
08/07/2025
Confused about whether to see a psychologist or a psychiatrist? This guide breaks down training, treatments, and when to choose therapy, medication—or both. You’ll also see how LifeScape Recovery coordinates care so you don’t have to pick perfectly on day one.
Finding mental health care shouldn’t require a medical degree. Many people start searching for a “therapist” and quickly run into terms like psychologist, psychiatrist, CBT, med management, and dual diagnosis. This article translates the jargon: what each professional does, which conditions they treat best, and how therapy and medication can work together for faster, longer-lasting results. If you’re still unsure after reading, LifeScape Recovery can help you triage and match with the right clinician—then add the other as needed.
Summary
Psychologists (PhD/PsyD) specialize in assessment and evidence-based psychotherapy; they typically don’t prescribe in most states.
Learn how psychologists and psychiatrists 🧠 differ in training, treatments, therapy vs. medication, and when to see each.