Psychologist, psychiatrist or counsellor: who should I see?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor and can prescribe medication. A clinical psychologist is trained in psychological assessment and psychotherapy, and does not prescribe. A counsellor works therapeutically, through a different training route. Which one you need depends on what you are dealing with, and if you are not sure, it is a reasonable thing to ask when you make contact.

Clinical psychologist

Trained at postgraduate level in psychological assessment and psychotherapy. Works with you to understand what is maintaining a difficulty and to change it, using structured psychological approaches. Does not prescribe medication, and will refer you to a psychiatrist if medication seems worth considering.

In Malaysia, clinical psychologists are regulated under the Allied Health Professions Act 2016 and register with the Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council.

Psychiatrist

A medical doctor who has specialised in psychiatry. Can diagnose, prescribe and manage medication, and admit to hospital where that is needed. Where a difficulty is severe, or where there is a medical dimension, a psychiatrist is often the right first call. Psychiatrists and psychologists frequently work with the same person alongside each other.

Counsellor

Works therapeutically, usually with a different training route and scope. In Malaysia, registered counsellors are regulated by the Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia and carry registration numbers.

How to tell which you need

You do not have to get this right on your own. Any of the three should be able to tell you if you would be better served elsewhere. As a rough guide:

• If you are mainly wanting to understand and change a pattern (anxiety, low mood, something in how you relate to people), a clinical psychologist or counsellor is a reasonable starting point.
• If your symptoms are severe, if you are not sleeping or eating, if you are unable to function day to day, or if you are thinking about harming yourself, start with a psychiatrist or a doctor. Medication may be part of what helps, and it needs a medical assessment. If you are thinking about harming yourself, please also use the urgent numbers at the foot of this page.
• If you are not sure, ask. Describing the problem to any qualified professional will usually get you pointed to the right place.

Checking training and registration

Whoever you see, it is reasonable to ask about their training and registration. In Malaysia the titles are regulated, and a qualified professional will not mind being asked.

TBC — Serena’s own registration body and number.

When you are ready to make an appointment or have an inquiry, please contact me.

Last updated: TBC