This Hub is intended to be a quick run through of the differences between a psychiatrist, a psychologist, and a counsellor. I decided to write it because often these professions are quite different and when deciding to go and see one of these professionals it is not difficult to be misinformed about what to expect.

Psychiatrists

Training: Before being allowed to register as a psychiatrist a person must graduate from medical school as a doctor and then complete further medical training specialising in psychiatry.

Session Structure: As a general rule psychiatrists are the most rigid in their approach to problem resolution. The focus of modern psychiatry is almost completely biologically motivated... problems such as depression, anxiety and general mental disorders are perceived as biochemical imbalances and treated with medication.

Orientation: Seeing a psychiatrist is much like seeing a doctor. Based on your symptoms you will most likely be prescribed medication to eliminate them.

Psychologists

Training: After taking a four-year bachelors degree in psychology to register as a clinical psychologist a person must complete another three years specialising in clinical psychology at Master level and an additional two years of supervised training. In some countries completion of a PhD in clinical psychology is also required prior to being allowed to register as a clinical psychologist.

Session Structure: Rather than approaching problems from a biochemical perspective psychologists are more likely to perceive them from a behavioural perspective and ask you about your present and past behaviour, your feelings, and core reason for your concerns. Psychologists have a much deeper awareness of the behavioural causes of problems than psychiatrists do, thus making sessions less rigid and often based on a personalised approach that suits you. However psychologists are not permitted to prescribe medication.

Orientation: Seeing a psychologist is usually a medium-term to long-term commitment of identifying personal obstacles and approaches to overcome them.

Counsellors

Training: To practise informally as a counsellor one does not usually require any qualification. However to practise formally as a registered counsellor a person typically has to complete two to three years of study, and 12 months of supervised training.

Session Structure: Rather than imposing a medical or behavioural model on clients, counsellors typically encourage their clients to direct the session. Through reflecting, listening, and sometimes challenging the statements that you make the counsellor is able to create an environment where you are able to rebuilt your own sense of trust and intuition. This process allows you to overcome the problems you are experiencing without relying on someone else, the responsibility remains in your hands throughout the session.

Orientation: As the client the decision of which direction to take each session in is often left in your hands, this also includes the decision of when to end the process.

Consider your goals and needs carefully prior to making a decision.

1. Median Price Per Session: Psychiatrist: $240 - Psychologist: $160 - Counsellor: $120
2. Number of Sessions: Psychiatrist: Few sessions - Psychologist: Estimated 6-18 - Counsellor: Medium to Long-Term
3. Approaches: Psychiatrist: Medical - Psychologist and Counsellor: Behavioural