Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or Psychotherapist. Who Should I See?

When you're ready to seek support for your mental health, knowing who to turn to can feel overwhelming. Should you see a psychotherapist, a psychologist, or a psychiatrist? Understanding the differences between these professionals can help you make the best choice for your needs. Here’s a simple guide to help you feel confident about starting your healing journey.

What Is a Psychotherapist?

A psychotherapist is a trained professional who provides talk therapy to help individuals, couples, or families address emotional and psychological issues. Psychotherapists can come from various professional backgrounds, such as social work, psychology, or counseling.They use a wide range of approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), or Narrative Therapy, depending on their training and your needs.In Canada, for example, Registered Psychotherapists (RPs) must meet strict educational and ethical standards to practice.

You might want to see a psychotherapist if:

• You’re seeking support for anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, or stress.

• You want to explore emotions, patterns, or personal growth in a safe and structured space.

• You prefer non-medication-based support to enhance your emotional well-being.

  
  

What Is a Psychologist?

A psychologist is a mental health professional who specializes in understanding thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Most psychologists have a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and are trained to provide assessments, diagnoses, and therapy. Psychologists typically use evidence-based talk therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, or mindfulness-based approaches to help clients manage emotional difficulties, trauma, or mental health conditions. They generally do not prescribe medication but focus on helping you build coping skills, process experiences, and create lasting emotional change.

You might want to see a psychologist if:

• You're looking for therapy to work through emotions, trauma, or mental health challenges.

• You need psychological testing or assessments (e.g., ADHD evaluations, mood disorder assessments).

• You want structured, goal-oriented therapy sessions.

What Is a Psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health disorders. Because of their medical training, psychiatrists can prescribe medication, monitor physical health, and manage complex mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or severe depression. While some psychiatrists offer therapy, many primarily focus on medication management and work alongside psychologists or psychotherapists for talk therapy.

You might want to see a psychiatrist if:

• You're considering medication for depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns.

• You have symptoms involving both physical and mental health aspects.

• You’re experiencing severe, persistent symptoms that significantly affect your daily life.

So, Who Should You See?

Choosing between a psychotherapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist depends on your personal needs. If you’re unsure where to start, beginning with a psychotherapist or psychologist can be a great first step. They can help you decide if medication support from a psychiatrist might also be beneficial. Remember: reaching out for help is already a sign of courage, and you don’t need to have all the answers before you begin.

Ready to find the support that fits you?

At The Wise Self, our compassionate psychotherapists are here to walk alongside you. Whether you're seeking clarity, emotional healing, or new coping tools, we’re ready to support your journey. Book and discover the strength within you.