Psychiatrist and psychologists are two types of mental health professionals. Psychiatrists attend medical school, obtain a medical degree, and complete specialty training in psychiatry; psychologists attend graduate school, obtain a Ph.D. or Psy.D. and complete specialty training in clinical psychology or another field in psychology. Both are trained under the biopsychosocial model of mental health. The primary difference is that psychiatrists are trained in medication management and therapy while psychologists have more extensive training in therapy.

The top priority I have as a psychiatrist is to work with my patients. I also strongly believe in a balanced treatment approach with my patients with equal emphasis on therapy and medication as needed with consideration of other lifestyle factors and holistic approaches.
Too often, psychiatrist are limited to solely medication management and thus a biologically reductionist practice instead of working at the top of their license. Mental health care is nuanced and intricate and I enjoy working with patients on an individualized level to help them progress towards genuine healing and well-being.

Another common question is, “how long will I have to take medication?”