What’s the difference?

When you're looking for mental health support, it can be confusing to know whether to see a psychiatrist, psychologist, or another mental health professional. Here's a quick guide to help you understand the difference — and how we can help.

Psychiatry

• Focus: Brain chemistry and medical treatment of mental health conditions

• Professionals: Psychiatrists (MDs/DOs) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs)

• Approach: Medical and biological

• Treatment Methods:

  • Medication management (antidepressants, mood stabilizers, etc.)

  • Psychiatric evaluations

  • May also offer brief supportive therapy

At our practice, we specialize in psychiatric care as PMHNPs. That means we focus on evaluating mental health symptoms, diagnosing conditions, and prescribing the right medications to help manage things like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more. We do not currently offer therapy.

See our services page for more information on the conditions we treat.

Psychology

• Focus: Thoughts, emotions, and behavior

• Professionals: Psychologists (PhDs or PsyDs)

• Approach: Talk therapy and behavioral techniques

• Treatment Methods:

  • Therapy and counseling (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma therapy)

  • Psychological testing and assessments

  • Coping strategies and skill-building

Psychologists do not prescribe medication, but often work closely with psychiatrists or PMHNPs when a patient may benefit from both therapy and medication.