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People often wonder when to see a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. It can be quite simple. Essentially, if you are experiencing mental health-related problems that are impacting your day-to-day functioning such as insomnia, difficulty at work, or changes in appetite (eating too little or too much) or if you are facing issues with your overall functioning or experiencing any other form of distress, you should see a psychiatrist. These functional changes are often early signs of depression. People often feel confused about the difference between a psychiatrist vs psychologist and who they should see first.
Here is how they work together:
● The Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who holds an MBBS degree along with an MD or DNB in Psychiatry. During your first psychiatrist appointment, they will comprehensively evaluate and diagnose your condition, and they can prescribe medication if it is necessary for your treatment.
● The Clinical Psychologist: Once diagnosed, your psychiatrist may refer you to a clinical psychologist, a professional with extensive training in clinical work within a psychiatric setting.
They assist you through psychotherapy, or “talk therapy.” Using systematic methods, they help you understand and manage the specific thoughts and patterns that are causing your problems.
Understanding mental health care can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to figure it out alone.
Even if you find this process confusing, please come to us at the hospital, and our team will gently guide you from there to ensure you get the exact care you need.
