This article below gives a decent overview of the differences between a psychologist and a psychiatrist. In 2017 a licensure change in Idaho means that in rare cases a psychologist can prescribe medicine for mental health if they pursue an additional Master’s in pharmacology beyond their original Ph.D. So far, though, there are only a handful of these providers in the whole state, so the guidance below is generally still accurate.
Should you see a psychologist or psychiatrist first?
For those struggling with their mental health, knowing what kind of practitioner will provide the most effective treatment is not always clear. The good news is that experienced mental health professionals have the training and knowledge to help clients make informed decisions about their treatment. Psychiatrists and psychologists often refer patients to each other. In general, here are some things to consider:
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If you want to spend time talking about an issue in one-on-one meetings, a psychologist might be a good fit. After an initial, longer appointment a psychiatrist visit is often only 15 minutes while a psychologist visit is usually 45-60 minutes.
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If you’re interested in pursuing psychiatric medication for symptom relief, you may want to start by talking with a psychiatrist. For more common problems, your family physician may also feel comfortable assessing your situation and giving a prescription (with a much shorter wait to get in).
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If the issue you’re hoping to address is relationship-focused, say a problem at work or with a family member, you may prefer to meet with a psychologist.
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If you are experiencing more severe mental health symptoms that are interfering with your daily life, either a psychologist or a psychiatrist may be a good place to start. A psychologist can still refer to a psychiatrist as needed (e.g. if the problems go beyond what a family physician would usually want to address), and the psychologist and psychiatrist can then consult as a team. Parents wanting to create a plan for a minor or adult child may even want to meet alone with a psychologist to first review options before bringing in their child later.
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If there is some urgency, psychologists may have faster availability than most psychiatrists. Dr. Hill protects quick access to counseling– often in 3-10 days– while a local psychiatry appointment may have a wait list of 3-12 weeks.