Psychologist or Psychiatrist?

[MrsTorrance]

Looking for a therapist, but wondering if I should be looking for a psychiatrist over a psychologist. Any input would be greatly appreciated. (Didn't really find a post that answered this question)

Thanks,
MrsT

[Ann D Bluebird]

Psychologist study psychology, Psychiatrists try to do something about psychological problems.....whether you (or indeed I) have one of them only we can say ('though we may give them their reasons for thinking whatever they think !!).

If you think you need their help there's no harm in asking, I guess! :2c:

[Hope]

You want a psychologist.

A psychologist is a person who has obtained a doctorate (Ph.D or a PsyD) in the field of psychology and is (as you might imagine) specially trained to understand and treat psychological issues. Generally a psychologist will have spent between 3 and 7 years or more studying psychology and the various diagnostic and treatment methods associated with the science. A psychologist generally cannot prescribe medication. As a result of their extensive psychological training and experience, psychologists tend to deal with patients who's issues are more experiential and emotional in origin. Generally we are talking about people with PTSD, depression, stress and coping issues, those who act out, people with family of origin issues, and those who are simply trying to better understand and control their own motivations.

A psychiatrist is, in contrast, a person who has obtained a doctorate (MD) in the field of medicine, and is trained broadly in all aspects of medicine and various physical disorders, including internal medicine, minor surgery, anatomy and pharmacology. Generally a Psychiatrist will have spent 7-8 years studying medicine before spending an additional year or two doing a psychiatry residency. As a result of their medical backgrounds Psychiatrists generally work with patients who's mental issues are rooted in physical or chemical disorders and spend a lot of time managing a patience symptoms through the application of appropriate psychoactive medication. Generally we are talking about People with bi-polar disorders, schizophrenics, drug abusers, or those who have experienced some physical brain injury that is not otherwise treatable.

Both are highly trained and qualified individuals, and both have their role to play in the health care world. You however want to see a psychologist. Without question or hesitation.

[luvSophia]

As Hope said, if it is a choice of one or the other I would be looking for a psychiatrist. But, from what I have seen, most therapists are neither. Mine is an LCSW (licensed clinical social worker) who has been trained and specializes in gender issues.

[Jonianne]

In general, Psychologists primarly treat people with cognitive or talk therapy while Psychiatrists tend to use medications. If a Psychologist thinks you also need meds, she will refer you to a Dr. or Psychiatrist she works with, to get the meds perscribed. If you do get a LCSW, try to get one that is very experienced and is working her way to becoming a Psychologist.

[Kaitlyn Michele]

you mean psychologist right Sophia?

I agree...and hopefully you will not be the first transgender patient for that therapist..otherwise you will be teaching them...

[tamarav]

Any psychology trained person with a Master's degree can work as a "Therapist". Sifting through the degrees as a method of finding one to assist you is like trying to pick a car based on it's color. Any therapist worth their salt with colloborate with a Nurse Practitioner, Physician or PA that can write prescriptions for your particular medical support.

Do your research and find any therapist that deals with gender issues and their support structure will make sure the follow-through will be in place.

Years ago just out of college with a Masters in Psychology, I worked as a marriage counselor when my own marriage was failing. I was the blind obviously trying to lead the blind. One of my co-therapists decided to take up gender issues because there were no other gender therapists in our area in Colorado. She spent about a year researching the field and working with recognized gender therapists before she felt confident to counsel people on this issue.

In the end she practiced as a therapist that specialized in gender issues and had many referrals from the MDs and PhDs that worked the periphery of the issue.

What I am trying to say is that any person that has the knowledge and the legal ability to get licensed as a therapist and knows the issues can be of great assistance. I seem to know lots of MDs who don't know much at all about gender issues but they are happy to learn as they go, dealing with any patient that walks through the door.

[Frances]

It does not matter as long as the person specializes in gender incongruity and does not try to "cure" you. The head of the gender clinic that helped me, the Montreal General Hospital, is a psychiatrist. Since I was seen a sexologist working with them, my report (or letters) for the surgeon were obtained from a single source, but signed by two people: my therapist and the psychiatrist in charge.

[Mariah]

I have both ^^ works great for me.


Mariah

[luvSophia]

you mean psychologist right Sophia?...
Oops, yes, psychologist. it was 3:00 in the morning, I'd barely had time to get the coffee going.

[FlakeGirl]

Oops, yes, psychologist. it was 3:00 in the morning, I'd barely had time to get the coffee going.

well, as long as she accidentally doesn't end up at a Proctologist it should all be well in the end. :P

93,
FlakeGirl

[MrsTorrance]

:D Thank you so much for the thorough responses. You've all been such a great help.

I've decided to use a psychologist. Funny thing, as soon as I knew what I wanted, I found a therapist who deals with gender issues and is only a few miles away from my home. I'm eager to meet with her and hopefully get things sorted out.

Thanks again,
MrsT

[Stephenie S]

I pretty much agree with Hope. However, I think that the most important issue is whether or not the clinician is a trained and experienced GENDER therapist.

Stephie

[Schatten Lupus]

I would go to a psychologist. A psychologist is almost aways has a Ph.D. or Psy.D., sometimes but rarely a Masters, and they specialize in the study of behavior and mental processes. As far as hormones go, in some states psychologist can write prescriptions, but I don't know what kind of prescriptions. I'm guessing the more common ones like Prozac would be ones they can write for.
A psychatrist on the other hand is essentially a mind doctor, and are schooled in the medical field. While a psychiatrist might be able to write a script for hormones, you will have to go to a doctor anyways for blood tests, and since psychiatrist can be more expensive and less available, a psychologist will likely be the best route. Especially since they are trained more in the areas of counceling and therapy.

[Stephenie S]

No sweetie, psychologists can NOT write prescriptions. Only an MD can do that. Psychiatrists are MDs who specialize in psychiatric medicine. There is a great deal of training involved in either field, and I continue to maintain that by far the most important factor is the clinician's TRAINING in gender issues.

Stephie

[Schatten Lupus]

No sweetie, psychologists can NOT write prescriptions. Only an MD can do that. Psychiatrists are MDs who specialize in psychiatric medicine. There is a great deal of training involved in either field, and I continue to maintain that by far the most important factor is the clinician's TRAINING in gender issues.

Stephie
In some states, yes they can. Last I knew, at least Louisiana and New Mexico allow it, and Florida was at least considering it.

[Stephenie S]

Nope. Can't do it. Only medical doctors may write prescriptions.

Now, that's not EXACTLY true. An advanced practitioner can work under the license of a medical doctor. Physician's Assistants and Nurse Practitioners both routinely write prescriptions. But the medical doctor must, in theory at least, co-sign the prescription. I find that this does not always happen. In the same manner, psychologists working with a medical doctor may write prescriptions. They require additional training and licensing, however, and are known as "Medical Psychologists".

Both Louisiana and New Mexico require close collaboration between an medical doctor and a psychologist before they allow a psychologist to write a prescription. This may change soon, although I do not think it should. But that's JMHO.

In general, the inability to write a prescription separates psychologists from psychiatrists. A psychiatrist is a DOCTOR first. Almost anyone may call him/herself a psychologist.

Stephie

[tamarav]

My Nurse Practitioner wife writes all levels of prescriptions. Most states now allow this but some still need a MD to colloborate with.

[Stephenie S]

Incorrect information. Deleted.

Stephie

[tamarav]

Stephanie, I don't know where you live but here all Nurse Practitioners are legally capable of writing any prescriptions. They own their own clinics and act autonomously. They have no MD involvement whatsoever. Don't rely on old information and try to tell others that it is reality.

31 states now allow Nurse Practitioners to write their own prescriptions. They have their own DEA number to write all levels of narcotics.

[Stephenie S]

You are right. I don't know how that post got "posted". It's wrong. I thought I was posting that I agreed with you. I researched this, wrote a post agreeing with you, and instead, posted THAT one. It's incorrect and shouldn't have been posted. Sorry.

However, in all the states I have worked in, including Vermont, where I work now, it is true.

So that post was incorrect and you were right to point that out. Maybe I can delete it?

Stephie

[Schatten Lupus]

Nope. Can't do it. Only medical doctors may write prescriptions.
I don't remember if it's federal or just Indiana, but physicians assistants can also write prescriptions, with the ability to write scripts for narcotics being at the descrection of the hospital/docotrs office. This I do know because my sister is a physicians assistant.

[Stephenie S]

I don't remember if it's federal or just Indiana, but physicians assistants can also write prescriptions, with the ability to write scripts for narcotics being at the descrection of the hospital/docotrs office. This I do know because my sister is a physicians assistant.

Finnish reading my post.