Utah Psychologists, Utah Psychiatrists: Who does what?

This is a very common question for those seeking the help of Utah Psychologists.  In general, each of these disciplines function under the umbrella of mental health professionals. However, after close examination, there are some differences in education and training that can impact the type of services you will receive. The following is a brief overview of what you might expect from each practice:

• Psychiatry: Primarily deals with evaluating, diagnosing, and treating mental disorders in the form of medication.
• Psychology: The study of the mind and behavior processes of humans.
• Sociology: Examines the social behavior of humans including cultural, economic, religious, and social influences.
• Marriage and Family Therapy: The study of human behavior in the context of families, relational patterns, and systemic influence.

The type and extent of training for each of these professions varies, but as a minimum, each has a master’s level education, with the exception of a psychiatrist where a MD (Doctor of Medicine) is required, and satisfies extensive requirements which usually includes numerous hours of clinical experience.

Medication vs. Psychotherapy

The two most common methods of treating maladaptive symptoms are therapy and medication. In general, psychiatric related medications are not curative in of themselves, but may work to alleviate symptoms. Psychotherapy involves meeting with a mental health professional (including Utah Psychologists) to adjust how problematic symptoms influence one’s thought process and behavior.

The psychotherapist or mental health professional will conduct a thorough assessment. He or she will likely ask questions about any personal or family history of mental illness, the nature of symptoms, including length and severity, and any past use of alcohol or harmful substances. He or she should also ask whether the person has experienced any thoughts associated with suicide or physical harm. As needed, a treatment plan will be created and additional treatment will be explored.

Some elect to receive psychotherapy while on medication or vice-versa. One reason for doing this is to alleviate present symptoms (through medication) while at the same time working to change the presence of symptoms or the means of adapting to symptoms altogether (through psychotherapy). Studies show that psychotherapy can be used as a means of reducing medications without increasing the risk of relapse. Others prefer psychotherapy as an alternative to medication.

Psychotherapy can be helpful resource in adjusting to and treating life stressors. Leavitt Institute for Marriage and Family currently has trained mental health professionals that facilitate individual, couple, and family psychotherapy.