• Mental Health

How Psychiatrists and Therapists Work Together

Published: February 20, 2025
Updated: February 20, 2025
4 mins

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or something even more complex, getting the right support can make a huge difference. But when it comes to finding that support, things can get a little confusing – especially when you’re trying to find the right mental health professional that can help you with your needs.

While both therapists and psychiatrists help with mental health challenges, they do it in different ways. 

Therapist vs. Psychiatrist: What’s the Difference?

At first glance, therapists and psychiatrists may seem like they do the same thing. But their training, approach, and the kind of treatment they offer are quite different. 

A therapist is a broad term that includes psychologists, counselors, and social workers. These professionals have at least a master’s degree, while some (like clinical psychologists) hold a doctorate. Their main focus is talk therapy, helping people work through emotions, behaviors, and mental health concerns using different therapeutic techniques. Common types of therapists include: 

• Psychologists: Hold a PhD or PsyD; specialize in psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and psychological testing

• Licensed counselors and social workers: Typically have a master’s degree and provide therapy for a range of emotional and psychological issues

Therapists do not prescribe medications, but they can help clients develop coping strategies to deal with life’s challenges. 

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in mental health. Unlike therapists, psychiatrists can diagnose mental illnesses and prescribe medication to manage symptoms. They often treat conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia using a combination of medication management and, in some cases, brief psychotherapy.

Key differences in approach

Therapists focus on behavioral and emotional healing through talk therapy,  while Psychiatrists focus on the medical side of mental health, diagnosing conditions and prescribing medication when needed.

Who should you see?

Deciding whether to see a therapist or a psychiatrist depends on your symptoms and what kind of support you need. While therapy and medication can complement each other, some situations call for one approach more than the other.

• If you're looking for ongoing talk therapy to work through emotional struggles, a therapist is a great choice.

• If you're experiencing severe symptoms like persistent depression, panic attacks, or mood swings that may require medication, a psychiatrist can help.

• Many people see both – a psychiatrist for medication management and a therapist for regular talk therapy sessions.

How Therapy and Psychiatry Complement Each Other

When it comes to mental health treatment, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Some people benefit from talk therapy, others find medication to be the key, and many do best with a combination of both. Talk therapy (or psychotherapy) helps people explore emotions, behaviors, and thought patterns to develop healthier coping strategies. Medication can help regulate brain chemistry to relieve symptoms that may be interfering with daily life. For some, therapy alone is enough. Others may need medication to stabilize symptoms before they can fully engage in therapy. 

Using psychotherapy and medication together can provide deeper, more lasting improvements than either approach alone. Medication can ease symptoms so a person can get the most out of therapy, while therapy helps build long-term coping skills to reduce reliance on medication over time.

Conditions treated with both approaches

• Depression: Medication can help balance neurotransmitters, while therapy addresses negative thought patterns and behavioral changes.

• Anxiety disorders: Medications like SSRIs can reduce excessive worry, allowing therapy to focus on managing triggers.

• Bipolar disorder: Mood stabilizers manage mood swings, while therapy helps with emotional regulation and lifestyle adjustments.

• Schizophrenia: Antipsychotic medications reduce symptoms, while therapy helps with coping skills and daily functioning.

In many cases, a therapist and psychiatrist collaborate on a patient’s care:

• A therapist might refer a client to a psychiatrist if they believe medication could be beneficial.

• A psychiatrist may recommend therapy for someone who needs more than just medication to manage their condition.

• Both professionals communicate (with the patient’s consent) to ensure treatment is aligned and effective.

For example, someone with severe anxiety might start medication prescribed by a psychiatrist to reduce panic attacks, while working with a therapist to develop relaxation techniques and challenge anxious thoughts. Over time, they may rely less on medication as therapy equips them with better coping tools.

By working together, therapists and psychiatrists provide a well-rounded approach to mental health care, ensuring patients get the support they need from multiple angles.

Finding the Right Mental Health Care Provider

Some people feel strongly about trying therapy before considering medication, while others prefer a combined approach from the start.

Your choice may depend on:

• Personal comfort: Do you prefer talking through challenges or are you open to medication as part of your care?

• Symptom severity: Milder concerns may be managed with therapy alone, while more severe conditions often require medication.

• Long-term goals: Are you looking for immediate symptom relief, long-term coping skills, or both?

A good mental health provider will work with you to create a plan that fits your needs and adjust it as necessary.

Telehealth has made mental health care more accessible than ever, removing barriers like long wait times, geographic limitations, and scheduling conflicts. Whether you need therapy, medication management, or both, virtual care allows you to connect with licensed professionals from home.

LifeMD can simplify your journey by connecting you with licensed professionals who can provide personalized support. Through LifeMD, you can seek treatment for a wide range of mental health services – including medication management and talk therapy – with 95% of patients covered by insurance.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and there are professionals ready to guide you toward better mental health. Take the first step today.

LifeMD makes it easy to stay on top of your health because talking to a doctor, filling your prescriptions, getting your labs done—and more—are all easy and cost-effective. Come discover a healthcare solution built around you and your life.

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