Often people are confused as to what is the difference between all these doctors, it is often a challenge to know who you can go to depending on your problem and who is more suitable to help you.

When should you go to a psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists are doctors who deal with mental illness. They not only offer talk therapy and psychological testing but can prescribe medication as well.

Psychiatrists are trained to differentiate between mental health issues and other underlying health issues that could come with psychiatric symptoms

They usually treat those who have attempted suicide, those who have suicidal thoughts and those with grave psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, Psychopathy and those who are experiencing psychotic symptoms such as hearing voices.

They can write prescriptions for medications that might be needed to help treat mental illness, such as antidepressants.

When should you consult a psychologist?

When mental health issues are less severe or you’re looking for more long-term support, a psychologist.

A psychologist is different from a psychiatrist even though they can both offer talk therapy. The former tends to focus more on psychotherapy, which focuses on a broad range of issues and can help with things like managing stress, understanding behavior patterns, navigating relationships and regulating emotions.

According to medical news today; psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat psychological problems and the behavioral dysfunctions resulting from, or related to physical and mental health.

Counselors

Mental health counselors are not licensed doctors. They offer advice and insights to those experiencing mental or emotional distress.

They may use a variety of therapeutic techniques to help a person manage anxiety, depression, and also help patients work through issues such as anger management, suicidal thoughts, parenting, aging, relationship problems, stress, addiction and self-image.

They can diagnose mental health conditions but they cannot prescribe medications in which case they can refer you to a licensed psychiatrist.