How can you tell when someone needs a psychologist and when he needs a psychiatrist?
154169
A psychologist can diagnose some disorders, but the main difference is whether medication is needed or not.  A psychiatrist is a medical doctor.  They go to med school, and then on to specialty courses and training in mental health. A psychologist cannot prescribe meds, but a psychiatrist can.  A psychologist however, does have knowledge of meds, and can suggest that certain ones be prescribed to your doctor, who can then prescribe them.  Hope this helps.
495004
If you do go to see a doctor watch out they like to prescribe antidepressants for everything now. You go to see a medical doctor and windup seeing a psychologist.
1171156
If you have concerns regarding your meds ask your dr. or pharmacist because people here do not know your medical history. They should be able to tell you if there is a drug interaction problem or not. A Psychiatrist would probably be best at knowing what you need.
1156019
They both diagnose an illness.  You should always see both though for effective treatment.  A psychiatrist will more apt to run tests--physical and mental ones.  They go by what you tell them is going on in your life and how you are feeling.  They will both probably encourage you to get some blood work done to check your thyroid and sugar levels, to see if that is possibly a problem. Those cause you to be imbalanced majorly, so they will want to rule that out before going for the medicine.  And yes, only a doctor/psychiatrist can order those tests.
300947
yes, see a psychologist
830834
I don't know of any way to guarantee that anyone you contact online who claims to be a psychiatrist really has the credentials--but for that matter, if you're really needing to talk to somebody, you need to at least be able to reach someone by phone, and if at all possible meet in person. I'd like to suggest the link below from my website that lists toll-free crisis-hotline numbers. And if I can help in any way, I'm not a licensed counselor but I'm willing to listen. Drop me a line at chad@jesusfreak.com if you'd like. Take care.
749612
Don't deal with your disorder alone.  If you are under the care of a psychologist who works with a psychiatrist, you can get therapy and anxiolytics (meds).  Don't self-medicate with alcohol.  You run the risk of creating a whole new problem for yourself.
680811
Only a doctor (an MD) can prescribe antidepressants and antianxiety drugs. And psychiatrists are MDs. Psychologists and other mental health professionals can't prescribe drugs, but a medical doctor who is not a psychiatrist can.
310662
I'm not one, but know a couple.  I'm not understanding whether or not you are already in medical school, or if you're younger, and have little knowledge of the field.\n\nA psychiatrist must be an MD first.  That means medical school, internship, the whole works.  It takes a very long time to get your credentials.  A psychiatrist can perform operations on patients, as well as counsel and prescribe.\n\nIf you are not about to become an MD, but want to help people with problems, you might consider looking into psychology.  As a psychologist, you would not be an MD, and not allowed to prescribe medication.  You would major in psychology in college, and need to get a masters degree, and possibly more.  A lot of work, but rewarding.\n\nI would not have answered this question if I thought any psychiatrists were actually on this site.  Although, you never know...  Good luck.
831332
Most mental health professionals see other professionals on a regular basis.  It helps keep them sane and they can talk about work things that bother them with someone who really understands.\n\nIn most places in the U.S., for the first five years of their practice, a psychologist has to see a supervising psychologist one hour for every forty hours spent with patients.  They make sure the supervisee is not in over his head with patients' care and they touch base on how the supervisee is doing himself.\n\nA mental health clinic I am aware of has group sessions on the clock in addition to the supervision above.  They get together and work on their problems just like you would if you were in group therapy.
262652
Here's a screening quiz I found that can help give you an idea:\nhttp://psychcentral.com/depquiz.htm\nIf you think you need help, by all means get it.  I'm not sure of your situation, but talk to a psychiatrist, a counselor, a school official, a social worker...even if you don't have money to pay for a psychiatrist visit there are ways to get help - talk to a counselor at school or at work to see how.  If you are depressed, there's a good chance that medicine and/or talk therapy can get you back to your old self.
962204
It depends on the doctor and her or his training, as well as the sort of problem the patient presents with. Some doctors have more training in counseling than others, and may have enough experience to use (for example) some DBT techniques with a Borderline patient.\n\nPsychodynamic, CBT, whatever they are experienced with and feel will be effective with their patient; it all depends on their training and relationship with the patient.\n\nEven psychiatrists will choose different techniques depending on what works with them and their patient.\n\nOn the other side, there are doctors who will not engage in counseling at all, feeling themeslves to be unqualified to do so, referring patients instead to counselors or psychiatrists.
146592
I would search for a psychiatric nurse practitioner; they can prescribe medication and are frequently as good as seeing a normal therapist, in addition to being much cheaper.
957645
Might I recommend a good psychiatrist for you!
933354
A Psychiatrist or Psychologist, Doctors themselves, would ask Why are YOU getting so mad at Doctors?\n\nPeace.
53662
When it comes to going to a psychologist it is you that solves your problem, not them.  The just help, you do all the hard work.  But sometimes talking things out is the best help of all.  There are real problems out that that can be helped but only if someone is willing to put in the time and work it takes.
343741
Severe depression will usually require the help of a medical professional.  Please seek one, and you'll be much better for it.