Who should I see?
Choosing which type of mental health professional to see can be challenging. It all depends on your personal needs. There is a lot of overlap in the professions and in some cases it may be useful to see more than one. Our administrative team have tools in place to help you choose who to see during your initial enquiry but it may be helpful for you to know some of the differences and similarities before making your decision. The most important factor is that you find someone who has suitable training and you are comfortable with them. At Hampshire & Surrey Psychology we believe that it is vital that you have choice in your treatment path.
Psychologist
Psychologists’ training is broad-based within the NHS and lasts a minimum of six years, leading to a doctoral level qualification that enables them to assess, formulate and advise on the most appropriate treatment combinations.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medically qualified practitioner who will have spent 5-6 years training to be a doctor. They will then have worked as a doctor in general medicine and surgery for at least a year before completing at least 6 years of further training in helping people with psychological problems.
Psychotherapist
Counsellors and Psychotherapists are trained to deliver therapy and their training may vary from a few months to several years.
Psychologist
Due to the training that Psychologists undertake they are able to assess, diagnose and treat a wide variety of emotional and behavioural difficulties.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are able to help with a wide range of difficulties and usually deal with those that are most severe, complex or have a higher level of risk attached.
Psychotherapist
Psychotherapists and Counsellors usually see people who are experiencing subclinical or mild difficulties.
Psychologist
Psychologists use evidence based therapies such as; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, EMDR, Compassion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy and Mindfulness. These therapies can be used in isolation or in combination to best suit the needs of the client
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists tend to deal with the severe cases as they are able to prescribe medication and will be able to diagnose and advise on which combination of therapy and/or medication is most appropriate.
Psychotherapist
They are usually fully trained in only one approach which means that they may be less able to offer the most effective or suitable form of therapy to help in every case.
Psychologist
Psychologists can diagnose as part of a multi-disciplinary team, although in many cases this is not offered. In most cases they will develop a formulation instead.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists have specialised in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders.
Psychotherapist
Psychotherapists do not diagnose.
Psychologist
Psychologists cannot prescribe medication.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists can provide private prescriptions.
Psychotherapist
Psychotherapists cannot prescribe medication.
Psychologist
Psychologists may provide a written report on request depending on the service that they are providing and its intended use – for example an educational psychologist will be able to provide a report to access support within a school setting.
Psychiatrist
In most cases a Psychiatrist will provide a full written report following assessment outlining their diagnosis and recommendations for treatment.
Psychotherapist
Psychotherapists may be able to provide reports on request.
Psychologist
BPS, HCPC In order to use the title Clinical, Counselling or Educational Psychologist they must be registered with the Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC) and must adhere to strict guidelines.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are registered with the General Medical Council and adhere to their guidelines.
Psychotherapist
Psychotherapists are most usually registered with the BABCP and/or the UKCP and adhere to their practice guidelines.