The Role of a Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist
The terms like Psychotherapist and Psychiatrist are often used interchangeably to describe anyone who provides mental therapy services to their clients. Although, psychotherapists and psychiatrists both conduct psychotherapy and research, but there are significant differences between the two professions. The most significant difference lies between the educational backgrounds required for each profession. To become a psychotherapist one has to earn a doctoral-level degree in psychology. Psychiatrists are physicians who have undergone a specific training in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses.
To become a qualified psychiatrist, one has to attend medical school and receive an M.D degree. After finishing their medical training, these doctors are also required to complete an additional training in mental health in any specific area of interest such as geriatric psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, addictions, etc. No matter what is the difference in their medical credentials, these both specialists in the city can help anyone suffering from any sort of mental disorder or distress. These doctors are trying to create awareness about various aspects of mental health as the lack of awareness in the field of mental health has stopped many patients from seeking a timely medical help.
For past many decades, various inhibitions have been associated with mental illnesses. Due to this kind of approach, people failed to comprehend that just like any other aliment in the human body; a mental disorder too can be cured by the help of medicine and medical assistance from a qualified psychiatrist. There has been a prominent increase in mental disorders in the recent times. Nowadays, due to the awareness and better understanding about mental illnesses, the situation has changed to some extent. People, today, are more conscious regarding the complications of mental disorders and its correct treatment.
To provide relief to the patients dealing with serious psychiatric diseases like, schizophrenia, psychosis, anxiety, depression etc. an immediate medical intervention is required. Though, a psychiatrist is undoubtedly the topmost mental health professional dealing with mental disorders, but, the role of other professionals in this field also holds a lot of importance. Providing proper and effective counselling or psychotherapy services are an important part of the mental disorder treatment. A psychologist, a counsellor, a psychiatric nurse, play an effective role in providing relief to the patients of psychiatrists illnesses. In most cases of mental disorders it has been observed that chemical imbalances are the root cause of the problem.
To treat a mental problem a patient must visit a Psychiatrist. According to the nature and severity of the disorder a psychiatrist can prescribe medications or provide psychotherapy to the patient. Psychotherapy is also another effective tool that is used by the psychiatrist or psychotherapist to treat mental disorders. A clinical Psychotherapist can also provide psychotherapy in an effective way. Psychotherapy is an interpersonal process in which both the therapist and the patient try to attain the same objective; alleviating the psychological disorders. This therapy system has great importance in the field of psychological disorder and no medications are involved with this therapy system.
Dr. Sharmistha Barai, MD is a leading Child & Adolescent psychiatrist based in Saint Louis, Missouri, using her talents and expertise to treat clients for depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar and personality disorders. Dr. Sharmistha specializes in general psycho-geriatrics, child and adolescent psychiatry, drug and alcohol. She completed a MBBS degree (medical degree equivalent) at Lady Hardings Medical College, in New Delhi, India (2002). To read more, please visit here: http://sharmisthabarai.strikingly.com