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Does Your Child Need a Psychologist or Psychiatrist?

If you are considering seeking help for your child struggling with emotions or behaviors, It is important to understand the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist. Both help children with their mental and behavioral health and often work together, but there are differences.

Psychologists hold a doctoral (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and typically:

  • Assess emotional, behavioral, and learning health and challenges.
  • Provide counseling or therapy based on evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Can’t prescribe medications

 

Your child may benefit from seeing a psychologist if they are experiencing:

  • Challenges such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, etc.
  • Difficulty coping with life changes such as divorce, moving, or the loss of a family member
  • A difficult time making or keeping friends
  • Difficulty concentrating at school, declining grades, or test anxiety
  • Trauma or abuse

 

Psychiatrists, on the other hand, hold medical degrees with a specialization in psychiatry (M.D or D.O) and typically:

  • Diagnose mental health disorders like ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, etc.
  • Create treatment plans and work with psychologists and counselors.
  • Prescribe and manage medications.

 

Your child may benefit from seeing a psychiatrist if they are experiencing:

  • Symptoms that may indicate a mental health disorder.
  • Symptoms that are having a negative effect on daily function.
  • Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
  • Ineffective therapy

 

If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry, it is a common problem. The first step should be your child’s primary care provider (PCP). They will be able to rule out any medical issues and provide guidance on whether a psychologist or a psychiatrist is the best choice for your child’s needs.

Important Tips for Getting Started

  1. Please don’t wait for a crisis to do something. Even minor concerns should be addressed; early support can make a huge difference in your child’s life.
  2. Prepare to have a conversation with your child’s provider to help them understand what your child needs.
  3. Be open to the idea of a team approach. Both psychologists and psychologists will work with your child’s PCP, school counselors and even other specialist if they feel that is what your child needs.