About 1 in 5 Americans will have a mental illness of varying severity according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Some people consult a mental health professional to dig deeper into an issue, while others may also require medication that can help in the process. According to Psych Central, more than 577,000 mental health professionals are practicing in the country. But which type of mental health expert should you see?
Whether you’re dealing with a mental illness or just need someone to talk to, a mental health professional may be able to help. In our complete guide to psychiatry and counseling, we look into the different types of professionals and how they can help you!
Psychiatrist
This type of mental health professional might be the first one you think of when seeking help. A psychiatrist is actually a doctor who is trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. They can also help determine if there’s an underlying cause that could be contributing to the mental illness.
A large part of treatment from a psychiatrist is focused on prescribing medications, which can be especially helpful for mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder and anxiety, notes WebMD. While a psychiatrist can provide some level of counseling regarding your mental health, they may also refer you to another professional that specializes in psychotherapy.