How to Find the Right Mental Health Specialist

Introduction. Finding the right mental health specialist

If you are looking for mental healthcare, you might feel overwhelmed by the different specialists in this field. You will find psychiatrists and psychologists offering their services. This article offers you a guideline on how to find the right mental health specialist for your needs:

• If you suffer from severe symptoms that curtail your ability to function in daily life, it is advisable to make an appointment with our psychiatrist for a psychiatric consultation to assess if medication is indicated.

• When you are you are mildly or moderately depressed, while still maintaining a good level of professional and social functioning, an appropriate starting point would be to see one of our psychologists for an assessment.

• Should you be uncertain about whom to see, consult with one of our psychologists to assess if you need a psychiatric evaluation.

Not all patients getting psychotherapy/counselling need medication to improve and heal. For some “talk therapy” is enough. However, when a patient takes medication, it is advisable to also get psychotherapy. Above all, research studies have proved that the combination of psychiatric treatment (medicine) and psychotherapy (counselling) yield the best treatment outcomes for mental health.

In summary: the differences between Psychiatrists and Psychologists

Psychiatrist

The specialist psychiatrist is a physician, a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), specialized in mental health.

Psychiatrists:

• Diagnose and treat mental health disorders
• Prescribe medication
• Provide psychological counselling, also called psychotherapy

Psychologist

The specialist psychologist is a behavioral scientist specialized in human behaviour, thoughts and emotions, and “talk therapy.”

• Diagnose and treat mental health disorders
• Provide psychotherapy (counselling), in one-on-one, family and group settings
• Identifies patients for psychiatric assessment (medication)

In conclusion, we hope this brief article has given you insight on finding the right mental health specialist! Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any additional questions or concerns.