Psychologist or Psychiatrist? How to Choose the Right Mental Healthcare for Your Child

​​​​If your child is struggling with emotions or behaviors, you may be considering the help of a mental health professional. But should your child see a psychologist or a psychiatrist? Understanding the difference can make it easier to move forward.

Both psychologists and psychiatrists help children with mental, emotional and behavioral challenges. They often work together but can also provide care separately. Here's what sets them apart:

Psychologists

• Hold doctoral degrees (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)
• Assess emotional, behavioral and learning challenges
• Provide therapy and counseling, including cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based approaches
• Cannot prescribe medications (except in rare cases where state law allows it with special training)

Children may benefit from seeing a psychologist for:

• Emotional or behavioral challenges (anxiety, depression, anger issues, substance use)
• Difficulty with life changes (divorce, moving, loss of a loved one)
• Social struggles or trouble making/keeping friends
• School-related issues like poor concentration, declining grades or test anxiety
• History of trauma or abuse

Psychiatrists

• Hold medical degrees (M.D. or D.O.) with a specialization in psychiatry
• Diagnose mental health disorders, such as ADHD, depression, anxiety and mood disorders.
• Create medical and behavioral treatment plans and work in partnership with psychologists, counselors and others.
• Prescribe and manage medications

Children may benefit from seeing a psychiatrist for:

• ​Symptoms that are severe and significantly impair daily functioning
• Diagnosed or suspected mental health disorders (such as ADHD, depression, anxiety and mood disorders)
• Self-harm, suicidal thoughts or psychosis
• Concerns when therapy alone has not been effective
• Evaluation and management of psychiatric medications

Getting Started
If you're unsure where to begin, your pediatrician is the first step. They can rule out medical issues, provide guidance on whether to see a psychologist or psychiatrist and refer you to trusted providers. Here are a few tips for getting started:

1. Don't wait for a crisis. Even minor concerns deserve attention. Early support can make a big difference.
2. Expect a parent consultation. Most providers will begin by meeting with parents to understand the child's needs.
3. Be open to a team approach. Psychiatrists and psychologists often work with pediatricians, school counselors, addiction specialists and others.

Getting help for your child doesn't have to be stressful. Boys Town offers integrated mental health services for kids of all ages plus counseling for parents. Find out more at the Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health.​