Title: Doctors Who Treat Mental Illness
Headings: Doctors Who Treat Mental Illness
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Doctors Who Treat Mental Illness
In this Article
Primary Care Doctors
Psychologists
Psychiatrists
Psychoanalysts
Holistic Doctors

Content: Psychologists
They usually have doctoral degrees (PhD or PsyD) and are trained to provide professional counseling on psychological and emotional issues. They may specialize in areas such as marriage counseling, relaxation therapy, stress management, or sex therapy. Psychologists don't have medical training, so they're not allowed to prescribe medications -- except in certain states where the legislature has given them prescribing privileges. Psychiatrists
These professionals are medical doctors who specialize in the treatment of mental, emotional, or behavioral problems. A psychiatrist can prescribe medications. They may hold therapy sessions or work with non-medical therapists to treat you. Psychoanalysts
They can be psychiatrists, psychologists, or social workers by training. These professionals follow Sigmund Freud's theories and other more modern theories that are based on the idea that painful childhood memories in your unconscious mind are the cause of emotional troubles. Continued
Psychoanalysts use talk therapy and may recommend medications, too. These can be prescribed by the therapist if they're a psychiatrist or by another doctor.