“Should I see a therapist or a psychiatrist?” is one of the most common questions people have when they're ready to get help. The short answer: they do different things, and many people benefit from both.
What a psychiatric provider does
Psychiatric providers, such as psychiatrists (physicians) and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), evaluate and diagnose mental health conditions, consider medical contributors, and prescribe and manage medication when appropriate. Visits after the first evaluation are usually shorter and focus on symptoms, progress and side effects.
What a therapist does
Therapists, such as psychologists, licensed professional counselors, clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists, provide psychotherapy: structured, regular sessions to build skills, process experiences and change patterns. Therapists generally don't prescribe medication.
| Psychiatric provider | Therapist | |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnosis | Yes | Often |
| Prescribes medication | Yes | No |
| Talk therapy | Usually brief, supportive | Yes, the main focus |
| Typical visit | 60-minute evaluation, then 20–30 minute follow-ups | 45–60 minutes, often weekly |
When a psychiatric evaluation makes sense
- Symptoms are moderate to severe or getting in the way of work, school or relationships
- You've been in therapy a while and progress has stalled
- You're wondering about ADHD, bipolar disorder or another condition that often needs medication
- You're already on medication and it isn't working well
- Your therapist, pediatrician or primary care provider suggested it
Why both often work best
For conditions like depression, anxiety, OCD and PTSD, research often shows the best results when medication and therapy are combined. At Joy Integrative Psychiatry we focus on psychiatric evaluation and medication management and work alongside your therapist, or help you find one.
Ready when you are
Joy Integrative Psychiatry offers medication management by telehealth for children 6+, teens and adults throughout Arizona. Request an appointment when you're ready.
This article is for general education and isn't a substitute for individual medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988 or call 911.