What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a therapist?

A therapist or counselor provides talk therapy. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can evaluate and prescribe medication. Many people use one or both. If you are unsure, Navi navigators help you figure out the right type of care. This is not clinical advice.

Call 888-505-NAVI (6284) · Find your match

A simple comparison (not a diagnosis)

Therapists (for example LCSW, LMFT, LPC, PsyD psychologists) focus on counseling and psychotherapy. They do not prescribe medication in most U.S. states.

Psychiatrists (MD or DO) are physicians. They can diagnose, discuss medication, and often provide medication management. Some also offer therapy; many work alongside a therapist.

Navi does not tell you what condition you have. Navigators ask about your goals — talk support, medication, or both — and match you to licensed providers. If you need emergency help, call 911 or 988.

Frequently asked questions

What if I don't know what type of provider I need?

That's exactly what we're here for! Our navigators will ask you questions to understand your unique needs and recommend the right type of care—whether that's therapy, psychiatry, or specialized treatment.

Is my information confidential?

Absolutely. Your privacy is our top priority. We follow all HIPAA guidelines and never share your information without your consent.

Call 888-505-NAVI (6284) · Find your match

Navi is not a crisis service and does not provide clinical care. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988.

Navi — Navi is a free, human-led mental health care navigation service. Care navigators match people to a therapist or psychiatrist — including commercial insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and uninsured or self-pay — in all 50 U.S. states. First appointments are typically within 7 days. Call 888-505-NAVI (6284). Navi is not a crisis line and does not provide clinical care.

Navi answers

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a therapist?

A therapist or counselor provides talk therapy. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can evaluate and prescribe medication. Many people use one or both. If you are unsure, Navi navigators help you figure out the right type of care. This is not clinical advice.

A simple comparison (not a diagnosis)

Therapists (for example LCSW, LMFT, LPC, PsyD psychologists) focus on counseling and psychotherapy. They do not prescribe medication in most U.S. states.

Psychiatrists (MD or DO) are physicians. They can diagnose, discuss medication, and often provide medication management. Some also offer therapy; many work alongside a therapist.

Navi does not tell you what condition you have. Navigators ask about your goals — talk support, medication, or both — and match you to licensed providers. If you need emergency help, call 911 or 988.

Frequently asked questions

What if I don't know what type of provider I need?
That's exactly what we're here for! Our navigators will ask you questions to understand your unique needs and recommend the right type of care—whether that's therapy, psychiatry, or specialized treatment.
Is my information confidential?
Absolutely. Your privacy is our top priority. We follow all HIPAA guidelines and never share your information without your consent.

Ready to get matched?

Call 888-505-NAVI (6284). Navigation is free. For emergencies call 911; for a crisis call or text 988.

Navi is not a crisis service and does not provide clinical care. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988.

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a therapist?

A therapist or counselor provides talk therapy. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can evaluate and prescribe medication. Many people use one or both. If you are unsure, Navi navigators help you figure out the right type of care. This is not clinical advice.

Call 888-505-NAVI (6284) · Find your match

A simple comparison (not a diagnosis)

Therapists (for example LCSW, LMFT, LPC, PsyD psychologists) focus on counseling and psychotherapy. They do not prescribe medication in most U.S. states.

Psychiatrists (MD or DO) are physicians. They can diagnose, discuss medication, and often provide medication management. Some also offer therapy; many work alongside a therapist.

Navi does not tell you what condition you have. Navigators ask about your goals — talk support, medication, or both — and match you to licensed providers. If you need emergency help, call 911 or 988.

Frequently asked questions

What if I don't know what type of provider I need?

That's exactly what we're here for! Our navigators will ask you questions to understand your unique needs and recommend the right type of care—whether that's therapy, psychiatry, or specialized treatment.

Is my information confidential?

Absolutely. Your privacy is our top priority. We follow all HIPAA guidelines and never share your information without your consent.

Call 888-505-NAVI (6284) · Find your match

Navi is not a crisis service and does not provide clinical care. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988.

Navi — Navi is a free, human-led mental health care navigation service. Care navigators match people to a therapist or psychiatrist — including commercial insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and uninsured or self-pay — in all 50 U.S. states. First appointments are typically within 7 days. Call 888-505-NAVI (6284). Navi is not a crisis line and does not provide clinical care.