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Psychiatrist vs Psychologist?

SP33Demon

SP33Demon

Lifer
I have a family member who needs an official diagnosis for their mental condition. We're pretty sure this person has a major disorder but it could be anything. The end goal is for this person to get the help they need and possibly even enrolled into state/federal programs until they're self sufficient. I'm guessing a psychiatrist is the way to go for an official diagnosis but are psychologist diagnoses taken as seriously? I have a couple of recommendations for psychologists but fear that they won't qualify when it comes to state/federal qualifications for mental disorders.
 
Also, you might wish to get them to a regular medical doctor to see if they have any physical problems contributing/causing to their illness.

-KeithP
 
Psychiatrist = a full blown medical doctor (MD).

Psychologist = a counselor = just holds a doctorate degree.
 
Zeze said:
Psychiatrist = a full blown medical doctor (MD).

Psychologist = a counselor = just holds a doctorate degree.
Click to expand...

I'm aware of this. However, I'm wondering how a diagnosis from a psychologist compares to a psychiatrist when it comes to qualifying for state (probably varies) and/or federal assistance if he did have something serious. For example, if a psychologist said the person was schizo, would this be accepted as an official condition by the social security disability? This person hasn't been able to hold down any type of permanent employment and has crazy episodes of paranoia (thinks everyone is after them/against them).
 
Psychiatrists are actual medical doctors, they can prescribe treatments. Psychologists are pretty much just therapists.
 
SP33Demon said:
I'm aware of this. However, I'm wondering how a diagnosis from a psychologist compares to a psychiatrist when it comes to qualifying for state (probably varies) and/or federal assistance if he did have something serious. For example, if a psychologist said the person was schizo, would this be accepted as an official condition by the social security disability? This person hasn't been able to hold down any type of permanent employment and has crazy episodes of paranoia (thinks everyone is after them/against them).
Click to expand...

Right.

I think this is one of those cases you really have to get off the internet and seek real advice.

I suggest you do the following:

1. Most insurance have an awesome (& free) nurse/medical hotline. They answer general questions and point you to the right way.

2. Start with your primary care physician.

3. Literally just start calling up both psychos and psychis, start with appointments.
 
A psychologist diagnosis should be fine. Some states have allowed psychologists to prescribe meds but that's usually the psychiatrists job.
 
"A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who never practices medicine and provides counseling/therapy he/she was never trained for".

Having said that, a psychologist is better equipped, trained, and educated to do behavioral and mental assessments, diagnostics, and testing for disorders. This is sufficient for Federal Aid, Medicare/Medicaid, Disability Benefits, etc. Generally, what they need is a full psyhological assessment with an Axis 5 diagnosis. This may also be accompanied by a physical or other documentation.

A psychiatrist can also provide a diagnosis, but is generally done based on interviews with the patient and prior information and assessments (generally completed by the psychologist or other mental health professionals) to provide appropriate medication and monitoring.
 
What you need is a social security lawyer. Sadly, I know way too much about this because I'm an autism advocate. Social security is particular about how they interpret any evidence. Get a good lawyer who knows how the system works.

Good luck. What state is this? Here in NJ our sainted governor has cut funding for most any help for mentally disabled.
 
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Zeze said:
Psychiatrist = a full blown medical doctor (MD).

Psychologist = a counselor = just holds a doctorate degree.
Click to expand...

thats completely inaccurate

A psychiatrist has an MD degree (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) and has chosen to specialize in the branch of medicine that focuses on mental health issues. A psychiatrist treats patients by talking with them as well as by prescribing medication (if needed).

Psychologists have one of these degrees: PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), PsyD (Doctor of Psychology), or EdD (Doctor of Education). A psychologist treats patients by talking with them but does not prescribe medication. (If medication is needed, a psychologist will refer the patient to an MD such as a psychiatrist, a family physician, or another type of MD.)

Have them See a psychologist then they will refer where needed, either into therapy or to a psychiatrist.

Most good Psychiatrists wont even see you unless its being referred through some form of Psychologist or therapist.

(source) http://drpatrick.com/faq.htm
 
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MonKENy said:
A psychiatrist in not a full blow medical doctor. They cant treat you for medical conditions any more than a surgeon can prescribe behavioral medication. They have a Psych degree with a specialization in pharmaceuticals
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a psychiatrist is an MD. they go to medical school.
 
lol @ MonKENy


OP, I agree with what others have said. Talk to your doc and see what his opinion is. its a great place to start.
 
If you want meds ====> Psychiatrist
If you want counseling ====> Psychologist

Be best if you find a group practice that incorporates both of them. There are many illnesses that need drugs and intensive group and individual therapy.

I work at a hospital that does not have psychologists and we are left incredible lacking for them.
Can't tell you how many times we have all as a group completely realized a patient needs "cognitive therapy" (a pysch favorite) and there is absolutely no one to send them to get it.
 
Both are liscensed by the state and all follow the DSM-IV which is the diagnostic bible for Pysch issues. Both would be able to diagnose the person. And they usually work very well in conjunction with each other.
 
The drug vs. no drug is the one I heard for a long time, but it doesn't make sense... So, you choose whichever depending on if you want to take drugs or not? Or do you choose if you think drugs are more effective than words? Huh?

The MD versus PhD is also weird. Right off the bat you'd have more faith in one just because he/she is a medical doctor. Both did about the same number of years of school though.
 
Yeah I was thinking that a MD would hold more weight vs a PhD. But if the two work in conjunction together (one refers to the other), then that would probably work.
 
its not about drugs vs no drugs, its not as simple as that,
A Psychologist needs to evaluate to see if its an emotional issue or a chemical issue.

Some one may have ingrained habits that cause a particular issue, other people may have something chemically off that causes something. The Psychologist will be able to tell and guide the client from there.

you guys think I talk out of my ass

this is my work

http://www.olivebranchcounseling.org/
 
MonKENy said:
its not about drugs vs no drugs, its not as simple as that,
A Psychologist needs to evaluate to see if its an emotional issue or a chemical issue.

Some one may have ingrained habits that cause a particular issue, other people may have something chemically off that causes something. The Psychologist will be able to tell and guide the client from there.

you guys think I talk out of my ass

this is my work

http://www.olivebranchcounseling.org/
Click to expand...

So do you guys refer to a psychiatrist if it's a chemical issue?
 
yeah, we have a psychiatrist we refer to regularly.

what state are you in? Depending on the state you may be better off looking for a low income service provider. State funded programs tend to be horrible.

The reason we do so well as an organization is we work low income sliding scale. We are lucky enough to have really good clinicians that care about the people coming through. Here in Cali the medi-cal/medicare programs are garbage. We usually get people in around the $30 per session fee.

With the state programs they get seen like once every few months, get meds pushed down their throats and no real help. I hate to see it happen. There are so many facilities that either run these people through a ringer or just push them around. Its hard for low income families to truly get the help they need.

Anyway if you have questions dont hesitate to PM me or email me.
 
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MonKENy said:
its not about drugs vs no drugs, its not as simple as that,
A Psychologist needs to evaluate to see if its an emotional issue or a chemical issue.

Some one may have ingrained habits that cause a particular issue, other people may have something chemically off that causes something. The Psychologist will be able to tell and guide the client from there.

you guys think I talk out of my ass

this is my work

http://www.olivebranchcounseling.org/
Click to expand...

Okay, that makes a lot more sense. Freaking internet and even a introductory book didn't explain the difference well.
 
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