Do I need a psychotherapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist?

 

Our moods, attitudes, and relationships naturally change throughout our lives. However, certain life situations or changes can leave us feeling exhausted, lost, or unsure of ourselves. Mental health issues are not limited to people with a diagnosed illness—in fact, most of us experience them at some point in our lives. Short-term stress or low mood can usually be managed with rest or the support of loved ones. However, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) warns that if the difficulties persist after two weeks, it is advisable to consult a specialist. In the event of an acute crisis, such as suicidal thoughts, it is necessary to seek help immediately. 

 

When we decide to seek professional help, how do we know who to turn to? In this article, you will learn how different professions differ from each other and why they are often interconnected. 

 

How can psychotherapy benefit you? 

Psychotherapy takes the form of a conversation between a therapist and a client, with the aim of promoting mental well-being and balance in a specific life situation and strengthening the person's ability to actively influence their life. It not only serves as a support in solving our problems, but also helps us understand the deeper causes that lead to them. As a result of this, the client can gradually gain perspective on their situation, better manage everyday life, and feel greater mental balance. Psychotherapy can be useful in a number of situations, such as coping with the aftermath of traumatic experiences, dealing with illness, or the loss of a loved one. It has also proven effective for certain mental illnesses, such as anxiety disorders or depression. 

 

During a psychotherapy session, the therapist works with the client not only through conversation and active listening, but may also use various specific techniques – from nonverbal forms of communication to working with various breathing techniques and the body. It is usually a long-term process that requires regular meetings between the client and the therapist. There are many different types of psychotherapy, which differ in their approach and the methods used. Among the most widespread are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and interpersonal therapy. The choice of type of psychotherapy, as well as the choice of a specific therapist, is very individual and depends on the personal needs and preferences of the client. 

Research conducted by organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) has long shown that psychotherapy successfully guides clients on their path to improving their quality of life. Psychotherapy is therefore an effective tool to help you take care of your mental health. 

 

What does a psychologist do?

A psychologist is a professional with a Master´s degree in psychology. They study how we think, our experiences and behavior from a scientific perspective and use their knowledge to help people understand their behavior. The work of a psychologist varies depending on their specialization – they may work in healthcare as a clinical psychologist, in education in psychological and educational counseling centers, in scientific research, or, for example, in a corporate environment. If they undergo psychotherapy training, they can also provide therapy, just like a psychotherapist.

 

Psychologists use a wide range of professional tools in their work. These include, in particular, psychodiagnostic methods – such as attention and memory tests, tests for other cognitive functions, personality tests, and intelligence tests. These methods help to objectively assess the client's mental state and can serve as a basis for further recommendations. In addition to testing, interviews and observation are also important tools. 

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) sees psychology as a key component of healthcare – psychologists help not only in diagnosing disorders, but also in preventing diseases and improving quality of life. Thanks to their wide range of expertise, psychologists are employed in healthcare as well as in many other aspects of our lives.

 

When to see a psychiatrist? 

A psychiatrist has studied general medicine at university (and therefore holds an MD degree) and has completed a specialization in psychiatry. Unlike a psychologist or psychotherapist, a psychiatrist is the only one who can prescribe medication, in this case so-called psychotropic drugs. These are drugs that affect the psyche, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or anxiolytics. As in the case of a psychologist, if a psychiatrist is also a graduate of psychotherapy training, they can provide therapy sessions. However, the primary focus of their work is the diagnosis of mental illnesses. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) describes mental illness as a condition in which an individual's cognitive functions, emotions, or behavior are impaired in such a way that their ability to function in everyday life is negatively affected. These can include personality disorders, bipolar disorder, ADHD, depression, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and other mental illnesses defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

 

It is recommended to consult a psychiatrist if mental health problems persist for a long time, worsen, or significantly interfere with normal life. The help of a psychiatrist is also necessary in cases where hallucinations, delusions, severe mood disorders, or suicidal thoughts occur. In addition to prescribing medication, psychiatrists also monitor its effects and may recommend other forms of care, including hospitalization, if the patient's condition is serious.

 

Cooperation between mental health professionals

Although psychotherapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists differ in terms of their education and job descriptions, in practice they often complement each other. Ideally, professionals work together and respond to the individual needs of the client in order to provide the best possible care.  Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) emphasize that the combination of psychological and psychosocial interventions with pharmacotherapy is often the most effective form of treatment for mental illness. 

 

It is important to remember that seeking professional care is never a sign of weakness, but rather a step towards actively caring for your mental health, which is just as important as your physical health. At PSYMED, you will be assisted by a team of professionals—currently two psychiatrists for adults, MUDr. Jiřina Kosová and MUDr. Xenija Rudenko, and a child psychiatrist, MUDr. Magdaléna Ryšánková. In addition, there are psychotherapists Aaron Gil, MA, Mgr. et Mgr. Adi Hasanbašić, and Daniel Espitia. Last but not least, there is also a specialist in psychosomatic medicine, MUDr. Ondřej Masner. At PSYMED, you will encounter cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and Gestalt psychotherapy.

  

If you are not sure which specialist to choose, feel free to contact us and consult your issue with our Care Managers. We will be happy to discuss the individual options with you and help you make an appointment that is suitable for you.

 

Jana Felková

 

References:

National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). My mental health: Do I need help? U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/my-mental-health-do-i-need-help

World Health Organization. (2022). Mental health: Strengthening our response. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response

American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). What is mental illness? Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/Patients-Families/What-is-Mental-Illness

American Psychological Association. (2012). Recognition of psychotherapy effectiveness. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/about/policy/resolution-psychotherapy