What type of mental health professional is right for you? That may seem like a simple question, but in fact, it can be very complex to answer. A key difference you may see in psychiatrist vs therapist discussions, where many drug and alcohol treatment programs offer one or the other. Sometimes, these terms are used interchangeably, including with the term psychologist. Yet, each one is slightly different. At The Right Step, you will find care that’s best suited for your individual needs from licensed professionals.
The Breakdown: Psychiatrist vs Therapist
When you consider a psychiatrist vs therapist, recognize that both individuals are licensed professionals, in most cases. They all can provide support through behavioral therapy in a number of ways. In both cases, these professionals can help you with your addiction:
- They provide guidance and support to clients.
- They are highly trained either at a master’s degree or a certificate degree level.
- Their skills are focused on mental health disorders, including addiction.
- They want to help you make healthy decisions.
- They understand feelings and emotions as well as thought patterns.
Using this information, you can understand that either psychiatrists or therapists can be a valuable professional to work with if you’re facing addiction.
What Does a Psychiatrist Do?
A psychiatrist and a psychologist provide the same types of services. However, a psychiatrist is able to prescribe medications to individuals whole a psychologist cannot. These professionals are medical doctors who are able to evaluate a person’s health and then devise a treatment plan to help that person receive the care he or she needs. They can order medical tests, perform physicals, and provide guidance.
What Does a Therapist Do?
A therapist is more than just a person who listens to you, though this is something many people believe. These professionals use a wide range of different methods to work with you to help you achieve your goals. Therapists are excellent professionals for learning how to manage the various complications that turn up in life. They can listen to problems and provide insight. Individual therapy sessions are the hallmark of the care of these providers, but they can also provide group therapy support as well. A therapist uses things like cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR therapy. They can also lead groups and help with family counseling.
A Specialized Treatment Plan Is Always Best
At The Right Step, our goal is not just to have you talk to a therapist or a psychiatrist, but to uncover what’s happening to you. We provide a combination approach that includes addressing your mental health needs, your emotional needs, and your physical needs. This means that, when you consider a psychiatrist vs therapist, our team can help you to get the most out of either option (and sometimes both).
Your goal is to find a way to recover. That may mean having access to treatment for mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. A psychiatrist can help in that area. A therapist can help you to overcome the behavioral challenges you’re facing as well as the trauma, stress, and frustration you are feeling. They can also give you real tools that you can apply to daily life to maintain more control over your future. It is this combination of care that is so important to those facing addiction today.
Find Reliable Help at The Right Step
When you consider the differences in psychiatrist vs therapist, one thing is clear. If you need drug and alcohol treatment, you need the very best care from an experienced team. At The Right Step, you will find that and much more. Call our team at 17135283709 to learn more about the treatment options we offer and how you can get the support you need.
