Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist: Which Do You Need?

When seeking mental health care in the Atlanta area, understanding the difference between psychiatrists and psychologists helps you choose the right provider. While both are experts in mental health, their training and treatment approaches differ significantly.

Education and Training

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD or DO) who complete medical school plus a 4-year psychiatry residency—at least 12 years of training. Some complete additional fellowships in specialties like child psychiatry or addiction psychiatry.

Psychologists

Psychologists typically hold doctoral degrees (PhD or PsyD) requiring 4-7 years of graduate study beyond a bachelor's degree. Their training focuses heavily on research and therapeutic techniques.

Key Difference: Medication

The primary distinction: psychiatrists can prescribe medication, while psychologists in most states (including Georgia) cannot. Psychiatrists approach mental health from a medical perspective, considering how brain chemistry and other physical factors affect mental wellness.

When to See a Psychiatrist

• You're experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition affecting daily life
• You're interested in exploring medication options
• You have a family history of mental health conditions
• You need a diagnosis for conditions like ADHD, bipolar, or anxiety disorders
• Previous therapy alone hasn't been sufficient

When to See a Psychologist

• You want talk therapy to address emotional or behavioral challenges
• You're dealing with relationship issues, stress, or grief
• You want to learn coping skills and emotional regulation strategies
• You already have a psychiatrist and want additional therapy support

Many patients benefit from seeing both—a psychiatrist for medication management and a psychologist or therapist for ongoing talk therapy.