You think you may be depressed. Over the past few weeks, you’ve been listless. You’re not eating much — and you are sleeping even less. You may not have the energy for the things you usually enjoy doing. You can’t be bothered to return the phone calls of concerned friends and family. These may be symptoms of depression.
You may also feel signs of nervousness, a sense of danger or panic, and you may struggle to think about anything other than your current worries. These may be symptoms of anxiety, and they may be holding you back and keeping you from social interaction.
Regardless if you think you may suffer from depression or anxiety, it may be time to consult a medical professional.
You might ask: “what kind of professional should I consult if I think I may have depression and/or anxiety? A psychologist or psychiatrist? And what is the difference?”
Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist
When determining what kind of healthcare provider might meet your mental health needs, it is important to understand what services and treatments each professional offers. Psychiatrists and psychologists are not the only healthcare providers that can help with anxiety disorders and depression — primary care providers, nurse practitioners and others may also be able to help.
Psychologists
According to the American Psychological Association, a clinical psychologist provides mental health care specializing in the study of behaviors and mental processes. Psychologists work with cognitive processes, emotional behavior, and help patients integrate skills to improve interaction in their personal social environments.
Psychologists can diagnose mental disorders, behavioral problems, and learning disabilities. They determine and conduct treatment through psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) to help those with depression or anxiety. During therapy sessions, psychologists work to get to the root of psychiatric conditions.
Unlike psychiatrists, psychologists do not obtain a medical degree to treat depression or an anxiety disorder. They typically earn an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree of doctor of philosophy in psychology [Ph.D.] or doctor of psychology [Psy.D.]. They cannot prescribe medication for people who seek treatment.
Many practicing psychologists complete two years of internship experience before earning their Ph.D. or Psy.D., depending on the states in which they practice.
Psychiatrists
Like psychologists, clinical psychiatrists study, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions, like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and others. In addition to psychotherapy, psychiatrists may treat the psychiatric disorder by prescribing medication. According to the American Psychiatric Association, “Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems.”
Individuals seek help from a psychiatrist for many reasons. Some may experience hidden behaviors including panic attacks, hallucinations, or thoughts of suicide. Feelings may be long-term and may never seem to lift. Some people may feel as though everyday life is distorted, and tasks are not manageable.
Psychiatrists perform a variety of treatments including talk therapy and psychosocial interventions. Treatments depend on the needs of the individual patient. Psychiatrists may perform a range of medical laboratory tests to provide an outline of a patient’s mental state.
Psychiatrists are qualified to prescribe medications, similar to how other clinicians treat high blood pressure or diabetes. The types of medications that may be administered by psychiatrists may include:
- Antidepressants.
Antidepressants may be administered for those diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions.
- Sedatives and anxiolytics.
Sedatives and anxiolytics may be prescribed to treat insomnia and anxiety.
- Antipsychotics.
Antipsychotics may be used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or psychotic symptoms.
- Mood stabilizers.
Mood stabilizers may be prescribed for those with bipolar disorder.
- Stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulant and non-stimulant medications are
commonly used to treat ADHD.
Because psychiatrists can prescribe medications, they may order the GeneSight test, whereas a psychologist would have to work with a prescribing clinician like a psychiatrist, a primary care provider, or a nurse practitioner.
How Do You Choose a Psychologist or Psychiatrist?
Choosing a Psychiatrist
Choosing a provider is an individual and personal choice. Some individuals may choose to see a psychiatrist as well as a psychologist; others may choose one or the other. You may want to talk to your primary care physician about a referral to determine which type of mental health professional you should see based on your medical history and mental illness. If a patient chooses a psychiatrist, they can review your medical record to understand the full picture.
A psychiatrist can help determine if medication treatment may help with any depressive symptoms that are significantly impacting your body and/or ability to complete daily activities. If you are already taking prescription medications for other conditions, a psychiatrist may consider drug-drug interactions as well.
What to Look for in a Psychiatrist
Those who have never visited a psychiatrist may not know how to find one that suits their specific needs. There are a few factors to keep in mind when you search for a psychiatrist:
- Your condition or concern.
Psychiatrists treat many conditions, but some specialize in areas of focus that may suit your needs. You may want to look for a psychiatrist, who may treat your conditions while matching your specific conditions and concerns.
- Which medications you may or may not need.
You may need a psychiatrist to manage medications while also providing talk therapy options.
- Credentials.
When choosing the best psychiatrist for you, you may want to consider their credentials. Do they have proper education, training, licensing and practice experience? Which areas of mental health do they specialize in? Be sure to research their treatment approaches and philosophy as well.
- Telehealth offerings. If you prefer telehealth appointments or find it difficult to schedule an in-person visit, you may want to search for a psychiatrist who offers telehealth appointments. Psychiatrists registered with GeneSight can also send a GeneSight® at Home sample collection kit directly to you to complete the GeneSight test from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Choosing a Psychologist
“Psychologists who specialize in psychotherapy and other forms of psychological treatment are highly trained professionals with expertise in the areas of human behavior, mental health assessment, diagnosis and treatment, and behavior change,” according to the American Psychological Association.
There are multiple ways in which you can find a psychologist. You can talk to your current physician, call your local psychological association, or consult a local college department of psychology for quality practitioners. Other places to search for psychologists who you feel comfortable around include community mental health centers and local churches or synagogues.
The American Psychological Association indicates that comfortability is an important component in finding a psychologist for you.
“Most psychologists agree that an important factor in determining whether or not to work with a particular psychologist, once that psychologist’s credentials and competence are established is your level of personal comfort with that psychologist,” the article states. “A good rapport with your psychologist is critical.”
It is important to note that it may take multiple appointments or sessions with several psychologists before finding the best one to suit your needs.
In an article in Forbes, Marian Margulies, PhD, a psychologist in New York City and a candidate in psychoanalysis at the Institute for Psychoanalytic Education at the NYU Medical Center said that, “If you’re not getting to the cause of the pain, you’re essentially chained to the past. Psychotherapy gets to the root.”
Margulies also noted that, “the time to start talking about feelings is as early as possible.”
Seeking therapy from either a psychiatrist or psychologist may give you the help you need to combat symptoms and struggles of depression and anxiety.
Primary Healthcare Provider
One of the best ways to seek treatment for anxiety is to talk to your primary healthcare provider, also known popularly as your primary care provider (PCP, or primary care physician).
Your primary care provider may ask you questions about your symptoms and perform a physical examination.
They may check for other health issues that could cause you to experience anxiety symptoms. These may include:
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A physical health condition, such as heart arrhythmia or thyroid problem
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Excessive use of caffeine or a substance use disorder
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Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
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Side effects from certain types of medication
If your primary care provider thinks that you might have an anxiety disorder, they will develop a treatment plan that may include medications and a referral to a mental health professional.
Psychologist
Psychologists specialize in helping people with mental health issues, such as anxiety disorders or depression.
Your primary care provider may refer you to a psychologist for an expert diagnosis if they think you might have an anxiety disorder.
You can also schedule an appointment with a psychologist directly by contacting their office.
To diagnose anxiety, a psychologist will ask you questions about your symptoms. They may ask you to complete an anxiety test.
This type of test is used to get more information about the type and severity of your symptoms, as well as the effect that your anxiety has on your life.
In most states, psychologists cannot prescribe medication for anxiety. However, a psychologist may provide psychotherapy and work with your primary care provider to ensure you can access medication to treat your symptoms.
Psychiatrist
If your primary care provider suspects that you have an anxiety disorder, they may refer you to a psychiatrist.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors that focus on diagnosing and treating mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders.
As a type of medical doctor, a psychiatrist can prescribe anxiety medication in addition to providing therapy.
Online Psychiatry Service
If you’d prefer not to talk to your primary care provider for a psychiatry referral, or if you’d like to seek care from the privacy and convenience of your own home, you can connect with a licensed psychiatry provider online using our telepsychiatry service.
Telepsychiatry allows you to virtually visit an online psychiatrist or other qualified providers for an evaluation.
If appropriate, you’ll receive a personalized treatment plan that may include medication for your anxiety symptoms.
your mental health journey starts here
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
You’ll get the best results from your appointment with your primary care provider, psychologist or psychiatrist if you’re prepared.
Before your visit, try to prepare the following information for your healthcare provider:
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A list of your anxiety symptoms, when they started and the impact they have on your life, wellbeing and ability to function.
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Specific objects, environments and/or situations that cause you to feel anxious, worried or irritable.
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Any other medical conditions with which you’ve been diagnosed, including physical and mental conditions.
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A list of prescription medications, over-the-counter medications or supplements that you currently use or have recently used.
The more information you can provide about your anxiety symptoms, lifestyle and overall health, the better equipped your healthcare provider will be to provide an accurate diagnosis.
Treatments for Anxiety
Anxiety is treatable. Depending on your symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend using medication, therapy, lifestyle changes or a combination of different techniques to control your anxiety and improve your quality of life.
Anti-Anxiety Medications
Most anxiety disorders can be treated with either medication or medication or in combination with therapy and lifestyle changes.
Several types of medication are used to treat anxiety. Based on your anxiety symptoms, needs and personal health, your healthcare provider may prescribe the following types of medication:
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Antidepressants. These medications work by changing the levels of neurotransmitters in your brain, including neurotransmitters that control your moods and feelings. They’re often effective but usually take several weeks to start working. Most antidepressants prescribed to treat anxiety belong to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
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Benzodiazepines. These medications reduce anxiety by sensitizing receptors in your brain to the effects of inhibitory neurotransmitters. They provide immediate relief from anxiety but can cause dependence and aren’t recommended for long-term use. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a benzodiazepine such as alprazolam (Xanax®), clonazepam (Klonopin®), diazepam (Valium®) or lorazepam (Ativan®) to help you treat and manage anxiety in the short term.
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Beta-blockers. These medications are generally used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Your healthcare provider may prescribe them off-label to treat some physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a rapid heartbeat or trembling. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, are often used to treat performance anxiety — a form of anxiety that can occur during speeches, auditions or other public performances.
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Buspirone. This is a medication prescribed to treat chronic anxiety. It’s less likely to cause side effects than other anti-anxiety medications, but it may not be effective for everyone.
Our guide to anxiety medications provides more information about how these medications work, their benefits, potential side effects and more.
If you’re prescribed medication for anxiety, make sure to closely follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Let your healthcare provider know as soon as possible if you have any side effects from your medication.
Some medications used to treat anxiety may cause withdrawal effects if stopped abruptly. You should always talk with your healthcare provider before adjusting your dosage or stopping your use of any anxiety medication.
Psychotherapy
Most anxiety disorders can be treated through psychotherapy, or talk therapy. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you take part in therapy, either on its own or in combination with anti-anxiety medication.
Several forms of therapy are used to treat anxiety, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy involves identifying the faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking that are causing or contributing to your anxiety, then using proven strategies to change the way that you think and behave.
Exposure therapy involves confronting the objects or situations that cause you to feel anxious in a safe, controlled environment.
You can learn more about these methods and other therapeutic techniques used to treat anxiety in our guide to therapy for anxiety.
psychiatrist-backed care, all from your couch
Self-Care and Lifestyle Changes
Your healthcare provider may recommend making certain changes to your habits and lifestyle to reduce the severity of your anxiety. These may include:
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Identifying and avoiding the situations or objects that trigger your anxiety
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Using stress management techniques to control your moods, feelings and thoughts
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Using practices such as meditation to reduce stress and increase your self-awareness
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Exercising, eating a balanced diet and taking other steps to improve your physical health
We’ve discussed these habits and how they can fit to anxiety treatment more in our full guide to calming down anxiety.
Anxiety can take a major toll on your quality of life, especially when it affects your ability to work, learn or maintain relationships.
If you think you may have an anxiety disorder, you can seek help by talking to your primary care provider or scheduling an appointment with a licensed mental health provider. Self-diagnosing yourself with anxiety is not recommended
You can also take part in a psychiatric evaluation with a licensed psychiatry provider online with our telepsychiatry service or try online therapy.
Worried about anxiety? Our free mental health resources are available to help you learn proven strategies for dealing with anxiety, depression and other common mental health conditions.
7 Sources
Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.
- Any Anxiety Disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder
- Anxiety Disorders. (2018, July). Retrieved from
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
- Hypoglycemia (Low Blood sugar). (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/medication-treatments/blood-glucose-testing-and-control/hypoglycemia
- Longo, L.P. & Johnson, B. (2000, April 1). Addiction: Part I. Benzodiazepines—Side Effects, Abuse Risk and Alternatives. American Family Physician. 61 (7), 2121-2128. Retrieved from
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0401/p2121.html
- Wilson, T.K. & Tripp, J. (2021, August 12). Buspirone. StatPearls. Retrieved from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531477/
- What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? (2017, July). Retrieved from
https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral
- What Is Exposure Therapy? (2017, July). Retrieved from
https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/exposure-therapy
