available and appropriate modalities to process experiences that contribute to one’s concerns and provide a space where you can untangle the internal conflicts and hardships experienced.

 

 

We can give therapies as well, but we shine more with medications.

Dr. TIffany dela Cruz

 

 

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