If your child is struggling with
emotions or behaviors, you may be considering the help of a mental
health professional. But should your child see a psychologist or a
psychiatrist? Understanding the difference can make it easier to move
forward.
Both psychologists and psychiatrists help children
with mental, emotional and behavioral challenges. They often work
together but can also provide care separately. Here's what sets them
apart:
Hold doctoral degrees (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)
Assess emotional, behavioral and learning challenges
Provide therapy and counseling, including cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based approaches
Cannot prescribe medications (except in rare cases where state law allows it with special training)
Children may benefit from seeing a psychologist for:
Emotional or behavioral challenges (anxiety, depression, anger issues, substance use)
Difficulty with life changes (divorce, moving, loss of a loved one)
Social struggles or trouble making/keeping friends
School-related issues like poor concentration, declining grades or test anxiety
History of trauma or abuse
Hold medical degrees (M.D. or D.O.) with a specialization in psychiatry
Diagnose mental health disorders, such as ADHD, depression, anxiety and mood disorders.
Create medical and behavioral treatment plans and work in partnership with psychologists, counselors and others.
Prescribe and manage medications
Children may benefit from seeing a psychiatrist for:
Symptoms that are severe and significantly impair daily functioning
Diagnosed or suspected mental health disorders (such as ADHD, depression, anxiety and mood disorders)
Self-harm, suicidal thoughts or psychosis
Concerns when therapy alone has not been effective
Evaluation and management of psychiatric medications
If you're unsure where to begin,
your pediatrician is the first step. They can rule out medical issues,
provide guidance on whether to see a psychologist or psychiatrist and
refer you to trusted providers. Here are a few tips for getting started:
Don't wait for a crisis. Even minor concerns deserve attention. Early support can make a big difference.
Expect a parent consultation. Most providers will begin by meeting with parents to understand the child's needs.
Be
open to a team approach. Psychiatrists and psychologists often work
with pediatricians, school counselors, addiction specialists and others.
Getting
help for your child doesn't have to be stressful. Boys Town offers
integrated mental health services for kids of all ages plus counseling
for parents. Find out more at the
Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health.
531-355-1234
