Psychiatry vs. Psychology: Finding Mental Health Providers

Mental health care involves several different provider types with overlapping but distinct roles. Understanding the differences between psychiatrists and psychologists — and other mental health providers — is the first step to finding the right professional for your needs.

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD or DO) who completed medical school and a 4-year psychiatric residency. As physicians, they can prescribe medication, making them the primary provider for medication management of conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. Many psychiatrists also provide psychotherapy, though this varies by practice.

Browse psychiatry providers on DoctorDataHub to find psychiatrists registered in NPPES.

Psychologists

Psychologists typically hold a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology. They are trained primarily in psychological assessment and psychotherapy. In most states, psychologists cannot prescribe medication (with limited exceptions in a few states). Psychologists are registered in NPPES and searchable through the specialty index.

Other Mental Health Providers

Licensed counselors, licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), and marriage and family therapists (MFTs) also provide mental health services. They hold master's-level degrees and are licensed by state boards. Many are registered in NPPES. The right provider depends on what you need — medication management, therapy, or both.