What type of practitioner do i need?
Psychiatry — field of medicine: a medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders that have primarily mental or behavioral symptoms and with the care of people having such disorders.
Psychiatrist — M.D. treating psychiatric disorders. A doctor trained in the treatment of people with psychiatric disorders. Psychiatrists attend medical school and choose psychiatry as their specialty. Psychiatrists use their skills and knowledge to prescribe the appropriate medications.
Psychologist — a professional who studies behavior and experience, and who is licensed to provide therapeutic services. They hold a doctoral level degree. Psychologists are unable to prescribe medication. They provide psychological testing and therapy. If medication is needed they may work with a psychiatrist for the benefit of the patient.
Therapist — (psychotherapist, counselor) – a psychoanalyst or a professional from another school of psychotherapy who is trained to treat mental and emotional problems with psychological methods. Provides therapy for patients and some psychological testing. Holds a master level degree. If medication is needed they may work with a psychiatrist for the benefit of the patient.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner — a registered nurse trained in primary health care to assume some of the responsibilities once assumed only by a physician, with a specialty in psychiatry. They hold a master’s degree. At Family Psychiatry of The Woodlands they provide medication management. Nurse practitioners are supervised by Doctor’s.
Physician Assistant — Health care professional licensed or credentialed to practice medicine with physician supervision. At Family Psychiatry of The Woodlands they provide medication management.
