Understanding the two paths to mental health care and how to choose the right one for you
Whether you are dealing with conflicts among friends, homesickness, or ongoing mental health concerns, asking for help can already feel difficult, let alone figuring out who to ask. Should you talk to a psychologist or a psychiatrist? What’s the difference? And which one is the best starting point for your needs?
Psychologists and psychiatrists are both mental health professionals, but they differ significantly in training, approach, and treatment methods. Psychologists typically hold a doctoral degree in psychology (PhD or PsyD) and focus on therapy, counseling, and behavioral interventions. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are medical doctors (M.D. or D.O.) specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
One of the main distinctions is that psychiatrists can prescribe medication as part of their treatment plan, while psychologists do not prescribe medication and instead focus on talk therapy and other non-pharmacological interventions.
| Psychologists | Psychiatrists | |
|---|---|---|
| Degree | PhD or PsyD | M.D. or D.O. |
| Can prescribe medication? | NO | YES |
| Focuses | Emotional, behavioral, and psychological issues | Mental illnesses, psychiatric disorders |
| Common issues from patients | Anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues | More chronic mental health disorders, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, severe depression |
| Treatments | Psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, consultation, etc. | Medication, sometimes talk therapy |
| Timeline | Often weekly therapy sessions | Often shorter, less frequent follow-ups on medication |
In many cases, the first signs of stress, anxiety, or mild depression do not require medication. At this stage, seeing a psychologist can be especially beneficial. Clinical psychologists help clients understand their emotions, identify the underlying causes, develop healthy coping strategies, process emotional trauma, and build resilience. The most common method they use is psychotherapy (or “talk therapy”), a structured process of exploring thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without the use of medication.
If symptoms persist, worsen, or require a formal medical diagnosis for medication, consulting a psychiatrist may be the next step. Psychiatrists treat conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and PTSD, often combining psychotherapy with medication.
If you’re unsure where to begin, starting with a psychologist is often the most practical choice. They can assess your situation and refer you to a psychiatrist if medication or additional medical evaluation is needed.
Whether you are an expat living in Italy, a student studying abroad, or a visitor experiencing unexpected stress, MedinAction offers English-speaking psychologists and psychiatrists—available both in person and via telehealth—to support your mental well-being wherever you are.
Medinaction offers both Clinical Psychologist Consultations and Psychiatrist Consultations to support your mental health needs. Book your appointment below.
About the Author: Emilia Payne
