Therapist Or Psychiatrist: Which One Is Right For You?

Published on: 14 February 2024 Last Updated on: 05 September 2024

Therapy may be of interest to you if you’re one of the nearly 58 million Americans who suffer from a mental illness on a yearly basis. Or if you simply want to improve your mental health.

But you might be wondering if you would benefit more from therapy with a therapist or a psychiatrist. Finding out how psychiatrists differ from other therapists in terms of their training and education, the therapies they offer, and their fees can be useful when making that decision. To help you select the best type between therapist vs psychiatrist, here is what you should know about them.

Therapist vs. Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists often provide mental, emotional, and behavioral disorder diagnosis, treatment, and prevention services. In order to treat mental health issues, they can also prescribe medication.

While most psychiatrists concentrate on writing prescriptions and tracking patients’ progress, many also offer brief psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, to assist people in addressing mental health issues. Still, others offer more extensive psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can be shorter in duration and concentrate on problem-solving, or it can be longer and more intensive, with the goal of the individual and the psychiatrist working together to alter thought patterns or behaviors that may be negatively impacting the person’s mental health.

A wide range of other mental health professionals, such as social workers, licensed professional clinical counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, pastoral counselors, and psychiatric nurse practitioners, are also qualified to offer psychotherapy.

These professionals are certified to provide a wide range of psychotherapy services, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), meditation and relaxation methods, and ongoing emotional support. Therapists cannot prescribe medication, unlike psychiatrists.

Gayane Aramyan is a Sherman Oaks, California-based licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in postpartum and couples therapy. To customize treatment plans to each client’s unique needs, therapists frequently integrate various psychotherapy modalities. If a patient’s therapist wants to discuss medication options, they may recommend that the patient see a psychiatrist.

Therapist vs Psychiatrist: The Differences

Therapists vs Psychiatrists: The Differences

Psychiatrists are different from other types of therapists primarily because they can prescribe medicine and hold a medical degree, such as an M.D. (doctor of medicine) or a D.O. (doctor of osteopathic medicine).

A psychiatrist’s sessions may be shorter than those of a different kind of therapist, and they may only provide medication management rather than talk therapy.

Since they are not medical professionals, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors with licenses are not allowed to give prescription drugs to their patients. They typically concentrate mostly on talk therapy.

Anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression are among the mental health issues that therapists and psychiatrists can diagnose.

Education Required For Psychiatrists

Like a surgeon, pediatrician, or other physician, a person must first complete four years of a bachelor’s degree. This is before beginning medical school to become a psychiatrist, according to Lisa Durette, M.D. She is the chair of psychiatry at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).

Following medical school, candidates must complete a four-year residency program where they learn how to write prescriptions and about the practice of psychiatry. “There are additional subspecialties within psychiatry; for instance, I oversee the training of a two-year fellowship program in child and adolescent psychiatry at UNLV,” adds Dr. Durette.

Psychiatrists may also choose to specialize in pain management, geriatric psychiatry, substance abuse treatment, or forensic psychiatry.

In addition to learning about psychotherapy, trainees in psychiatry may also learn methods like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). It is a less invasive treatment for major depressive disorder in which magnets transmit waves to the brain that help create new neural pathways to regulate mood.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which is electrical brain stimulation, sometimes helps treat treatment-resistant severe depression or bipolar disorder. Dr. Durette continues, “Psychiatrists are qualified to provide these medical treatments due to their specific training, but other therapists are not.”

Psychiatrists are employed in diverse environments. According to Dr. Durette, they might work in private practices or in clinics with primary care physicians who specialize in internal medicine, family medicine, or pediatrics. In addition, they provide care through outpatient psychiatric treatment programs and work in hospitals.

It includes psychiatric facilities, emergency rooms, surgical centers, and cancer treatment centers. They may work in a residential (live-in) alcohol and drug rehabilitation program if they specialize in treating addiction.

Education Required For Therapists

Graduate degrees are necessary for licensure as licensed professional counselors (LPCs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), and licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs). Counselors must complete a certain number of hours of supervised counseling after earning a master’s degree in their chosen field of counseling. It usually takes two or two and a half years.

Here is more information about the particular master’s degree that some counselors can obtain and the types of therapy that they provide:

In addition to having graduate degrees in marriage and family therapy, they will need at least two years of clinical experience. They also need training in family systems and psychotherapy, licensed marriage and family therapists, or LMFTs, are required to practice. Even in sessions with just one client, these therapists treat individuals, couples, or families. They use an approach that takes the family system or the relationships clients are in into account. They are skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of mental health issues. These individuals treat anxiety, depression, and marital and relationship issues.

Licensed clinical social workers, or LCSWs, must finish a comparable amount of supervised training hours in addition to holding a master’s degree in social work. Individuals, families, and groups suffering from mental illness can be diagnosed and treated by clinical social workers. Social workers, who place a strong focus on reintegrating clients into their communities, can be found working in government organizations as well as in private practices, hospitals, community mental health facilities, and primary care settings.

Individuals, families, and groups can receive mental health and substance abuse treatment from licensed professional counselors (LPCs). Licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) hold master’s degrees in counseling. LPCs use therapy utilizing methods that have evidence. Their skills include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and they work in private practices and mental health counseling centers. They are also capable of diagnosing mental health issues.

Expert Opinion

According to Dr. Durette, the number of hours needed for clinical requirements—basically, supervised, on-the-job training—varies. It is based on the kind of therapist and the state licensing authority. For instance, in Georgia, a license to practice marriage and family therapy requires 2,000 hours of direct clinical experience. Meanwhile, in California, a license to practice requires at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience.

The American Counseling Association says licensed professional counselors need to complete 3,000 hours of supervised counseling experience before obtaining their license. However, the requirements may vary slightly based on the state licensing board.

How To Know Which One Is Correct For You?

Psychiatrists are qualified to diagnose psychological disorders like depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and attention-deficit disorder (ADHD), for which drugs may work.

Psychiatrists frequently have to order tests in addition to speaking with patients if they require medication. This helps them

assess whether the medication is helping. In-depth assessments and occasionally blood tests assist psychiatrists in ensuring that drugs are working and not creating side effects.

According to Dr. Durette, many people can gain from seeing both a psychiatrist and a therapist. Especially if they collaborate to make sure they’re in agreement regarding the patient’s course of treatment. The American Psychological Association reports that there is evidence that medication plus talk therapy may be a more effective treatment. It can be used for eating disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, and substance abuse disorders than either treatment alone.

Who Is Qualified Enough?

To identify a possible therapist vs psychiatrist, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests looking through:

The credentials, license, and experience of the mental health professional
The area of expertise or concentration of a mental health practitioner’s work
The general therapy approach or philosophy of the mental health professional
Whether the mental health specialist can write a prescription for medicine if you believe you might need it
The mental health specialist’s recommendations for your personalized treatment regimen.
You can look for a therapist in your area or one who is authorized to provide teletherapy in your state. You can use the online directories provided by many organizations that represent licensed therapists. Among these organizations are a few of them:

Wrapping Up

It can be difficult to choose the best course of treatment for you, but it’s crucial to go with the one that will help you the most. A consultation with a therapist can point you in the right direction if you’re not sure where to begin. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about therapist vs psychiatrist, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!

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6 High-Paying Career Paths for Creative People

Sometimes, it may not be easy to choose a suitable job path after graduation. This is particularly true for creative types, who are more likely to pursue a career that they are enthusiastic about rather than one that pays well and has many employment possibilities. Check out these 6 unique careers, organized by talent and passion: 1. Web Design By popularity, web design comes first. According to Glassdoor, web designers earn an average of $53,000 a year (ranging from $38k - $74k) and are often referred to as the digital world's graphic designers. They are in charge of planning, creating, and developing websites, which requires a combination of technical and artistic abilities. What is Web Design? Web design is the visual appearance of websites on the internet. It generally relates to web development rather than software progress. Since 2010, web design has become more essential for mobile and tablet browsers. This includes the appearance, layout, and occasionally the content. It is a matter of looks. A structure defines how data is categorized. A good site design is easy to use, attractive to the eye and targeted. To avoid confusing or distracting visitors, many websites aim to be essential. A web designer's primary aim is to gain and maintain the target audience's trust; thus, removing user annoyance is critical. 2. Soc-Med Specialist Some believe that social media specialists upload pictures and react to private conversations. In reality, the work needs more creativity than practical abilities. It's annual Your job as a social media expert is to develop ideas for material that will boost interaction, reach, shares, likes, etc. This role aims to utilize channels to grow sales or market share. Thus strategy and innovation are key. To understand how to monitor leads/conversions and traction, you may complete a short certificate course. 3. Business Development Manager Business development managers assist companies in discovering new income sources. New markets to sell into, strategic partnerships with other companies, and new markets to sell into may help their organization accomplish its financial goals. To attract new customers, cooperate with other businesses, and finish big projects, expect to spend much time interacting with existing and potential clients and partners. According to Jacoby, a company development manager will require imagination to debate deals outside and propose new methods within. This job requires strong social and public speaking skills and research, analytical, organizing, and writing capabilities. To earn a manager's salary and title, you must first work as a business development associate or representative. 4. Copywriters One of the most superficial creative professions is copywriting. It's ideal for anybody who enjoys writing and creating catchphrases or slogans. You may work for a marketing firm with many clients or a single business as an in-house copywriter. Expect to write anything from website copy to Instagram captions to text for posters and brochures, all to inform consumers about the company you're working for or advertise the goods or services they offer. Copywriters often collaborate with designers, social media managers, product teams, and even CEOs, making this a fantastic job for individuals who like working as part of a creative team. Senior copywriters usually work on more significant projects or supervise teams of less experienced copywriters. If you want to start as a junior copywriter and work your way up to higher-level (and better-paying) positions, a degree in English or creative writing can assist. 5. Soc-Med Specialist Compared to other decades-old marketing tactics, social media is still a newbie. Marketers and communicators are just now recognizing the potential of social media. Around 3.6 billion people worldwide use social media, many to research products. As more businesses use social media for promotion, the need for social media specialists grows. Before, social media managers were uncommon. Indeed, it now lists thousands of jobs in the US with "social media" in the title. This is a challenging and rewarding profession. Social media listening tools track user engagement and brand mentions. To increase brand awareness and loyalty. 6. Game Designers Video game creation is one of the highest-paid professions in the business, which is excellent news for gamers with a creative streak. The average annual income for video game designers is around $90k, with a very diverse and fascinating job to go along with it. Storytellers, programmers, and graphic artists are all wrapped into one for video game creation. They're in charge of creating video game ideas depending on the target demographic and then bringing them to reality. This may include crafting storylines and characters, designing user interfaces, and entering scripts to create interactive gaming components. So, have you decided yet? Being a famous actor or singer is one of the first professions that come to mind. But such occupations are few and challenging to prepare for. The careers listed above may not seem creative at first sight, but they provide many chances to utilize your artistic skills - and make a difference in the world. All you need is passion, skill sets, and the right mindset. Best of luck! Read Also: Is Auto Parts O.E.M. A Good Career Path In 2021? Why Should I Get Started With Event Management Software? How To Make Sure You Have The Best Deal On Your Carpenter Jobs?

How Long Does It Take To Become An Orthodontist?

What You Need To Know Before You Decide To Become An Orthodontist?

In actuality, orthodontists undergo specialized training that qualifies them as specialists in tooth straightening. They must complete two to three additional years of coursework. Then, they can become an orthodontist and obtain a certification in orthodontic care. Orthodontists treat a wide range of dental alignment problems, commonly referred to as "malocclusion." This comes after receiving their license and certification. For patients of all ages, they employ precise clinical techniques to align teeth safely and effectively and create healthier dental structures. If you've ever received orthodontic treatment, you've probably seen the amazing outcomes these skilled medical practitioners help you achieve. Even though becoming an orthodontist is a difficult, competitive, and costly career path, orthodontists benefit from high pay, excellent work-life balance, and a welcoming, social, teamwork-based environment. Are you interested in this field? Do you want to know how long does it take to become an orthodontist? Keep reading to learn how to work in this area of medicine. How Long Does It Take To Become An Orthodontist? The study that goes into orthodontics is pretty massive, and it remains a lifelong process. Orthodontists take up a subject that costs an incredible sum but pays too well in the long run. If you are curious as to how long it takes to become an orthodontist, you are not alone. Education And Training Requirements In order to become an orthodontist, there are levels that need to be crossed. Here, we are discussing it in detail. This should give you an idea of how long it take to become an orthodontist. Finish Dental School To Become Licensed In order to become an orthodontist, one must first earn a doctorate in dentistry and obtain certification as a dentist. You must complete a bachelor's degree (though some colleges offer a combined degree program) in order to get admission to a dental school. You will also need a passing score on the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Like medical schools, dental schools are extremely demanding and competitive. Additionally, they are expensive. Depending on the program, a dental school degree can cost anywhere from $150,000 to $300,000. Fortunately, the majority of dental professionals discover that the expense of school eventually pays off because dentist as well as orthodontist have high salaries. According to the U.S. News, dentists make a median salary of $151,850, while an orthodontist's salary is $208,000. A doctor of dental surgery (DDS) or a doctor of dental medicine (DMD) are the two categories of doctorates. Depending on your program, the distinction may exist, but you can practice dentistry with either certification. Dental schools typically offer four-year degrees. Typically, the first two years go by in a classroom, studying topics like oral pathology, anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, and radiology. Students will study under a licensed dentist for the next two years in order to gain experience treating patients in a clinical setting. Orthodontic Residency In their final year of dental school, prospective orthodontists apply to orthodontic residencies; upon earning their DDS or DMD, they will become certified dentists and be eligible to start an orthodontic residency. In addition to taking and passing the National Board Dental Examination, dentists who choose not to pursue further education must also fulfill their state's licensing requirements before they can start practicing. Although dentists are still capable of providing orthodontic treatment, they lack training in this area specifically. As a result, the majority of dentists working today are registered orthodontists who have finished a residency. The term "orthodontist" is exclusive to those dentists. An orthodontic residency is your next step when becoming a licensed orthodontist for those who want to work as full-time practitioners of orthodontics. It is often attached to a university. How To Get Into An Orthodontic Residency Program? It's tough to get into an orthodontic residency. Only one spot is available for every fifteen applicants, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. The best method to secure a spot in an orthodontic residency is to graduate in the top percentage of your dental school class. A prospective orthodontist may submit multiple applications before being admitted to a program. The National Board Dental Examination is the national licensing exam that dentists must pass in order to be eligible to apply to most residency programs. Unless you failed the exam and had to retake it before applying to schools, you won't need to take a break between dental school and your orthodontic residency because this exam is valid during dental school. The American Association of Orthodontists' database has a list of orthodontic residencies that have received CODA accreditation. Both the United States and Canada offer the programs on this list. Most states accept orthodontic training from Canada. However, individuals who have received orthodontic training abroad will probably need to retake their studies in the United States. That, if they want to practice dentistry or orthodontics there. Residency programs range from 3-5 years, depending on the organization. Orthodontists receive extensive training in both the art and science of orthodontia during their residency. They learn about the proper alignment of dental, jaw, and facial mold, as well as how to move teeth in a safe and effective manner. How many years does it take to become an orthodontist, you ask? Their time learning the science is much shorter than their time in practice. Orthodontists who complete a residency program will have treated hundreds of patients, providing them with extensive knowledge in this field. Salary Of Orthodontics While some orthodontic residencies don't charge their residents, others do. If they do have compensation, it usually takes the shape of a stipend, which is a modest yearly sum used to pay for conference travel or some other necessities. Compared to university residencies, hospital residencies are more likely to provide a stipend. Due to its exceptional location and exceptionally high stipend (first-year residents earn over $51,000), this program is highly competitive. For example, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York.. This program provides top-notch training along with a $60,000 stipend for the duration of the residency. Getting The License You will be qualified to begin orthodontic practice after completing an orthodontic residency successfully. In order to accomplish this, you need to have fulfilled both the state licensing requirements in the state in which you plan to practice dentistry and the national dental board exam. Like dentists, orthodontists must meet the same licensing requirements. Orthodontists have the option of earning board certification from the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), though practice in the United States does not require board certification (only in Canada does). Written and clinical exams are required for orthodontic board certification. Visit the American Board of Orthodontics website to find out more about obtaining board certification. Before starting their residency, the majority of orthodontists had already passed the National Board Dental Examination. Throughout their careers, all practicing medical professionals are required to recertify and complete continuing education requirements. States have different requirements for licensing, but most of them ask you to pass a "jurisprudence exam," which measures your familiarity with the dental laws of that state. The state-by-state licensures database maintained by the American Dental Association provides information on dental licensing requirements in each state. Additional clinical exams or requirements may apply. Staying Licensed Just like all other medical professionals, orthodontists must maintain current licensures through regular recertification and continuing education. Dentists and orthodontists are required by law to complete 40 hours of professional education annually in most states. In order to give their patients the best possible care, dental professionals are kept up to date on the most recent clinical and research advancements in their fields. The requirements for renewing a dental license vary by state; for more information on how to maintain your license current, contact the dental board in your state. Wrapping Up So, how long does it take to become an orthodontist? Residency programs vary in length, from three years to five years. Throughout their residency, orthodontists learn from experts in the field to ensure safe and efficient advancement. It provides them with a thorough understanding of this specialty. This entails staying updated about conducting clinical examinations, obtaining and analyzing diagnostic records, providing appropriate direction for dentofacial orthopedics, etc. Key traits that an orthodontist should have include patience, effective written and verbal communication, and the capacity to clarify difficult ideas. These come in handy when dealing with children and teenagers, who make up the bulk of orthodontic patients. You need to apply for and obtain a separate orthodontics license from your national registering body or dental board in addition to your dentist license. It might call for passing a test. After earning your orthodontics degree and license, you can easily find employment or open your own practice!If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about how long does it take to become an orthodontist, ask us below. We would love to hear from you! Learn More About: Why Going To The Dentist Is A Must? The Ultimate Guide To Finding The Best Dentist In Vaughan Radiant Smiles: A Guide To Different Types Of Dental Implants

How Many Jobs Are Available In Other Consumer Services?

With the changing forces in the consumer industry, the job market is on the verge of constant change. Despite that, there is no shortage of jobs in consumer services. So, if your question is, “How many jobs are available in other consumer services?” we would like to tell you that there are millions of jobs available in the consumer services industry. The best part about these numbers in the consumer services industry is that in the next decade, they will not show major changes. So, if you are looking to join consumer services, you must not worry about the opportunities that will be available to you if you possess the relevant skills. What Constitutes Consumer Services? Consumer services include those services that are offered to solve particular problems of consumers. The services that consumers avail from a consumer service provider include a variety of things, like helping consumers with their orders, providing customer support, and many more. Businesses focus on delivering consumer services since they want to enhance the overall experience of their customers. Although the definition of consumer services can be quite broad. The easiest way to understand consumer services is to know that it can be anything that a business offers to its customers, as a service, for a fee. Furthermore, consumer services are available in various forms. However, most of the jobs in consumer services are mostly of four types: Retail and Wholesale Services Leisure and Hospitality Services Health and Social Services Education Why Must You Choose Consumer Services? Image Source: marxcommunications.com To know how many jobs are available in consumer services, you will need to find out the reason first why you need a position in consumer services. Although getting a job in consumer services depends upon your choice of career, knowledge as well as skills, finding out why you want a job in consumer services can help you a lot in the long run. In addition to this, you will also need to ensure that you have the necessary skills which can be helpful for a particular job in consumer services, in which you can put your effort into achieving more success. One of the major reasons why many people aspire to get a job in consumer services is that they want to solve the problems of customers and like to make life easier for them. If you know how to solve the issues of customers and know how to interact with them, then a job in consumer services is a great option for you. Another reason why many people join consumer services is that it comes with a lot of opportunities for a new aspirant for growth. If you have the right skill and the right mindset to keep going, you will have a lot of chances of growth. As compared to the average job in any other field, the growth of consumer services jobs is pretty faster. How Many Jobs Are Available In Other Consumer Services? – Job Types There are a variety of job options available in the consumer services industry. As per the 2020 data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer services have over 2.9 million jobs. Out of these, more than a million jobs are available for Account Managers, and almost 1.7 million jobs are available for receptionists. Furthermore, call center representatives and host/hostess jobs are more than 400,000 each. The major aspect of these jobs is that all of them involve customer interaction and offering them appropriate information about various products and services or solving their issue related to products and services. The following are the major jobs available in consumer services: 1. Customer Service Representative Many customers have complaints regarding products and services offered by a business. Furthermore, there are also inquiries and questions available from the end of customers. A customer service representative addresses those issues. By answering the questions of the customers, they ensure that the customer remains satisfied with the products and services of the business. 2. Account Manager To ensure that every department of a company meets the needs and demands of its customers and clients, businesses hire account managers. Account managers are also responsible for handling the issues, complaints, and problems of the customer. Furthermore, they also try to ensure good and positive relations with the clients and the customers. They schedule meetings, visit locations, talk to clients, promote products and services, and many more. 3. Receptionist To ensure the smooth running of work within an organization and interaction with customers, companies hire receptionists. Receptionists mainly answer phone calls from clients, greet and interact with visitors, interact with customers, and run errands while maintaining professionalism. However, companies expect receptionists to be professional and maintain proper decorum. 4. Host/Hostess Image Source: cf.ltkcdn.net Not very different from the job of a receptionist, a host/ hostess ensures that any guest in a company feel valued, welcomed, and cared for. Once a client, guest, or an important person visits a business premise, hosts/ hostesses create a warm, interactive, and welcoming environment. Furthermore, hosts/ hostesses are also responsible for taking phone calls and also take names. 5. Customer Service Manager Depending on the company, the job of a customer service manager changes. However, there are some things that are generally the same across all companies. These include answering the calls of customers, resolving their problems, ensuring customers remain satisfied, offering solutions to them, and many more. Furthermore, customer service managers also provide technical advice to customers. 6. Technical Support Engineer Technical support engineers also deal with the issues and problems of customers. However, as the name suggests, they are more inclined toward the technical part. They research, analyze, find out problems, resolve the issues of the customers, and ensure that the problems of the customer are solved in time. Summing Up Hope we have answered your question about how many jobs are available in other consumer services and what their types are. However, if you are finding consumer services jobs, you get to access them easily through major job-search websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster, etc. The pay grade of each of these jobs increases with higher skills and experience. If you have the required skills and experience, you are sure to get a job easily. Read More: Is Consumer Services A Good Career Path? 10 Work From Home Jobs For Moms And Dads Is Other Consumer Services A Good Career Path?

Therapist Or Psychiatrist: Which One Is Right For You?

Therapist vs. Psychiatrist