Psychiatrist vs Psychologist vs Therapist

 What Does a Psychiatrist Do?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health. They go to medical school, complete a residency in psychiatry, and can diagnose and treat mental health conditions.

The biggest difference? Psychiatrists can prescribe medication.

If your symptoms are severe, long-lasting, or haven’t responded to therapy alone, a psychiatrist can evaluate whether medication might help. They can also order lab work, perform physical exams, and rule out medical causes for your symptoms.

You might see a psychiatrist if you:

• Need medication for depression, anxiety, ADHD, or bipolar disorder
• Want a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
• Have tried therapy but aren’t seeing results
• Experience symptoms that interfere with daily functioning
• Need someone who can coordinate with your other doctors

Psychiatrists focus primarily on diagnosis and medication management. Some also provide therapy, but many work alongside therapists as part of your treatment team.

At MindWell Psychiatric Services, Michael Kuron, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, is a psychiatric nurse practitioner, which means he has the same prescribing authority as a psychiatrist and specializes in psychiatric evaluations and medication management.

What Does a Psychologist Do?

A psychologist has a doctoral degree in psychology (PhD or PsyD). They specialize in understanding human behavior, emotions, and thought patterns.

Psychologists cannot prescribe medication in most states, including Nevada. Instead, they focus on therapy and psychological testing.

If you need a formal diagnosis for ADHD, learning disabilities, or personality disorders, a psychologist can administer detailed assessments. They’re also trained in specific therapy techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused approaches.

You might see a psychologist if you:

• Need psychological testing or a detailed assessment
• Want intensive, specialized therapy
• Prefer talk therapy without medication
• Are working through trauma, grief, or major life changes
• Need a diagnosis for school or work accommodations

Psychologists often see patients weekly for ongoing therapy sessions. They dig deep into patterns, behaviors, and underlying causes of your struggles.

What Does a Therapist Do?

“Therapist” is a broad term that covers several types of providers. This includes licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), licensed professional counselors (LPCs), and marriage and family therapists (LMFTs).

Therapists have master’s degrees and specialized training in counseling. Like psychologists, they cannot prescribe medication. But they can provide effective therapy for many mental health concerns.

Therapists are often more accessible than psychologists. They may have shorter wait times and lower session costs. Many specialize in specific areas like couples counseling, family therapy, or addiction recovery.

You might see a therapist if you:

• Need someone to talk to about stress, relationships, or life challenges
• Want regular therapy sessions at a lower cost
• Are dealing with grief, anxiety, or mild to moderate depression
• Need couples or family counseling
• Want support during a difficult transition

Therapists are a great starting point for many people. If your concerns are more complex or you need medication, they can refer you to a psychiatrist.

Psychiatrist vs Psychologist vs Therapist: Quick Comparison

Here’s how these providers stack up:

Education:

• Psychiatrist: Medical degree (MD/DO) or nurse practitioner degree (MSN/DNP)
• Psychologist: Doctoral degree (PhD/PsyD)
• Therapist: Master’s degree (MA/MS/MSW)

Can prescribe medication:

• Psychiatrist: Yes
• Psychologist: No (in most states)
• Therapist: No

Primary focus:

• Psychiatrist: Diagnosis, medication management, medical evaluation
• Psychologist: Therapy, psychological testing, behavioral treatment
• Therapist: Counseling, talk therapy, coping strategies

Best for:

• Psychiatrist: Medication needs, complex diagnoses, severe symptoms
• Psychologist: In-depth therapy, psychological testing, specialized treatment
• Therapist: General counseling, relationship issues, life transitions

How Do I Know Which Provider I Need?

Still not sure? Ask yourself these questions:

Do you think you might need medication? If yes, start with a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner. They can evaluate whether medication is appropriate and create a treatment plan.

Have you tried therapy without success? A psychiatrist can assess whether an underlying condition needs medical treatment. Sometimes therapy works better once the right medication is in place.

Do you need testing or a formal diagnosis? A psychologist can administer detailed assessments for ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, or personality disorders.

Are you dealing with relationship problems or life stress? A therapist is often the best fit for couples counseling, family issues, or working through a difficult time.

Are your symptoms severe or getting worse? Don’t wait. A psychiatric evaluation can help you understand what’s happening and what treatment options are available.

Can I See More Than One Provider?

Absolutely. Many people work with both a psychiatrist and a therapist.

Here’s how that usually works: Your psychiatrist handles your diagnosis, prescribes and monitors your medication, and checks in periodically. Your therapist meets with you weekly to work through thoughts, behaviors, and coping strategies.

This combination often produces the best results, especially for conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder.

At MindWell, we’re happy to coordinate with your therapist to make sure you’re getting complete care.

What If I’m Not Sure Where to Start?

If you’re unsure, a psychiatric evaluation is a good first step. It gives you a clear picture of what’s going on and which type of treatment will help most.

During your evaluation, your provider will:

• Review your symptoms and medical history
• Discuss how your symptoms affect daily life
• Rule out other causes for your symptoms
• Provide a diagnosis if appropriate
• Recommend a treatment plan tailored to you

From there, you’ll know whether you need medication, therapy, or both. You’ll also have a clearer sense of which providers to work with going forward.

MindWell also offers genetic testing to help find the right medication faster—so you’re not stuck in months of trial and error.

Mental Health Care in Las Vegas

At MindWell Psychiatric Services, we make it easy to get the care you need. Michael Kuron, MSN, APRN, PMHNP provides psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and ongoing support for adults dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and more.

Why patients choose MindWell:

• Same-day appointments available for cash-pay patients
• Accepts most major insurance plans
• Veteran-owned practice with a patient-first approach
• Telehealth available after initial in-person visit

Whether you need a diagnosis, medication, or just want to understand your options, we’re here to help.

Take the Next Step

Choosing between a psychiatrist vs psychologist vs therapist doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re struggling with your mental health and think medication might help, a psychiatric provider is a smart place to start.

Contact MindWell Psychiatric Services to schedule your evaluation today. We’ll help you figure out exactly what you need—and create a plan to help you feel better.