What is the difference between the help of a psychologist and a psychiatrist
1. Profile and education
Psychologist
Higher education in the specialty "psychology" (pedagogical, clinical or organizational).
Has no right to prescribe medication.
He specializes in counseling, diagnostics and psychological techniques (CBT, gestalt, art therapy, etc.).
Psychiatrist
Doctor - graduated from a medical university, then an internship and residency in psychiatry.
Has the right to prescribe and adjust drug treatment.
Owns the diagnosis of mental disorders by MKB-10/11, assesses the need for hospitalization.
2. Working methods
3. When to see a psychologist
1. Early stage dependency. Desire to understand traction mechanisms, gain self-control skills and cope with stress.
2. Working with beliefs and motivation. Activity on automatic thoughts ("I must win"), the development of new behavior strategies.
3. Psycho- and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Mastering breathing techniques, meditation, diary keeping, role rehearsals.
4. Family counseling. Connecting loved ones to build a support system.
4. When to see a psychiatrist
1. Concomitant mental disorders. Depression, panic attacks, severe anxiety, suicide risks.
2. Ineffectiveness of psychoconsultation alone. If psychological techniques do not reduce cravings and do not normalize sleep, mood and general condition.
3. The need for medication support. When autonomic reactions (tremors, tachycardia), insomnia or severe anxiety require pharmacocorrection.
4. Risk assessment and indications for hospital treatment. The psychiatrist conducts detailed diagnostics, prescribes hospitalization for critical conditions.
5. Psychologist and psychiatrist working together
The principle of integration: the psychotherapist and the doctor exchange information (with the consent of the patient) about progress, which allows you to adjust the treatment plan.
Combination approach: Medication reduces acute attraction to play and improves sleep/mood, and a psychologist helps change thinking and behavior.
Constant monitoring: the psychiatrist is responsible for the safety of taking medications, the psychologist is responsible for completing homework and consolidating skills.
6. How to choose a specialist
1. Refine your specialization: look for a psychologist with experience with addictions or a psychiatrist who practices addictology.
2. Check qualifications: diplomas, CBT certificates (for a psychologist) or a psychiatrist's license.
3. Evaluate communication: comfort at the initial meeting, clarity of explanation of methods, willingness to listen and answer questions.
4. Compare cost and format: face-to-face/online sessions, reception frequency, emergency communication.
7. Final recommendation
Start with a psychologist if addiction is recent and there are no serious symptoms of somatic or mental disorders.
See a psychiatrist if medication support or mental health monitoring is required.
The best result is collaboration: combine psychological and medical methods under the supervision of specialists. This will give a quick and sustainable way out of dependence on online casinos.
Psychologist
Higher education in the specialty "psychology" (pedagogical, clinical or organizational).
Has no right to prescribe medication.
He specializes in counseling, diagnostics and psychological techniques (CBT, gestalt, art therapy, etc.).
Psychiatrist
Doctor - graduated from a medical university, then an internship and residency in psychiatry.
Has the right to prescribe and adjust drug treatment.
Owns the diagnosis of mental disorders by MKB-10/11, assesses the need for hospitalization.
2. Working methods
| Aspect | Psychologist | Psychiatrist |
|---|---|---|
| Main tool | Talking therapy, tests, exercises | Medications, evaluation of neurological and somatic factors |
| Techniques | Cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulnes, family arrangements, art and body-oriented practices | Pharmacotherapy (SSRIs, anxiolytics, dopamine antagonists), psychodiagnostics |
| Format | Individual and group sessions | Consultations + observation, sometimes inpatient |
3. When to see a psychologist
1. Early stage dependency. Desire to understand traction mechanisms, gain self-control skills and cope with stress.
2. Working with beliefs and motivation. Activity on automatic thoughts ("I must win"), the development of new behavior strategies.
3. Psycho- and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Mastering breathing techniques, meditation, diary keeping, role rehearsals.
4. Family counseling. Connecting loved ones to build a support system.
4. When to see a psychiatrist
1. Concomitant mental disorders. Depression, panic attacks, severe anxiety, suicide risks.
2. Ineffectiveness of psychoconsultation alone. If psychological techniques do not reduce cravings and do not normalize sleep, mood and general condition.
3. The need for medication support. When autonomic reactions (tremors, tachycardia), insomnia or severe anxiety require pharmacocorrection.
4. Risk assessment and indications for hospital treatment. The psychiatrist conducts detailed diagnostics, prescribes hospitalization for critical conditions.
5. Psychologist and psychiatrist working together
The principle of integration: the psychotherapist and the doctor exchange information (with the consent of the patient) about progress, which allows you to adjust the treatment plan.
Combination approach: Medication reduces acute attraction to play and improves sleep/mood, and a psychologist helps change thinking and behavior.
Constant monitoring: the psychiatrist is responsible for the safety of taking medications, the psychologist is responsible for completing homework and consolidating skills.
6. How to choose a specialist
1. Refine your specialization: look for a psychologist with experience with addictions or a psychiatrist who practices addictology.
2. Check qualifications: diplomas, CBT certificates (for a psychologist) or a psychiatrist's license.
3. Evaluate communication: comfort at the initial meeting, clarity of explanation of methods, willingness to listen and answer questions.
4. Compare cost and format: face-to-face/online sessions, reception frequency, emergency communication.
7. Final recommendation
Start with a psychologist if addiction is recent and there are no serious symptoms of somatic or mental disorders.
See a psychiatrist if medication support or mental health monitoring is required.
The best result is collaboration: combine psychological and medical methods under the supervision of specialists. This will give a quick and sustainable way out of dependence on online casinos.
