What’s the difference between psychiatry and psychotherapy?

Psychiatrists are trained medical doctors who focus on prescribing and managing medication. They diagnose mental health disorders, understand biophysical components of psychiatric medication, and collaborate with psychotherapists with treatment. Most often psychiatrists do not do psychotherapy with clients, though some do.

Psychotherapists (an umbrella term for social workers, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, or psychologists) do not prescribe or manage medication. While they can diagnose mental health disorders, the focus is on treatment using behavior techniques or psycho-educational materials.

Read more: Who can prescribe medication?