The Difference Between a Psychiatrist, Psychologist, and Therapist

Psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists: Understanding the difference

If a mental health issue is having a negative impact on your day-to-day life, or you’ve tried lifestyle changes and other self-help measures but don’t feel any better, it may be time to seek professional help. But with many different types of mental health practitioners out there, knowing who you should turn to isn’t always clear.

Psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists can all provide professional mental health care, and there can be both similarities and notable differences in the types of treatment they offer. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists may all offer talk therapy, for example, but generally only psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication. Different mental health professionals may also undergo distinct training, have varied licensing requirements, and focus on different areas of expertise.

By understanding how these mental health care titles differ, you can better decide which type of provider is right for you.

What is a therapist?

A therapist is essentially an umbrella term for a mental health professional who uses psychotherapy (talk therapy) to treat mental and emotional health issues. While many different types of provider may refer to themselves as a “therapist,” it isn’t a distinct professional designation. A psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor, or social worker may all be licensed to practice therapy.

Unless they are also licensed as a medical doctor, though, a therapist cannot prescribe or manage medication.

A therapist’s training can vary according to their specific license and certification, and the laws in the state where they practice. Generally, a therapist’s training requires at least a master’s degree in a field such as counseling, psychology, or social work, followed by one to two years of clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed provider. Finally, they are required to pass the applicable state licensing exams.

What is a psychologist?

A clinical psychologist provides therapy for mental and emotional health issues and may often refer to themselves as a “therapist.” A psychologist holds a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology and can diagnose mental health conditions. There are “prescribing psychologists” in some states, but in most cases psychologists cannot prescribe or manage medication.

A psychologist’s training involves four to seven years for a doctoral degree in psychology, plus one to two years of supervised clinical experience, then passing a state licensing exam.

With a higher level of education than some other types of therapists, a psychologist’s training in the scientific study of the mind and behavior may be more in-depth. This may make a psychologist better equipped to treat more severe mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or personality disorders.

What is a psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who has completed medical school and a clinical psychiatric residency to specialize in the field of mental health.

While some psychiatrists may still offer therapy, the majority are focused on prescribing medication and medication management. If a psychiatrist feels you could benefit from therapy, they may encourage you to also see a therapist as part of an overall treatment plan.

Since a psychiatrist is a medical doctor, they are qualified to assess the physical as well as mental aspects of psychological problems. They can diagnose any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to your psychiatric symptoms, such as a thyroid problem that may be causing anxiety symptoms, for example, or chronic pain that’s triggering depression. A psychiatrist can also monitor the effects of psychiatric medications on your physical health, such as blood pressure, heart health, or liver and kidney function.

A psychiatrist’s training typically includes eight to 10 years of postgraduate study—four years of medical school followed by a four year residency specializing in mental health and associated medications. If they decide to specialize in a field such as child and adolescent psychiatry, that can require a further two years of study. As with any type of doctor, a psychiatrist then requires a medical license to practice.

Other types of mental health professionals who provide therapy

Exact job titles for mental health care professionals who offer therapy can vary by state, as can training and licensing requirements.

It’s easy for someone to refer to themselves as a “therapist” or “counselor” and offer informal support or guidance, but to provide mental health care, they must hold a recognizable license. A career counselor, for example, may offer advice on coping with job interview anxiety, but that’s very different from being equipped to provide mental health care.

Some of the common titles for providers who offer therapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups:

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). As the name suggests, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializes in providing therapy for relationship difficulties. However, since relationships and families can also impact an individual, they usually offer one-on-one therapy as well. LMFT training includes a master’s or doctorate degree, a specific amount of supervised clinical experience and practice hours depending on the state, followed by completion of a licensing exam.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). While social workers often work as advocates for families, individuals, and communities, those in private practice may also offer therapy services. A licensed clinical social worker has a master’s degree in social work, followed by about two years of supervised experience, including in clinical settings. They also require a state social work license to practice.

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). Like marriage and family therapists and clinical social workers, an LPC or LPCC requires a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, two years of supervised clinical experience, and successful completion of state and national exams.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) or Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). These licenses also require a master’s degree in counseling or related field, a specific number of hours of experience under clinical supervision depending on the state, and passing required licensing examinations.

Other mental health professionals who can prescribe medication

If you’re looking for medication management, you may also come across:

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). This is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who holds a master’s degree in nursing and specializes in mental health care. Like a psychiatrist, a PMHNP can diagnose mental health issues and prescribe and manage medications (although some states only allow this if they work under the supervision of a psychiatrist or other medical doctor).

A PMHNP can also provide therapy services, although like psychiatrists, their main focus tends to be on medication.

How to check the license of a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist

In the United States, a psychiatrist or any type of therapist should be licensed in the state where you’re receiving treatment.

• You can check if a psychiatrist is board certified by using the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) search tool.
• To verify the license of a psychologist, find your state’s licensing board at the the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB)
• To verify the license of other types of therapists, search on Google for “your state/therapist type/license verification” (“Texas LMFT license verification,” or “California LCSW license verification” for example).Open Counseling also offers a State-by-State Guide to license directories.
• To check the license of a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), search the NCSBN Nursys database.

When you research a provider’s license, you can often also see if they have any record of disciplinary or ethical violations or license suspensions.

Key differences at a glance

Role	Minimum Degree	Prescribes medication?	Offers therapy?	Specialties
Psychiatrist	MD or DO	✅ Yes	❌ Rarely	Severe mental health issues, medication prescription and management
Psychologist	Ph.D. or Psy.D.	❌ Rarely	✅ Yes	Testing, diagnosis, talk therapy
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist	Masters	❌ No	✅ Yes	Talk therapy, teen, relationship, or family counseling, group therapy
Licensed Clinical Social Worker	MSW	❌ No	✅ Yes	Talk therapy, teen, relationship, or family
LPC, LPCC,  LMHC, or LCMHC	Masters	❌ No	✅ Yes	Talk therapy, teen, relationship, or family counseling, group therapy
PMHNP	MSN	✅ Yes	❌ Only sometimes	Medication prescription and management

When to seek professional help for a mental health issue

Mental health problems affect millions of us each year, from all over the world and from all walks of life. In fact, research suggests that nearly half of all adults in the United States will experience a mental health issue during the course of their lifetime, although most will never receive treatment.

Since the symptoms of different mental health issues can vary greatly—and look very different from one person to the next—it isn’t always easy to know when you should seek help. Sometimes, lifestyle changes and other self-help strategies are enough to manage symptoms and improve how you feel; other times, you may need professional help from a psychiatrist or therapist.

If mental or emotional health issues have been adversely impacting your daily life for two weeks or more, or making it difficult to meet your responsibilities at work, home, or school, it may be time to reach out. While there aren’t always specific symptoms or levels of severity that indicate it’s time to seek professional help, there are some warning signs to watch for:

You’re experiencing a crisis

If have thoughts of self-harming or suicide, you need immediate help. Please don’t delay. You can:

• Call a crisis helpline: 9-8-8 in the U.S. or one of these numbers in other countries.
• Visit urgent care or the emergency room.
• Read: Are You Feeling Suicidal?

Changes in your mood

It’s normal to feel down or sad from time to time, especially when dealing with life’s challenges, such as losing a loved one or struggling financially. But if you’re persistently feeling helpless or hopeless for long periods, it may be a sign that you need help.

Mood changes can also include:

• Sustained bouts of crying or sadness for no obvious reason.
• Regularly feeling agitated, worried, or on edge.
• Experiencing rapid mood changes, from euphoric highs to despairing lows.
• Being short-tempered, angry, or aggressive.
• Feeling empty or numb.
• Feeling overwhelmed.

Changes in your behavior

Behavioral changes can range from experiencing severe delusions or hallucinations, such as seeing or hearing things that aren’t there, to more subtle changes such as:

• Difficulty functioning in day-to-day tasks.
• Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy.
• Withdrawing from people and social events; leaving clubs or teams, even dropping out of school or quitting work.
• Eating noticeably more or less than usual.
• Sleeping much more or less than you used to.
• Engaging in reckless behaviors, such as speeding, fighting, or risky sexual activity.
• Drinking much more alcohol than usual, or abusing substances.
• A close friend or loved one expresses concerns about changes in your behavior.

Changes in your thinking

Changes to the way you think can include:

• Being plagued by negative thoughts, focusing on the worst case scenarios, expecting the worst in every situation.
• Problems concentrating at school or work.
• Difficulty following conversations.
• Trouble staying organized or managing your time.
• Increased forgetfulness or absent-mindedness.
• Loss of motivation.
• Changes in how you perceive your body or appearance.
• Feeling disconnected from others or your surroundings.
• Changes in self-esteem or self-confidence.

Physical health changes

The mind and the body are intrinsically linked. Having a physical health problem can trigger or exacerbate a mental health issue, and vice versa. If you’re experiencing chronic pain, for example, you are much more likely to develop a mood or anxiety disorder.

Other physical changes that could indicate a mental health issue include:

• Constantly feeling fatigued even after a good night’s sleep.
• Feelings of fear or panic accompanied by a pounding heart, sweating, trouble breathing, or dizziness.
• Frequent gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, upset stomach, or heartburn.
• Changes in your sex drive.
• Marked changes to your eating or sleeping patterns.

Do I need to see a psychiatrist, psychologist, or a therapist?

When you’re struggling with a mental health issue, and self-help strategies aren’t enough, reaching out for professional help can be important to gain relief from your symptoms and improve how you feel. But should you seek help from a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist?

Since most psychologists are unable to prescribe medication, this essentially comes down to a choice between seeing a psychiatrist or a therapist (or both). While there are no hard and fast rules, the decision often depends on the type and severity of the symptoms you’re experiencing.

1. You’re dealing with a major life challenge. If you’re struggling to cope following a bereavement, the loss of your job, a breakup or divorce, or other stressful life circumstances, you may want to start by consulting a therapist. Talking to a skilled therapist can help you work through the challenges you’re facing, develop coping skills, and eventually move on with your life. In these instances, medication is less likely to be helpful.
2. Your symptoms are mild or moderate. If you’re dealing with a condition such as depression, anxiety, or a related disorder, and your symptoms come and go rather than feeling persistent and overwhelming, you may also want to start with a therapist. A therapist can help you develop healthier coping strategies, reframe negative ways of thinking, and improve your overall social and emotional health. If your therapist feels you could also benefit from medication or other treatments, they may suggest you see a psychiatrist as well.
3. Your symptoms are more severe. If your anxiety or depression symptoms are severe, or you’re experiencing symptoms such as extreme mood swings, hearing voices, seeing things that aren’t there, or feeling disconnected or a sense of unreality, a psychiatrist may be the best option to start. A good psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner will explain your medication options, the type and severity of any side effects, and monitor how well the medication is working. They may also suggest therapy as an important part of the overall treatment program.
4. You need help for a more serious mental health issue, such as alcohol abuse, drug addiction, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. These conditions often require medication or other treatments in addition to therapy offered by a psychologist or therapist. Therefore, consulting a psychiatrist may be a better place to start. Again, a psychiatrist will likely also suggest therapy as part of your treatment. In some situations, medication can help make therapy more effective, reducing symptoms that can make it harder to fully engage with a therapist, or increasing the neuroplasticity of the brain to reap the long-term benefits of therapy.
   

If you’re still not sure if a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist should be your first call, remember that the most important thing is to reach out. Once a skilled mental health professional has assessed your symptoms and circumstances, they can better direct you to an appropriate provider.

How to talk to a professional about your mental health

Despite how many people are affected by mental health issues each year, it’s still something that many of us find very difficult to talk about. For some people, there’s a stigma attached to mental health problems, for others it’s seen as a sign of weakness or a personal failing. You may feel too vulnerable talking to a stranger about your intimate thoughts and feelings, worried that you’ll be judged or made to feel inadequate. In some cultures, talking about mental health is actively discouraged.

Whether you’re seeking treatment in-person or online, opening up to a psychiatrist or therapist can feel intimidating, even scary at first. But don’t let that prevent you from getting the help you need. With some simple preparation and an open outlook, your appointment with a mental health professional won’t seem nearly as daunting.

Before the appointment

Gather important information. Your mental health provider may ask about any medications and over-the-counter supplements you’re taking, your mental and physical health history, any trauma in your past, recent stressful events, and the pharmacy you use. Try to have all this information on hand for your appointment.

Make a note of what you want to talk about. When you’re feeling overwhelmed by a mental health issue, it can sometimes be difficult to think straight or put your feelings into words. Take some time before your appointment to jot down the symptoms you’ve been experiencing and for how long.

List any questions you want to ask. These could be questions about medications, how long treatment will last, when you can expect to feel better, or what experience the provider has in treating conditions like yours. The more questions you ask, the clearer you’ll be about your diagnosis and treatment. and the more you engage with your provider, the better you’ll be able to judge if they’re the right fit for you.

During the appointment

Clearly explain why you’re seeking help. Describe the challenges you’re facing or the symptoms you’re experiencing, including changes to your mood, thoughts, behavior, and physical health. For example, you might tell your provider “I’ve been feeling depressed and constantly on edge for the last three weeks. I’ve lost my appetite and I can’t get to sleep at night, which is making me fall behind at work.” Don’t be afraid to refer to the notes you made before the appointment.

Be open and honest. Try to share what you are thinking and feeling and express any doubts or reservations you have. It may leave you feeling vulnerable, but the more open and honest you are about what you’re experiencing, the better your provider will be able to help you. If there’s something that is too difficult or too painful to talk about, let them know. Over time, it may be something you can work on together.

Don’t expect your provider to do all the work for you. Think of you and your care team as partners in your recovery process. Your therapist and/or psychiatrist can guide you through treatment, but it’s up to you to adopt their advice and make the changes necessary to start feeling better.

After the appointment

Follow through on your treatment. Take any medication as directed and if a therapist gives you “homework” to complete before the next session or asks you to update them on your progress, devote the time to do it. Try to practice any coping strategies they offer in real-world situations. If you’re reluctant to follow through on treatment for any reason, let your psychiatrist or therapist know.

Make healthy lifestyle changes that can support your treatment. In addition to therapy and medication, there are plenty of self-care strategies to support your mental health and improve how you think and feel. Try to make time for physical activity, reach out to loved ones for support, eat a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep, and practice relaxation techniques.

If you have a negative experience . . .

It’s true that finding the right therapist or psychiatrist can sometimes take some trial and error. The first person you reach out to may not be the right fit for you. But that doesn’t mean that treatment has failed or you’re never going to feel better.

For mental health treatment to be effective, you should feel comfortable talking to a practitioner and sharing your sensitive information. If you feel judged or not listened to, don’t hesitate to switch to another provider. You can always use any earlier negative experiences to help guide you to a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist who’s a much better fit.

Last updated or reviewed on September 2, 2025