When searching for help for your child’s emotional or behavioral challenges, it can be confusing to sort through a child psychologist near me or a child psychiatrist. Both work with kids, but the roles, training, and approaches to treatment are very different. In this text, we will discuss the differences between child psychologists and child psychiatrists and analyze under what situations we should visit them.
Child psychologist:
- Training and education:
These professionals must possess a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in psychology. Their training is centered on therapy, and they are skilled in understanding the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of emotional and behavioral issues.
- Technique:
The major focus area of psychologists is talk therapy, also called psychotherapy or counseling. They may use several therapeutic techniques some of which include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Play therapy
- Family therapy
- Behavioural therapy
- Interpersonal therapy
- Disorders managed:
Psychologists focus on emotional problems i.e. anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma. They also help with behavior management, social skill development, and coping skills.
- Medicine prescriptions:
Psychologists can never prescribe medications. They use therapeutic interventions to get you skills in coping and behavior enhancement tactics.
Child psychiatrist:
- Education:
These folks are medical doctors with a specialty in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental illness in kids and adolescents. After they are done graduating medical school, they get certifications in psychiatry and further specialize in child psychiatry.
- Technique:
They are allowed to carry out medical evaluations, and mental illness diagnoses and can prescribe medications. While they may also provide therapy, their focus is more on medical treatment options like medications when needed.
- Disorders managed:
Psychiatrists are particularly important when a diagnosed disorder may indicate medication, such as:
- ADHD
- Bipolar disorder
- Major depressive disorder
- Severe anxiety or panic disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Schizophrenia
- Medicine prescriptions:
They can deal with meds for all mental issues. They can recommend anti-depressants, stimulants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, etc., depending upon the severity of the condition and the disorder.
When you should visit a child psychologist:
You should go to the child psychologist in the following conditions;
- Behavioral or emotional issues: School difficulties, slight depression, social issues, anxiety, emotional regulation issues.
- You need therapy: Someone would benefit from talk therapy to build skills for coping or to better understand emotions.
- Parent-child relationship issues: They can work with the family to improve communication and dynamics.
When you should visit a child psychiatrist:
You should visit a child psychiatrist if you have;
- Severe behavior issues: If you think a kid is showing serious psychiatric symptoms like…
- Intense depression or suicidal thoughts.
- Panic attacks or severe anxiety.
- Mood swings or aggression.
- Any problems that might need medication (ADHD, severe OCD).
- Medications: If you think medications might be necessary to treat a condition (ADHD or bipolar disorder, depression), you should visit a psychiatrist.
- Determining disorder diagnosis: If they are showing signs of something that could signify a bigger psychiatric condition, one that needs a comprehensive evaluation.
Can they both work together?
Absolutely! Sometimes taking a team approach is the best course of action. They both can work together for better results. For instance, a child psychologist might be working on behavior and coping strategies while a psychiatrist gives you medications (if needed). Or a psychiatrist might determine that you need therapy with a psychologist. That’s why in some cases, the collaboration between them is an ideal way to treat disorders in children.
Psychologists and psychiatrists in Pakistan:
In Pakistan, there is a rising ratio of mental disorders in children. Also, there are a lot of child psychologists and Psychiatrists present in Pakistan who are experienced in diagnosing and treating mental disorders in children. You can find the best psychologist in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and almost every city in Pakistan. Also, the best psychiatrists are present all over Pakistan. You can also find a good psychologist or psychiatrist by searching” best psychologist near me” or “best psychiatrist near me”. You will find a list of all the experienced psychiatrists and Psychologists who can help your child. They apply different techniques and approaches to diagnose and treat your child’s disorders and try to relieve them.
Final reflections:
Opt for a psychologist if you’re seeking therapy to address behavioral or emotional issues in your child without necessarily needing medications.
Choose a psychiatrist if your child has a mental health disorder that might require medicine.
Even if you’re still unsure which way to go, discuss this with your pediatrician. That will put you in touch with the right professional.