What is a Psychiatrist?
Mental health is a complex field, and people struggling with mental health issues can often find it difficult to know where to turn for help. There are many different types of mental health professionals out there, each with their own area of expertise.
A psychiatrist is an expert in the field of psychiatric medicine. Psychiatrists diagnose patients with various types of disorders such as depression, anxiety, or addiction to drugs or alcohol. Psychiatrists are medical professionals who are licensed to write prescriptions that can help as part of the mental health treatment process as well.
What is a Psychologist?
Psychologists, on the other hand, are experts in the field of mental health, seeking to understand and treat psychological disorders. A professionally trained psychologist can offer you a number of services including individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and behavioral therapy in order to help patients and work with them.
Is Psychiatry a Type of Psychology?
Common Types of Mental Health Professionals
There are many common types of mental health professionals that can provide mental health counseling, therapy, and treatment.
Psychiatrist
Psychologist
A psychologist is a mental health therapist who studies human behavior. Psychologists can provide many mental health services that help improve mental wellbeing, as well as treating behavioral disorders.
Mental Health Counselor
Social Worker
A social worker is a highly skilled professional who can provide emotional support, practical assistance, and guidance to patients. Clinical social workers work with individuals or families to address and diagnose issues such as mental, behavioral, and emotional problems.2
Mental Health Nurse
Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist: What's The Difference?
There are many differences between a psychologist and a psychiatrist that make these each unique professions that offer different services to patients.
Training & Education
Prescriptive Authority
Treatments Provided
Conditions Treated
Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist: How Do I Choose?
What Do Psychologists Do?
Psychologists can provide you with a variety of different therapies including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Humanistic therapy
- Integrative or holistic therapy
- Psychoanalytic therapy
- Psychodynamic therapy4
What Do Psychiatrists Do?
Psychiatrists can provide you with a variety of different services in mental health treatment including:
- Admitting you to a hospital if required
- Helping you manage a long-term mental health condition
- Providing advice about lifestyle changes
- Giving second opinions based on what other doctors and health professionals have told you
- Providing urgent care for sudden or severe mental health problems
- Referring you to other health professionals
- Writing prescriptions for medications that help with mental health conditions5
Common Types of Psychotherapy

Humanistic Therapy
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy is a form of therapy that is centered around how a person’s thoughts affect their behaviors. Over time, patients in behavioral therapy can learn how to manage their thoughts in order to create more positive behavioral patterns.
Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive therapy is a short-term form of psychotherapy that focuses on how the way we think affects how we feel emotionally. Cognitive therapy is focused on problem-solving in order to create more positive thoughts and behavioral patterns.
Group Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapies
Holistic Therapy
Contact a Mental Health Professional at Pacific Beach Health
Mental health is a complex and ever-changing field, meaning it’s important to know as much as you can in case you or a loved one need help or expertise. There are many different types of mental health professionals out there, each with their own area of professional knowledge. If you are struggling with mental health issues and would like more information or advice on what type of professional to see, please contact Pacific Beach Health today. Our team of experts, including psychologists and psychiatrists, will be happy to help you get started on the road to recovery.
Our Therapeutic Services
Pacific Beach Health offers a variety of therapeutic services that are based on a holistic approach to therapy. The holistic behavioral healthcare at Pacific Beach Health includes guided spirituality, psychology, and other forms of mindfulness therapy.
If you would like to learn more about our services, you can contact us today for more information about how we can help and support you with your mental health journey.
Resources
- https://www.psychology.org/resources/differences-between-psychology-and-psychiatry/
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/mobile/social-workers.htm#:~:text=Social%20workers%20help%20individuals%2C%20groups,%2C%20behavioral%2C%20and%20emotional%20problems.
- https://onlinecounselingprograms.com/mental-health-careers/how-to-become-psychologist/psychiatrists-vs-psychologists/
- https://www.saybrook.edu/unbound/5-different-types-of-therapy-in-psychology/
- https://www.yourhealthinmind.org/psychiatry-explained/whats-a-psychiatrist