Learn the key differences between therapy and psychiatry, including their benefits, provider qualifications, and how to decide which is right for you. Explore how Rula can help you access therapy, psychiatry, or both, with secure video sessions and nationwide coverage.
What’s the difference between therapy and psychiatry?
- Therapy: Involves talk-based treatment with trained professionals (e.g., counselors or psychologists). It helps individuals process emotions and life challenges.
- Psychiatry: Involves medical professionals (e.g., psychiatrists or psychiatric nurse practitioners) who can prescribe medication to treat mental health conditions.
Which treatment option is right for me?
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Therapy may be suitable for:
- Mild to moderate symptoms that don’t significantly affect daily life.
- Individuals not interested in medication.
- Those needing relationship counseling or working on emotional challenges.
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Psychiatry may be necessary if:
- Symptoms are severe or disrupt daily functioning.
- Medication is a preferred treatment option.
- You’ve previously used medication or are not seeing progress with therapy alone.
Training and expertise
- Therapists: Have a master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or social work and complete supervised clinical hours.
- Psychiatric Providers: Include medical doctors (psychiatrists) or nurse practitioners who can prescribe medications and have specialized medical training in mental health.
Can therapy and psychiatry work together?
- Yes! Many people benefit from both types of care. Therapists may refer patients to psychiatric providers for medication, and vice versa if medication needs adjustment.
Using Rula for therapy or psychiatry
- Signing Up: Use Rula to find a therapist or psychiatric provider, with the option to check insurance compatibility.
- Appointments: All sessions are conducted via secure video calls.
- Age Limits: Therapy is available for those 5 and older, while psychiatric services are for ages 13 and older.
- Combining Services: Rula can help you access both therapy and psychiatric care.
Additional Rula features
- No Extra Fees: Using Rula is free, and you'll receive a cost estimate before your first session.
- Nationwide Service: Rula partners with major insurance providers to offer affordable care across the U.S.
Sign up to see a therapist or psychiatric provider with Rula
Sign up to see a therapist or sign up to see a psychiatry provider with Rula and have your first appointment as soon as tomorrow!
If you are an existing Rula therapy or psychiatry patient and would like to reschedule/cancel a visit, message your therapist, find a different therapist, or add services (such as Psychiatry, Couples Therapy, or Family Therapy), sign into the Rula patient portal to complete any of these actions!
For more information on how to determine which approach may be right for you, check out this article on the Rula blog!