Psychologist, psychotherapist and psychiatrist: what are these specialists, what is the difference

Many people do not understand the difference between a psychologist, psychotherapist and psychiatrist, so they are afraid to go to these specialists. These people are afraid to get prejudice from their environment. For some people going to see people of these professions is a great stress, many are afraid of being labeled mentally ill. But is this really the case?

What does a psychologist do

A psychologist deals with issues of mental equilibrium. For example, the patient recently went through a divorce, the death of a loved one or lost his job. As a rule, such experiences are given very hard. And psychologist helps to survive the tragedy. He conducts receptions, both face-to-face and online. Typically, he talks to the client, working with him through childhood trauma, gives advice on how to get out of the situation. In addition, conducts tests to find an approach to his client. The psychologist does not prescribe any medication to the person. He listens, and is the keeper of secrets that are sometimes difficult to tell even the closest of friends.  In addition to adults, this specialist also works with children.

The main tasks of a psychologist:

• Working with people after traumatic events.
• Help in building relationships, finding yourself as a person.
• Work with children.
• Advice in difficult situations.
• Working with people who do not have psychiatric disorders.

Who is a psychotherapist?

Unfortunately, not everyone is mentally healthy. There are disorders of all kinds that prevent a person from living comfortably. These include: bipolar disorder, autism, schizophrenia. These illnesses ruin normal life and are not treated by simple communication with a psychologist.

A psychotherapist helps people with mental disorders, only without medication therapy. He also helps in the socialization of such people. He does not prescribe medication to correct the conditions. Works with patients in remission and helps them keep their condition stable.

Main tasks:

• Various types of therapy: psychological games, art therapy.
• Correction of human behavior.
• Gestalt therapy.
• Work with bad habits: eating disorders, alcoholism or drug addiction.
• Treatment of mild to moderate levels of depression. Works only with people who are lucid.

What a psychiatrist treats

Unfortunately, nowadays there are a lot of mentally ill people.  Often people with mental disorders have acute conditions: psychosis, hallucinations, suicide attempts, aggression. Unfortunately, this can only be corrected by a psychiatrist, as the person in these states is not able to think soberly and communicate with a psychologist or psychotherapist.

In these cases, medications are already prescribed.

What a psychiatrist does:

• Makes a diagnosis.
• Prescribes drugs which stabilize the condition.
• Directs you to a special institution for treatment, if necessary.

There is no need to be shy about going to specialists in this field, because the quality of life directly depends on mental health.