Mental Health

Psychologist vs Psychiatrist: Understanding the Key Differences

Written By

Dr. Amar Shinde

Published on: 31 May 2025 | Last Updated on: 02 Jun 2025

Psychiatrists and psychologists are often used interchangeably, but they are distinct professions with significant differences between them. While both play crucial roles in mental health care, their approach, training, and methods of treatment vary. 

This is where Jagruti Rehab steps in to address the issue. We have all the types of mental health care professionals, including psychiatrists and psychologists. The incredible team offers an integrated treatment for every patient who comes in with an issue, without them having to worry about where to go. Below, we will take a deep dive and define psychologist vs psychiatrist​ and discuss various aspects.

What Does a Psychiatrist Do?

A psychiatrist is a doctor with a degree in medicine (MBBS) and a specialisation in the form of a master's in psychiatry. It enables him/her to diagnose, treat, and prevent mental health disorders.

Key Responsibilities

Psychiatrists have a wide range of capabilities, for example:

• They can conduct psychological evaluations and find out if the condition is caused by a physiological condition. They can trace back symptoms to neurological conditions, if any.
• They can use several diagnostic tools and tests to diagnose mental health disorders.
• Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe and manage medications to manage the symptoms.
• They can offer psychotherapy or refer you to a psychologist if necessary.
• Psychiatrists often work in collaboration with other healthcare specialists to offer an integrated treatment.

Psychiatrists are what you need for conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety because critical cases require prescription medicines that only a psychiatrist can prescribe. 

What Does a Psychologist Do?

A psychologist has several degrees in psychology. A practising doctor generally has a master's and sometimes even a Ph.D. Psychologists are specialists in understanding the mind and behaviour of people and can use therapy to modify the way they think, feel, and behave.

Core Duties:

You can expect a psychologist to handle the following duties with expertise:

• Conduct psychological assessments and testing using psychological testing questionnaires and interviews.
• They conduct talk therapy of different kinds to identify the root causes of the problematic behaviour and modify them using CBT, DBT, etc., depending on the patient's requirements.
• Psychologists often track behavioural patterns in the patient.
• They help patients manage stress, anxiety, and emotional trauma using multiple ways without medicine.

Psychologists are what you need when you are stuck in life and could use some guidance. If the symptoms are not extremely critical and in the early stages, psychologists can be the best way to handle your condition.

What Are the Differences Between Psychiatrists and Psychologists?

While we have discussed most of the differences between the two, let us summarise them and present them in a tabular form for easier understanding. 

Psychiatrist vs Psychologist: Who Should I See?

This is a very important question because the professional you choose will decide the course of your treatment and its results. Let us simplify the ‘psychologist and psychiatrist difference’ for you:

• If your symptoms are severe, for example, you are experiencing hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, or aggression and need medicine to manage them immediately, visit a psychiatrist.
• Alternatively, if you are unable to handle stress, emotional challenges, anxiety, or relationship issues, consult a psychologist.

However, at Jagruti Rehab, we offer you the guidance of the right specialist after assessing you completely. It ensures perfect diagnosis and the ideal treatment for the best results under the same roof.

When Do I See a Psychiatrist or Psychologist?

After years of neglecting mental health, confusion around when to visit a psychologist vs psychiatrist for depression is normal. But seeking help at the early onset of any mental health condition makes space for better results:

When to see a Psychiatrist

Look for these signs, and you will know it's time you book an appointment with a psychiatrist:

• Sudden mood swings
• Emotional outbursts.
• Persistent sadness
• Anxiety lasting over two weeks
• Substance abuse
• Suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviour.

Need a Psychologist? Contact us to consult with the best Psychiatrist in Mumbai.

When to see a Psychologist:

Look for these signs, and you will know it's time you book an appointment with a psychologist:

• Struggling with decision-making
• Lost motivation.
• Experiencing grief, trauma, or emotional pain.
• Having trouble in relationships, personal or professional.
• Wanting to explore behavioural patterns
• Wanting to improve emotional health

At Jagruti Rehab, both professionals work together to provide comprehensive care to all our patients.  Need a Psychologist? Contact us to consult with the best Psychologist in Mumbai.

What Should I Expect During an Appointment with a Psychiatrist or Psychologist?

Visiting any doctor may feel overwhelming, and the same is true for a mental health professional as well. However, knowing what to expect can make you feel prepared and ease your anxiety to a large extent. Here is what your first few appointments may look like psychologist vs psychiatrist:

Psychiatrist Appointment:

A psychiatrist will review your medical history and assess your mental health based on your symptoms. He/she may then ask for a few tests before making a diagnosis to clear doubts. After reaching a confirmed diagnosis, the psychiatrist will discuss medication and treatment options and their side effects, if any. Psychiatrists also clear doubts and help the family and the patient feel aware and informed throughout the treatment process.

Psychologist Appointment:

An appointment with a psychologist often starts with a very comfortable and easy-going interview where the professional will ask you about your feelings, thoughts, and behaviour. After knowing the reason for your visit, they immediately start to create a case file, trying to identify the possible causes and trace back the behavioural patterns. You can expect scheduled therapy sessions as part of the treatment and a few lifestyle change suggestions.

At Jagruti Psychiatric Hospital in Mumbai, our psychiatrists and psychologists work together to ensure comprehensive and customised treatment for our patients. We also take a holistic approach to help the patients become emotionally strong, build long-term resilience against stress, and prevent relapses in the future.

How Can I Find a Psychiatrist or Psychologist?

As we know already, finding the right professional can make all the difference, but how and where? Here are a few suggestions:

• Referrals: Ask your family doctor or another health professional you know.
• Online directories: Go online and search.
• Hospitals and rehab centres: Trusted mental health centres like Jagruti Rehab are always the safest bet when looking for experienced professionals in both psychiatry and psychology.
• Word of mouth: You can also ask for recommendations from friends and family.

How Much Do Psychiatrists or Psychologists Cost?

The cost or fee of psychologist and psychiatrist can vary depending on various factors:

Factors such as geographical location and experience also influence the price.

Difference Between Psychologist and Psychiatrist Salary

One frequently asked question is the salary difference between psychologist and psychiatrist, especially if you want to enter the field.

Psychiatrists generally earn more due to their medical background, their ability to prescribe medicines and their clinical responsibilities. However, the range may differ from person to person, as, after all, it's a skill and a business. Demand and good reviews also affect the average salary of these professionals. At Jagruti Rehab, we offer internships for young professionals starting in the world of mental health care. Apply today and learn from the best.

Choosing the Right Help with Jagruti Rehab

We covered the psychologist vs psychiatrist difference in the blog to help you take the first step toward mental wellness effectively. Now you know, whether it's therapy, medication, or both, finding the right mental health professional is key.

Still wondering, psychiatrist vs psychologist who should I see? At Jagruti Rehab, we have made it simple and have both under one roof. We assess you and then create a tailored treatment program from a collaborative team consisting of both psychiatrists and psychologists. Not only does it ensure successful results, but it also shows our priority for your comfort and, most importantly, your healing. Furthermore, we take a holistic approach at Jagruti Rehab to ensure overall health and wellness for all our patients, which is essential to maintaining good mental health and recovery.

Visit us today and take that first step toward yourself.

Dr. Amar Shinde

Dr. Amar Shinde, founder of Jagruti Rehab, is a renowned psychiatrist in India with over two decades of experience in mental health, addiction recovery, and neuropsychiatry, dedicated to holistic, compassionate patient care.