If you’ve been exploring mental health support options, you may be wondering: What does a psychiatrist do, and how are they different from a psychologist?
At The Three Seas Psychology, we understand this confusion is common, and we’re here to help clarify.
A Psychiatrist Is a Medical Doctor
A psychiatrist is a qualified medical doctor who has completed additional specialist training in psychiatry, the branch of medicine that focuses on mental health. This means that unlike psychologists, psychiatrists are able to:
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Diagnose mental health conditions with consideration of physical health factors
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Prescribe medication
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Offer medical advice related to your symptoms
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Monitor and manage side effects of medication
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Refer for further testing if needed
Psychologist vs Psychiatrist: What’s the Difference?
The difference between a psychologist and psychiatrist largely comes down to training and treatment focus:
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Psychologists are trained in talk therapy (e.g., CBT, ACT, Schema Therapy) and focus on thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
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Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and manage more complex mental health conditions with a biological and pharmacological focus.
In many cases, individuals benefit from a combination of both: medication prescribed by a psychiatrist, alongside therapy with a psychologist.
When Should You See a Psychiatrist?
While many people benefit from therapy alone, you may want to consider seeing a psychiatrist if:
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You’re experiencing severe or persistent symptoms like suicidal thoughts, insomnia, hallucinations, or panic attacks.
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You’ve tried therapy but haven’t seen significant improvement after several months.
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You’ve previously been prescribed medication for a mental health condition.
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You have a family history of complex or severe mental illness.
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Your mental health symptoms are accompanied by physical symptoms, like nausea or elevated blood pressure.
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Others have expressed concern about your wellbeing or changes in behaviour.
Psychiatrists can play a critical role in stabilising symptoms so that therapy becomes more effective.
What to Expect from a Psychiatrist
Modern psychiatrists typically focus on assessment, diagnosis, and medication management. However, some may also provide talk therapy or collaborate with your psychologist. During a psychiatric consultation, you can expect:
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A discussion of your mental and physical health history
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Exploration of treatment options, including medication
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Support for managing side effects
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Recommendations around lifestyle factors (diet, sleep, exercise)
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Collaboration with your GP or therapist to ensure continuity of care
Questions to Ask a Psychiatrist
Choosing the right mental health professional is important. Consider asking:
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Have you treated people with similar concerns to mine?
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Do you also offer counselling, or only medication support?
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How do you decide which medication to prescribe?
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What happens if I experience side effects or don’t respond well?
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How do you work with other providers like psychologists or GPs?
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How long do you anticipate I’ll need to stay in treatment?
Psychiatry at The Three Seas
At The Three Seas, we believe in a collaborative and holistic approach to mental health care. While Dr William Soo, our psychiatrist, is not currently accepting new clients, our team includes highly trained psychologists who can assess whether a psychiatric referral may benefit your situation.
We offer psychiatry-informed support for conditions such as:
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Anxiety and Depression
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ADHD
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Bipolar Disorder
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Trauma-Related Disorders
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Psychosis and Mood Disorders
Our psychologists can also work with your psychiatrist to ensure your care is well-integrated.
Local Psychiatric Support in Melbourne
If you are searching for a psychiatrist in Melbourne or want to understand more about the difference between a psychologist and psychiatrist, we’re here to guide you.
We also accept clients with Medicare referrals, and can help you navigate rebates and care options.
Access Care In-Person or Via Telehealth
Whether you prefer to see someone face-to-face in Melbourne or access care via Telehealth, our team is ready to support your journey to improved mental health.