Psychiatrist vs psychologist: what's the difference?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor first. They complete a medical degree, work as a doctor in hospitals, then undertake several further years of specialist training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. Because they are doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe medication and consider your physical health alongside your mental health.

A psychologist studies human behaviour and mental processes at university - typically six years of study and supervised practice - and registers with the Psychology Board of Australia. Psychologists are not medical doctors and do not prescribe medication; their expertise is in structured talking therapy and psychological assessment.

Psychiatrists assess and diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and manage medication, and treat complex or persistent presentations - conditions that are severe, have not responded to other treatment, or involve medication decisions. They can combine medication with therapy, and can arrange hospital admission if it is ever needed.

Psychologists provide talking therapy: structured, evidence-based sessions that help you understand patterns, build skills, and work through stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship difficulties. Psychologists also carry out psychological assessments.

As a general guide: if the question is diagnosis, medication, or a condition that is complex or has persisted despite treatment, that is a psychiatrist's work. If the goal is talking therapy for stress, anxiety, low mood, trauma, or relationships, that is a psychologist's work.

It is not either-or. Many people benefit from both - a psychiatrist overseeing diagnosis and medication while a psychologist provides regular therapy - and the two roles complement each other. If you are unsure, your GP is the right person to help you decide, and our frequently asked questions cover the common scenarios.

The referral paths differ. To see a psychiatrist with a Medicare rebate you need a valid GP referral, which lasts 12 months. To see a psychologist with a rebate you need a GP referral together with a Mental Health Treatment Plan; under the Better Access initiative, Medicare rebates cover up to 10 individual psychology sessions each calendar year, with your GP reviewing the plan along the way.

Either way, start with your GP. Fees and rebates for every consultation are listed on the Helios Medical Rooms fees page.

At Helios Psych the two roles work alongside each other. Dr Dhanushka De Silva is a psychiatrist providing assessment, diagnosis, and medication management for adults. Jeremy Maksour is a registered psychologist providing structured talking therapy for adults. You can read more about both clinicians and how we work, or about seeing a psychiatrist in Wollongong, including telehealth across NSW.