What's the difference between a therapist and a psychiatrist?
Two different things. Knowing which you need saves a lot of time.
What's the difference between a therapist and a psychiatrist?
Two different things. Knowing which you need saves a lot of time.
Therapist
A therapist — which may also be called a counsellor, psychologist, or psychotherapist, depending on their specific training — is trained to work with people using talking-based approaches.
They help you understand your thoughts, feelings, and patterns of behaviour. They work with things like anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, trauma, stress.
Therapists do not prescribe medication.
In India, therapists typically hold a Master's or doctoral degree in psychology or a related field. Training and credential requirements vary.
MindCanopy connects you with therapists in this category.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has specialised in mental health. Because they're medical doctors, they can diagnose mental health conditions formally and, crucially, prescribe medication.
Psychiatrists typically work with more complex presentations — bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, severe depression requiring medication, ADHD where medication is being considered, and similar.
Many people see both a psychiatrist (for medication management) and a therapist (for the talking work) at the same time.
Which do you need?
If you're dealing with anxiety, depression that isn't severe, relationship difficulties, burnout, grief, life transitions, or a general sense that something isn't right — start with a therapist. That's probably where the most useful work happens.
If you're experiencing symptoms that significantly impair your daily functioning — severe depression where you're not able to function, symptoms of psychosis, or you think medication might be relevant — a psychiatrist is worth consulting.
If you're not sure, start with a therapist. They'll tell you honestly if they think a psychiatric evaluation would be useful.
A note on MindCanopy
We're a therapy platform. Our therapists are not psychiatrists and do not prescribe medication. We'll tell you clearly if we think a psychiatric consultation is relevant for you.
Still have a question?
You can also start with a free 15-minute call with a potential therapist. No commitment, no invoice.