Some people use the terms psychiatrist and therapist interchangeably when talking about therapy and mental health support. However, these two professional roles play different parts in mental health, and it’s important to know the difference when seeking support. A psychiatrist and a therapist have distinct approaches and specific areas of expertise.

At Columbia Associates, we provide comprehensive psychiatry services alongside therapeutic services so that our clients can benefit from the care that best fits their needs.

What Is Psychiatry?

Psychiatry is a branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing mental health conditions. A psychiatrist uses both medication and therapeutic interventions to help their clients. They are medical doctors (M.D. or D.O.) who offer mental health services but can also prescribe medications to help manage conditions like:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Psychiatrists work with clients to assess their symptoms, create the best treatment plan, and observe progress over time. They can also collaborate with therapists to make sure clients get the most well-rounded approach to treatment.

What Is Therapy?

Therapy, also known as counseling, is a talk-based treatment designed to help people process difficult emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and improve their ability to navigate life’s challenges. Unlike psychiatrists, therapists do not prescribe medication but instead use various therapeutic techniques to support clients.

Common therapy approaches include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of treatment focuses on understanding negative thought patterns and reframing them.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Supports people by helping them manage emotions and develop greater distress tolerance.
• Trauma-informed therapy: An approach to therapy that supports individuals experiencing the impact of trauma. The focus is on helping them process past events in a safe environment.

A therapist is beneficial for someone dealing with high levels of stress, relationship challenges, life transitions like death or divorce, and mental health conditions that do not require medication management.

Psychiatry vs. Therapy: Key Differences

There are key differences in thinking through psychiatry vs. therapy. These include:

Education and Training

Psychiatrists are medical doctors with an M.D. or D.O. designation, while therapists are licensed as LPCs, LCSWs, or LMFTs.

Type of Treatment

Therapists engage in talk therapy and help clients develop coping skills. Psychiatry can involve both psychotherapy and medication management for diagnoses that are best treated with medication.

Psychiatrists can prescribe medications, while therapists cannot. This is typically the professional role that is best suited for working with clients who are experiencing moderate to severe mental health conditions.

Psychiatry and Therapy Expertise at Columbia Associates

At Columbia Associates, we offer both psychiatry and therapy to support clients in their mental health journeys. Our offerings include:

• Psychiatric medication management: Clients receive individualized care plans, including medication whenever necessary, in order to treat and mitigate challenging symptoms.
• Therapy services: Skilled therapists use evidence-based treatment modalities to equip clients with powerful coping skills and support them as they work through obstacles in life.
• Collaborative care: Columbia Associates’ providers work together. This means our psychiatric team and our therapists collaborate to offer comprehensive support to our clients.

If you’re unsure whether a psychiatrist or a therapist will be most effective for your needs, our team can help you determine your best next step.

When to See a Psychiatrist vs. a Therapist

A few factors to keep in mind when considering what might be best for you are these:

Psychiatrists Offer Support:

• When individuals experience severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, or mood disorders that may require medication
• If people are experiencing a diagnosis such as bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or schizophrenia

Therapists Offer Support:

• In cases when emotional support, coping skills, or behavior modification techniques are needed
• During significant transitions, relationship challenges, or stressful seasons of life
• If people are seeking to manage their anxiety, mild-to-moderate depression, or trauma symptoms

It’s not uncommon for people to choose a combination of psychiatry and therapy when developing a plan to improve their mental health.

Get Started with Mental Health Care at Columbia Associates Today

Columbia Associates offers expert treatment through both psychiatry and therapy. We’re committed to supporting individuals as they determine the best types of care for their lives. Call us today at 703.682.8208 to learn more.

For new clients, please click here to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.