Psychiatrist or psychologist?

Arif’s sister sent him the name of a counsellor. His cousin, a doctor, said he should see a psychiatrist. His mother said a psychiatrist is for “pagol” people. Arif, who has not slept properly in two months, does not know whom to call, so he calls no one.

An illustration drawn from common experience. The person is invented; the pattern is not.

The difference

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has specialised in mental health. Psychiatrists can diagnose mental illness, look for physical causes, order tests, prescribe and manage medication, and treat the full range of conditions, from anxiety to bipolar disorder and psychosis. Many also provide psychotherapy.

A clinical psychologist is trained in psychological assessment and therapy, but is not a medical doctor and does not prescribe. A counsellor offers talking support, with training that varies widely.

Why it matters

Some problems that look psychological have physical causes, such as thyroid disease or medicine side effects, and some conditions need medication as well as therapy. Seeing a doctor first means both are considered. Dr. Tajreen is a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist, MBBS from Sir Salimullah Medical College and MRCPsych from the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the United Kingdom, so medical assessment and talking therapy happen in the same room.

A word on stigma

Seeing a psychiatrist does not mean someone is “mad”. Many people who see a psychiatrist have common conditions such as anxiety, depression or insomnia, and lead full lives.

Common questions about psychiatrists and psychologists

Can a psychologist prescribe medicine?

No. A clinical psychologist is trained in psychological assessment and therapy but is not a medical doctor and does not prescribe. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose, look for physical causes, order tests and manage medication, and many also provide psychotherapy.

Does seeing a psychiatrist mean I am mad?

No. Many people who see a psychiatrist have common conditions such as anxiety, depression or insomnia, and lead full lives. Some problems that look psychological also have physical causes, such as thyroid disease, which a medical assessment can check.

When to see a psychiatrist

If you are not sure where to start, a psychiatric consultation can assess what you need and point you to the right care.

Care here is personal: built around your history, your health and what you want to change, and reviewed with you as it goes.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.