Choosing Between A Psychologist In Calgary Or A Psychiatrist To Help Manage Your Anxiety
Learn The Differences Between Psychologists And Psychiatrists
Psychologist in Calgary vs psychiatrist – When it comes time to select a MPH (mental health professional), you may have to decide between the two professions. Despite the fact that psychiatrists and psychologists are both certified professionals who have undergone rigorous training, they have several differences. Knowing these differences can help you choose between these professions when it comes time to select a counsellor.
When it comes to making the decision between seeing a registered psychologist in Calgary or a psychiatrist, it all depends on your goals. Psychiatrists focus on pharmaceutical treatment, psychotherapy and research to address mental illness. Psychologists focus on psychotherapy techniques, behavioral psychology and abnormal human behaviors. Psychiatrists are physicians that can prescribe medication for treating mental illnesses; psychologists conduct mental health treatments without prescribing medication.
Understand Your Condition’s Severity Level
There are multiple pathways to treat a person with a mental health issue. When a person is suffering from severe mental illness, a psychiatrist may recommend a treatment plan that includes prescription medications and psychotherapy.
In milder cases of mental health issues, such as generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety therapy can be done at home or in a group setting with the assistance of either a psychologist or social worker. You can now even find an online psychologist, if that is what you prefer.
When contemplating which type of mental health professional to choose, having an understanding of your condition, its severity level and what your goals for treating it are will be integral.
Listed below are common mental illnesses affecting people in North America:
- Persistent depressive disorder;
- Major depressive disorder;
- Generalized anxiety disorder;
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder;
- Bipolar disorder;
- Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD);
- Social anxiety disorder; and
- Schizophrenia.
When it comes to mental health, the severity of your condition can play a significant role in how you can treat it. A person with mild symptoms of a mental health issue may benefit more from counselling than prescription medications. Someone who is suffering from severe symptoms of anxiety and depression may need medication and possibly even hospitalization to manage their illness.
Conduct Research On Different Mental Health Professionals Near You
The first step to seeking treatment for a mental health condition should be undertaken with a visit to a primary care doctor. He or she will probably have a better understanding of both the condition and the available treatments for it than someone outside his or her field. It is worth consideration to start with your primary care doctor to understand the necessary steps to take following the diagnosis of mental illness.
Your doctor will likely prescribe medications and determine if any additional treatment options may be recommended, including psychological counselling. If your doctor suggests further treatment, knowing what type would be best can either help you understand how effective that treatment is or help you make an educated decision on where to go for help .
Both A Registered Psychologist And A Psychiatrist Can Treat Anxiety
Numerous factors may play a role in the decision-making process of whether or not you should choose a registered psychologist in Calgary or a psychiatrist; however, those factors will be different for each person. For example, if your priority is to learn and practice self-soothing techniques to help cope with your anxiety, then a psychologist would be the best fit. On the other hand, if you’re currently working with a mental health professional and need medication management, then a psychiatrist would be the best choice.
