A Psychiatrist or a Psychologist: Which Professional is Better Concerning Mental Health?

The range of choices in the mental health marketplace can be confusing. Any physician can legally prescribe psychoactive medications, while almost anyone, even without a license or training, can profess to treat emotional disorders. Within the medical profession, psychiatrists have the training to deal with severe mental disorders. Yet a sympathetic general practitioner may prove just as effective in treating mild depressions and anxiety problems or may be able to refer you to an appropriate therapist. Your local community health center or public hospitals are alternative sources of information and treatment. Community health centers can arrange for psychiatric assessment and follow-up services, and in emergency situations a crisis team can be called upon. Psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, and counselors all play a role in the delivery of mental health services. Only psychiatrists can prescribe drugs, but it should be recognized that while drug treatment may be necessary for serious illnesses, many conditions can be treated without drugs. [Read Full Article]