Mental health conditions affect more than one in five adults in the United States every year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.1 If you’re one of these people and are ready to seek support for your mental health, knowing where to start can be confusing. One of the most common questions people ask is, “What’s the difference between psychiatry and psychology?” Both play vital roles in mental health treatment and understanding how they differ can help you make the right choice for your needs.
Getting the proper care at the right time can make a huge difference in your long-term well-being. At Northeast Health Services, we’re here to support you with various psychiatric services, therapy options, and holistic care tailored to your needs—all right here in Massachusetts. If you’re unsure what kind of care is best for you, we’ll help you figure it out. Together, we’ll find the path that feels right for you, rooted in your community and focused on helping you live your best life. If you’re exploring options for support, call our knowledgeable team at 508.794.8711 or contact NEHS online so you can make a confident and informed decision.
Psychiatry vs psychology: what to know
Psychiatry and psychology focus on mental health but approach diagnosis, treatment, and care differently. Each field uses a unique set of tools and training to support emotional well-being—and often combines these approaches.
Northeast Health Services expands access to high-quality mental health care in our communities. That means offering therapy and psychiatric care options under one roof, making it easier for you to get the support you need in a way that works for your life.
What is psychiatry?
Psychiatry is all about helping people manage and improve their mental health. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and offer treatments like therapy referrals, medication support, or more specialized care, depending on your needs.
These services can be beneficial if you’re dealing with ongoing challenges like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or conditions like schizophrenia. Whether you’re navigating mood changes, struggling with stress, or need extra support, psychiatry provides personalized care to help you feel better and live more fully.
At Northeast Health Services, our psychiatric providers offer medication management and interventional psychiatry services—including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy and Spravato® treatment for depression that hasn’t responded to traditional care. These innovative options are available at multiple locations throughout Massachusetts, including in-person and telehealth visits.
What is psychology?
Psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes. Licensed therapists or psychologists often deliver psychology in a clinical setting through therapy sessions. These professionals use evidence-based approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other tailored therapeutic methods to help you manage thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Therapy can be an excellent starting point for those dealing with stress, grief, or navigating life transitions. Therapy can also be an excellent resource for anyone wanting to build better coping skills, strengthen relationships, or gain more self-awareness. It’s also incredibly helpful for people living with anxiety, depression, OCD, or other mental health challenges.
At Northeast Health Services, our caring professionals are here to support you every step of the way on your mental health journey. We believe that healing is personal—and your treatment should be, too.
What are the differences between psychiatry and psychology?
Although psychiatrists and therapists both support mental health, there are several key differences between their training and focus:
- Education and credentials: Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs), while psychologists and therapists usually have advanced degrees, such as a master’s or doctorate in psychology or social work.
- Treatment methods: Psychiatrists typically focus on managing complex conditions with medication and treatment plans, while therapists specialize in talk therapy and helping people through behavioral strategies.
- Approach to care: Psychiatry emphasizes medical treatment and symptom stabilization, while psychology often centers on long-term behavioral and emotional support.
Many people benefit from both types of care. Studies show that combining therapy with medication often leads to better outcomes than either treatment alone. The American Psychological Association suggests that a combined approach of antidepressants and interpersonal psychotherapy is more effective for treating depression than relying on interpersonal psychotherapy alone.
Do you need psychological or psychiatric services?
Choosing between therapy and psychiatry—or deciding if you need both—can feel overwhelming. Here are some questions to think about as you decide what’s right for you:
- Are your symptoms starting to affect your daily life or relationships?
- Do you feel ready to try talk therapy as a first step?
- Have you done therapy before but feel like medication might help this time?
- Are you experiencing things like hallucinations, delusions, or intense mood swings?
If any of this feels familiar, reaching out to a mental health provider could be a significant step forward. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Northeast Health Services provides therapy and psychiatric services to meet you where you are and support you in building a care plan that works for your life.
How mental health care can help
Support is available—and it works. Mental health care can reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and help you build resilience over time. With the proper support, clients often feel a boost in their mood and outlook on life. Many build self-confidence, improve their communication, and strengthen their relationships. They also become more in tune with their emotions. It’s not uncommon to hear clients share how they’ve experienced less anxiety, fewer struggles with depression, and an overall sense of growth and well-being.
Connect with Northeast Health Services and get started on mental health treatment services today
Northeast Health Services offers therapy, psychiatric medication management, and innovative interventional treatments in more than 25 locations across Massachusetts. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or returning to care, we can support your journey. We are proud to be involved in local communities and to transform lives for the better.
NEHS is here to help you manage your mental health. Call us today at 508.794.8711 to learn more or schedule an appointment. If you’re ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, click here to reach out to our team of empathetic mental health care experts. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.
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