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Psychiatrist, Psychologist, or Therapist: Who Should I See?
Seeking help for psychological distress may be a difficult but necessary first step towards recovery. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists are mental health professionals who can guide you in this journey. If you are seeking treatment for the first time, you may be confused and unsure of who you should approach.
The main difference between psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists lies in their qualifications and their general approach to treatment.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental
disorders. They understand how psychological and medical conditions interact. For example,
neurological, cardiac, inflammatory, or hormonal problems can manifest as anxiety, depression or even psychosis. Therefore, psychiatrists may conduct physical checks to ensure that psychological symptoms are not due to an underlying physical condition.
After reaching a diagnosis, psychiatrists treat psychological conditions using a combination of medication, lifestyle interventions, and psychological therapy.
To become a psychiatrist in Singapore, the doctor must go through rigorous specialist training for at least 5 years. They have to pass post-graduate examinations which include both theory and practical
components, and be accredited by the Specialist Accreditation Board of the Ministry of Health.
The following are necessary to be accredited as a psychiatrist:
- A medical degree such as a MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) degree or a MD (Doctor of Medicine) degree
- Post-graduate qualifications such as a MMed (Master of Medicine) degree or MRCPsych (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) degree
- Completed and passed the Psychiatry Specialist Training Program
Psychologists
Psychologists are healthcare professionals who are experts in clinical psychology and psychological disorders. Psychologists are trained to assess psychological conditions, deliver various forms of psychological therapy, and conduct psychometric assessments relating to IQ, learning difficulties and personality.
In Singapore, professional bodies such as the Singapore Psychological Society require the following qualifications for registration:
- An advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in Clinical Psychology
- Completed training and supervised practicum in psychological therapy
- Completed training and supervised practicum in conducting assessments for IQ, personality, learning disabilities, etc.
Therapists
Therapists refer to mental health professionals who are trained in delivering psychological therapy.
They may be psychiatrists, psychologists, or social workers and counsellors who have received the requisite training.
While psychologists usually do one-to-one therapy, social workers are trained to address systems such as a family unit. Family therapy and couples therapy are traditionally delivered by trained social
workers and counsellors.
Summary of differences
The table summarises some key differences between psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists:
| Psychiatrist | Psychologist | Therapist | |
| Qualifications | A medical degree Post-graduate qualifications in medicine or psychiatry Completed and passed the 5-year Psychiatry Residency Training Program Accredited with the Specialist Accreditation Board of the Ministry of Health |
Advanced degree in Clinical Psychology (Masters or PhD equivalent) Completed training and supervised practicum in psychological therapy Completed training and supervised practicum in conducting assessments for IQ, personality, learning disabilities, etc. |
|
| Approach to treatment | Conducting diagnostic tests which may include physical checks, blood tests or brain scans Prescribing medication Providing psychological therapy or counselling Providing brain modulatory therapy like ECT or rTMS |
Administering psychometric assessments relating to IQ, personality, learning disabilities, etc. Providing psychological therapy or counselling |
Providing psychological therapy or counselling |
| Able to make prescriptions? | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Able to make diagnoses? | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Able to provide psychotherapy? | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Who should I see?
If you or a loved one are experiencing serious mental health issues and are open to taking medications, you should see a psychiatrist first. You should also see a psychiatrist if your psychological symptoms are arising in the context of other medical problems such as pain.
If you think your condition is less severe and does not require medication, you may choose to
consult a psychologist. The psychologist will be able to assess your condition and provide targeted psychological interventions.
If you’ve suffered a serious physical injury, your orthopaedic surgeon will run diagnostic tests, perform surgery, and prescribe medications. Subsequently, a physiotherapist will help to rehabilitate
the injury, and a nurse counsellor will provide further advice on exercise and diet. In the same way, psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists work together in a team.
At Private Space Medical, we have a diverse and dedicated team of psychiatrists, psychologists and
therapists who can help you take that first step towards recovery. We strive to provide the holistic, compassionate and individualised care that you deserve.