Where to Begin
Regardless of where you begin, your Geode provider can offer more guidance on the treatment plan that may work best for you after your initial evaluation.
The choice to see a therapist or psychiatric provider is ultimately dependent upon your goals and unique needs. See below to learn more about when to book with a psychiatrist, therapist, or seek advanced treatment.
What makes Geode Health different?
Accessible
Same-week appointments available, both in-person and virtually.
Affordable
In-Network with most commercial insurances as well as affordable self-pay options.
Effective
Proven care model that is expert-led, evidence-based, and tailored around you.
HOW WE HELP
Which type of provider should I see?
Geode connects you with expert psychiatry or therapy resources, or a combination of both, depending on your needs.
Psychiatry
Psychiatry providers diagnose and evaluate mental health conditions with a medical approach. These providers can manage medications and help establish care.
Talk Therapy
Talk therapy involves 1:1 support to deal with difficult emotions, situations, and past trauma, and develop healthy methods of coping and personal development.
Advanced Treatments
Geode’s local offices offer more intensive treatment options like TMS and Spravato (intranasal ketamine) for patients experiencing treatment-resistant depression.
Key Differences between Psychiatry and Talk Therapy
Treatment Approach
Psychiatry Providers:
Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs), and Physician Assistants (PAs) all work to provide the same quality mental health care.
They can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medications, manage severe symptoms, offer intensive monitoring, and treat existing medical conditions impacting your mental health.
Therapists:
Therapists provide talk therapy (psychotherapy) and use various approaches (like CBT, DBT, etc.) to help individuals address emotional and behavioral issues, aid in your personal growth, and manage mild to moderate symptoms.
Roles and Qualifications
Psychiatry Providers:
Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs), and Physician Assistants (PAs) are all licensed to assess, diagnose, treat various mental health disorders, often prescribing medications and providing psychotherapy as needed for their patients.
All members of our medical staff, including psychiatrists and advanced practice providers (nurse practitioners and physician assistants), can provide the same quality mental health care. As part of a multidisciplinary team, they provide a comprehensive treatment experience that includes medication management.
Therapists:
A therapist typically holds a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy (e.g., LCSW, LPC, PhD, PsyD).
Therapists receive specific training and certification in their chosen therapeutic approach (CBT, DBT, etc.), and they may continue their education through workshops and supervision. Therapists are licensed to provide psychotherapy and use evidence-based techniques to help clients make lasting changes.
Medication
Psychiatry:
Psychiatrists and advanced practice providers (nurse practitioners and physician assistants) are licensed to prescribe medications. They may provide prescriptions for antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, anti-anxiety medications, etc.
These providers work to monitor the effectiveness and side effects of medications.
Therapy:
Therapists cannot prescribe medications. They provide psychotherapy to complement or help manage mental health symptoms, sometimes alongside medications prescribed by a psychiatrist.
Duration and Frequency
Psychiatry:
Visits to a psychiatry provider may be less frequent, typically once every few weeks or months, primarily for medication management and check-ins.
Psychiatry providers tend to have shorter, more focused sessions. Your Geode provider will inform you of the recommended frequency to meet your treatment needs.
Therapy:
Therapy sessions are usually held weekly or biweekly to start, with most patients graduating to less frequent sessions as they meet their treatment goals. Each session with a therapist typically last 60 minutes.
Therapy may last for several months or even years, depending on your needs and goals.
In some cases, your location and insurance may be a factor
Depending on the state in which you live, you may need to see a psychiatric provider before beginning therapy. Similarly, your insurance plan may stipulate which type of mental health provider is covered or if one must be seen before another. We recommend looking into your insurance plan before making an appointment.
Get started with a psychiatrist or therapist today
Now that you have a better idea of which type of provider to see, select your option below, and get started on your mental health journey!
Frequently asked questions about therapists or psychiatrists
Choosing between a therapist and a psychiatrist often depends on the type and severity of the symptoms you’re experiencing. If your concerns are related to stress management, relationship difficulties, life transitions, or mild anxiety or depression, a therapist can help you work through these challenges with talk therapy and coping strategies. However, if you’re experiencing severe mood changes, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, or symptoms that may require medication, a psychiatrist or other psychiatric provider can assess your condition, prescribe medication if appropriate, and monitor your progress. In many cases, people benefit from a combined approach, using therapy to develop skills and strategies while receiving medication management from a psychiatric provider.
Yes. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can both diagnose and treat mental health conditions, and many are trained to provide psychotherapy alongside medication management. In some cases, psychiatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) or physician assistants (PAs) also integrate therapeutic approaches into their care. However, psychiatry appointments tend to be shorter and more focused on symptom monitoring and treatment adjustments. If you want longer, more in-depth talk therapy sessions, you may still see a separate therapist while continuing to work with your psychiatrist for medical management.
No. Therapists are licensed mental health professionals trained in counseling and psychotherapy, but they do not hold medical degrees and cannot prescribe medications. If medication may be helpful, your therapist can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner for evaluation. This collaborative approach ensures you have both emotional support through therapy and medical guidance if a prescription is part of your treatment plan.
Often, you can schedule directly with either type of provider without a referral, but this depends on your insurance coverage and your state’s regulations. Some insurance plans require that you see a psychiatric provider before beginning therapy, while others allow you to start with therapy right away. It’s best to review your insurance policy or contact your provider to understand any requirements or limitations before making an appointment.
The frequency of appointments depends on your needs and treatment goals. Psychiatry visits are generally less frequent—once every few weeks or months—because they focus on medication management and symptom monitoring. Therapy sessions are often weekly or biweekly in the beginning to help you build momentum and practice new skills, then may transition to less frequent “maintenance” visits as you make progress. Your provider will work with you to create a schedule that fits your lifestyle and supports your recovery.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider booking an initial evaluation. At Geode Health, your provider will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals to help determine whether therapy, psychiatry, or a combination would be most effective for you. This personalized approach ensures you’re connected with the right type of care from the start, and adjustments can be made over time as your needs evolve.