There are a lot of options out there when it comes to seeing a behavioral health professional. You may not know where to start or what the difference is between a therapist, a psychiatrist, a physician etc. A therapist and a psychiatrist are both behavioral/mental health professionals whose area of expertise is treating psychiatric concerns. They sometimes collaborate with each other when it comes to preventing, diagnosing, and treating symptoms for the purpose of providing the most effective care. Although there are differences between their professions, it can be confusing to decide who to schedule an appointment with when you need help.

Ultimately it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider and make the decision that is best for you. There is no “wrong” place to start your journey toward better health, though some find that seeking therapy first can be most beneficial for them, these are some of the reasons:

1. Therapists are able to provide support and guidance to help you sort and manage most of life’s challenges. Seeing a therapist can be the first step when you want to start to unpack what is burdening you. With a therapist you can take a look at your symptoms and decide what the best course of treatment may be for you.
2. Therapists are trained in a variety of treatment approaches and interventions. Your initial therapy sessions may already yield positive and long-lasting results, addressing and treating your concerns without need for referral to additional services such as medication management. While it may not be needed, medication management can be an excellent option in conjunction with therapy for some.
3. Therapists have the expertise to evaluate your symptoms and find the right kind of treatment for you. Therapists are trained in various disciplines and specialized in many fields. They have a lot of options when finding the type of treatment that will be most effective for you.
4. Therapists tend to spend quality session time with you. Appointment times tend to be longer with therapists when compared to other types of behavioral health sessions. This is an important factor to consider for many.
5. Therapists can collaborate with other providers, for example if you see a psychiatrist as well. Individuals tend to be most successful if their treatment team is on the same page. If you see a number of providers your therapist will be able to collaborate with them as well with your permission.
6. Therapists can connect you to a psychiatrist, or other types of providers, who can help. Your therapist can assist you in finding other resources and providers to continue to help you work toward your recovery. For some, medication management may be needed to treat symptoms and your therapist can assist you with finding the right prescriber.
7. Some psychiatrists require a Therapist’s Referral before seeing new patients. A Therapist’s Referral may be required to indicate that initial assessment of symptoms has been performed. Some psychiatrists do prefer that their clients are already engaged in therapy before scheduling with them.
8. Therapy can be more affordable. Costs do of course vary, though many report that a therapy session is more cost effective than other medical appointments.

Seeing a mental health professional depends largely on what concerns you’re facing. If you feel you feel that you aren’t functioning at your best, it could benefit you to see a licensed therapist. To ensure you’re getting the best treatment for your psychological health, call Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines, NC. The independently contracted therapists at CCS are ready to help. Call today to schedule your first appointment.

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