Psychiatrist v/s counsellor

A psychiatrist treats, rehabilitates and prevents a patient from developing mental illnesses. A psychiatrist usually makes uses of assessments and psychiatric diagnostic laboratory tests to diagnose mental and emotional disorders that a patient may be suffering from.

According to Dr Harish Shetty, a consulting psychiatrist at Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital states, “The disorders usually treated by psychiatrists include acute problems like depression, schizophrenia, hallucinations, chronic mental illnesses, trauma, mood, anxiety and eating disorders, substance-abuse disorders and addictions.”

Dr Shetty continues, “A counsellor on the other hand does psychological tests if he/she is qualified and counsels people for troubles like death of a dear one, relationship problems, suicidal tendencies, surviving disasters, substance abuse or sorting out problems related to one’s sexuality.”

Educational qualification

Although most people feel that roles of a counsellor and a psychiatrist overlap to some extent, it is the educational qualification and expertise they possess that sets them apart.

• A counsellor has a Masters in psychology or social work whereas a psychiatrist is a qualified doctor that treats illnesses related to mind.
• A counsellor can also make use of psychological tests for easy diagnosis.
• Also a psychiatrist is entitled to prescribe medicines to a patient whereas a counsellor treats different aspects of behaviour and mental processes. He/she essentially makes use of psychotherapy and other counselling skills to improve the patient’s emotional and mental health.

The treatment used

A psychiatrist can prescribe anti psychotics and anti depressants for illnesses and supports it with counselling if need be. Based on the condition and need of the patient, a psychiatrist usually takes a call and decides whether medicines should be prescribed. A counsellor on the other hand is not qualified to prescribe medicines.

Pic: sanja gjenero