What is the difference between psychiatry and psychotherapy and how do I know what I need?

Wondering about the difference between psychiatry and psychotherapy? You are not alone.

Our goal is to provide patient education to help clarify what you can expect from psychiatric services, which differ from therapy services in important ways. This is the first of a two part email series to help you prepare for your first appointment and to ensure we help you meet your goals

Understanding Psychiatric Services vs. Therapy

While both psychiatry and therapy are valuable mental health services, they have different focuses and approaches:

Psychiatric Services:
  • Focus on diagnosis, assessment, and medical management of mental health conditions
  • Evaluate symptoms through a medical lens
  • May include medication options as part of treatment
  • Appointments tend to be more structured and assessment-focused
  • After the Intake Appointment, sessions are shorter and occur less frequently than therapy
Therapy Services:
  • Focus on processing emotions, developing coping skills, and exploring patterns
  • Emphasize ongoing therapeutic relationship and emotional exploration
  • Appointments typically involve more open-ended conversation
  • Sessions are usually longer and occur on a regular weekly or bi-weekly basis

Our Prescribers

Nicholas Bowell
Nicholas Boswell

Clients describe Nick as steady, adaptable, and insightful.

Nicholas's therapy style is curious, personalized and nuanced.

grief
Geoffrey Fong

Geoffrey's clients describe him as attentive and dependable.

His approach is psychoeducational and empathetic.

Relationship counseling
Tim Richardson

Tim's clients describe him as a competent practicioner and listener.

Tim's approach is evidence-based, supportive, and safe.