Therapy or Medication? Choosing the Right Mental Health Provider for You
When to See a Psychiatric Provider vs. a Therapist
When seeking mental health support, one of the most common questions people ask is: Should I see a psychiatric provider or a therapist? While both play essential roles in mental health care, they have different approaches, training, and areas of expertise. Understanding these differences can help you determine the best fit for your needs—or whether a combination of both is the right approach.
What Does a Psychiatric Provider Do?
A psychiatric provider, such as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (Psych NP) or a psychiatrist, specializes in the medical aspects of mental health treatment. Their primary role includes:
Diagnosing mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD)
Prescribing and managing medications to help regulate brain chemistry, alleviate symptoms and improve stability
Providing psychiatric evaluations to determine the most effective treatment plan
Offering brief supportive therapy (depending on their practice style)
What Does a Therapist Do?
A therapist, such as a licensed counselor, psychologist, or social worker, focuses on therapy and behavioral interventions. Their role includes:
Helping clients process emotions, thoughts, and experiences
Teaching coping strategies for stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and emotions
Providing various therapy modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or trauma-informed therapy
Guiding clients through personal growth and self-awareness
Who Should You See?
The best provider for you depends on your specific mental health needs. Here are some general guidelines:
See a Psychiatric Provider If:
✅ You are experiencing moderate to severe symptoms that may require medication (e.g., panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, severe mood swings, or psychosis) ✅ You have been diagnosed with a condition like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, or PTSD and need medication management ✅ You have tried therapy alone but feel that symptoms persist and may benefit from a medical evaluation ✅ You need a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to better understand your mental health
See a Therapist If:
✅ You need talk therapy to explore emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in-depth ✅ You are dealing with relationship issues, grief, trauma, or stress and want a safe space to process these experiences ✅ You want to learn coping skills for anxiety, depression, or life transitions ✅ You are not sure whether medication is necessary but want to start with therapy first
Can You See Both?
Absolutely! Individuals benefit from a combination of therapy and medication management. A psychiatric provider can help with diagnosis and medications, while a therapist provides ongoing support, provide techniques to heal from trauma and teaches skills to manage mental health challenges. I value collaborating with patient’s psychologist or therapist to ensure best outcomes for our patient.
If you're unsure where to start, at Moore Psychiatry, I can help guide you toward the best treatment plan—whether that means working with me, a therapist, or both.
If you're ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, contact Moore Psychiatry today to schedule an appointment.
Disclaimer
This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. If you are experiencing severe distress, thoughts of self-harm, or a mental health crisis, please seek immediate professional help at an emergency room, call 9-1-1 or contact a crisis hotline such as 9-8-8.
While I am a certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I am not your psychiatric nurse practitioner and I’m not familiar with your specific medical history. You should always consult your own health care professional familiar with your medical history before changing your treatment plan or adopting any treatment for a health concern.