While psychotherapy and psychiatry can both be effective for managing mental illness, the two are very different from one another.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental illness with medications. Medications such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers can be used to address symptoms of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
On the other hand, psychotherapy focuses on using communication between the patient and a trained professional to help you develop the skills needed to identify and manage emotional challenges. Psychotherapy focuses on your internal thought processes, feelings, and behaviors.
In some cases, your therapist may recommend that you work with a psychiatrist in addition to ongoing psychotherapy to address both the symptoms and root causes of your mental health condition.