Should I see a therapist or a psychiatrist?

Want talk therapy? Start with a therapist. Want a medication evaluation? Ask for a psychiatrist. Many people use both. If you are unsure, call Navi at 888-505-NAVI (6284). Navigators help you choose. This is not a diagnosis.

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

A practical way to decide (not medical advice)

Therapists and counselors focus on psychotherapy. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can discuss and prescribe medication. Some people need one; some need both.

Navi navigators ask about your goals — talk support, medication, or either — and match you to licensed providers who are accepting clients. They do not tell you what condition you have. For emergencies 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

Should I see a therapist or a psychiatrist?

Want talk therapy? Start with a therapist. Want a medication evaluation? Ask for a psychiatrist. Many people use both. If you are unsure, call Navi at 888-505-NAVI (6284). Navigators help you choose. This is not a diagnosis.

A practical way to decide (not medical advice)

Therapists and counselors focus on psychotherapy. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can discuss and prescribe medication. Some people need one; some need both.

Navi navigators ask about your goals — talk support, medication, or either — and match you to licensed providers who are accepting clients. They do not tell you what condition you have. For emergencies 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.

Should I see a therapist or a psychiatrist?

Want talk therapy? Start with a therapist. Want a medication evaluation? Ask for a psychiatrist. Many people use both. If you are unsure, call Navi at 888-505-NAVI (6284). Navigators help you choose. This is not a diagnosis.

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

A practical way to decide (not medical advice)

Therapists and counselors focus on psychotherapy. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can discuss and prescribe medication. Some people need one; some need both.

Navi navigators ask about your goals — talk support, medication, or either — and match you to licensed providers who are accepting clients. They do not tell you what condition you have. For emergencies 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.