Do I need A Counselor Or Psychiatrist

Many people ask me, "Do I Need A Counselor Or Psychiatrist?". This question is very common. When you realize that you need help, it is often confusing trying to decide which professional can best help you. So let me try to break it down for you so that you can make an informed decision.

What Is A Psychiatrist?

According to psychiatry.org, psychiatry is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (an M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in mental health, including substance use disorders. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems.

Some common problems psychiatrists deal with are panic attacks, frightening hallucinations, thoughts of suicide, or hearing "voices." Or they may be more long-term, such as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiousness that never seem to lift or problems functioning, causing everyday life to feel distorted or out of control.

What Is A Counselor?

According to counseling.org, professional counseling is a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals. Counselors work with clients on strategies to overcome obstacles and personal challenges that they are facing.

Which profession is better for your needs?

• If you have an issue that could benefit from medication, then you should see a psychiatrist.
  Psychiatrists have the ability to write prescriptions. In the case of someone with bipolar disorder, for example, the drug Lithium can help to balance out the different extreme responses caused by bipolar disorder.
• If you are stressed about work or your home life, then you should see a counselor.
  A counselor can help identify your stress triggers. Once your triggers have been identified the counselor can help you come up with ways to combat your stress so it doesn't get out of hand.

Where The Two Professions Meet

If you are on medication prescribed by your psychiatrist for depression, you may also need counseling to determine the root cause of your depression. The medication helps to restore chemical balance while the counseling helps to restore emotional balance.

Whatever your reasons for therapy, it could involve the treatment from both practitioners. Sometimes just as it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a team of professionals to help you live a productive life.

 

Considering counseling?

Contact New Vision Counseling Center to schedule an appointment.

If during our session it is determined that you could also benefit from a psychiatric care, we have colleagues to whom we can refer you. The most important thing to remember is that if you need help, seek it.