Who is who and what do they do?
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a bit like a doctor who specialises in mental health. they are trained to look at mental health first and foremost from a medical and biological perspective. Psychiatrists will often focus on medical interventions such as the use of anti depressant tablets for the treatment of depression, as these tablets are designed to alter chemical and biological factors associated with the condition.
Psychologist
Psychology is the study of the way people think, behave and interact. A psychologist will be learned in the science of psychology and will use this knowledge to inform their practice and interventions. Some psychologists will work solely in the area of research, whereas others will work with individuals to treat mental health conditions using psychotherapeutic techniques.
Psychotherapist
Utilise talking therapies in order to treat a variety of conditions. A psychotherapist will be a person trained in a specific psychotherapeutic approach such as psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy or emdr amongst others.
Counsellor
A term often used interchangeably with psychotherapist.
Shrink
A colloquial term used for any of the professionals described above.