You might be wondering what the difference is. Psychotherapy vs Psychology vs Psychiatry. The short answer is that there are quite a few differences in the way that each of these professions approach their work.
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In this article, I'll explain the primary differences so that you can understand who to seek out to support you.
Let's start with psychiatry.
Psychiatrists are medically trained doctors, which means they have the ability to prescribe medication. Although psychiatrists may do some counselling, their focus is usually on patients with serious mental illnesses that require medical intervention, in the way of prescription medication or hospital admission.
Seeing a psychiatrist can be quite expensive, much like seeing any medical specialist. There is a considerable fee and there is often a long waiting list to get an appointment. You may be able to claim a portion of the fee back on Medicare or through your private health insurance.
What about psychology?
Psychologists, unlike psychiatrists, are not medically trained, but they are interested in how the brain works, how you think and how you behave. Unlike psychiatrists though, psychologists are not typically doctors and therefore, are unable to prescribe medication, admit patients into hospital or treat very serious mental illnesses. Psychologists often work within a medical framework of diagnosis and treatment and will work with clients to address symptoms. Most psychologist training doesn’t involve doing their own personal work.
You don't need a referral from your doctor to see a psychologist, but if you do speak to your general practitioner, they may prescribe you a mental health treatment plan. This means that you will be able to claim a Medicare rebate for up to ten psychology sessions per year. This can be a good way to reduce the cost of your treatment and there are a few psychologists out there who will bulk-bill you for the sessions on your mental health care plan.
And finally, psychotherapy.
Psychotherapists are not medically trained, though it is important to note that some psychiatrists and psychologists are also trained in psychotherapy. Psychotherapists cannot prescribe medication. Their focus is on working with the healing power of the relationship between therapist and client, and the latest research into neuroscience supports this approach.
Working with a psychotherapist tends to be a bit deeper and looks to what is underneath the symptoms. This means that in working with a psychotherapist, you are looking for the root cause of your issues, rather than just resolving individual problems at a conscious level. The benefit of this is, is that clients often experience more dramatic changes, as they are delving deeper into their psychological history and spending time reflecting on your situation, thoughts, feelings and actions. Work with a psychotherapist can be short or long term, depending on the client’s needs. Psychotherapists tend to work in a client centred way where the client is empowered to acknowledge their own wisdom and expertise on themselves.
Depending on whether your psychotherapist is registered as a provider with private health funds, you may or may not be eligible for rebates. I am a registered provider with Medibank, GU Health, Police Health, Doctor's Health Fund and Phoenix Health Fund. Rebates are available if you are privately insured through one of these companies. My services are claimable under the NDIS scheme if your plan includes Counselling/Psychotherapy.
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Please reach out to me. I welcome the opportunity to support you with whatever you're experiencing.