When you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, mood changes, or another mental health concern, knowing where to turn for help isn’t always easy. You may wonder, “Should I see a therapist or a psychiatrist?” Or perhaps you’re considering medication management but aren’t sure what type of provider you should see.
The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
At Balance Point Wellness, our experienced mental health providers offer both therapy and medication management for children, adolescents, and adults. We have in-person locations in Hunt Valley, Bel Air, Overlea, Baltimore, and Salisbury, Maryland, as well as virtual care available statewide throughout Maryland and Delaware.
What Is a Therapist?
A therapist is a mental health professional who helps individuals work through emotional, behavioral, and relationship concerns. Therapists use different therapeutic approaches to help people understand their thoughts and emotions, develop coping strategies, improve relationships, and work toward their personal goals.
Therapy can help with a wide range of concerns, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- ADHD
- Trauma and PTSD
- Relationship concerns
- Grief and loss
- Life transitions
- Self-esteem
- Emotional regulation
- Coping with difficult experiences
Therapy does not involve prescribing medication.
What Is a Psychiatric Prescriber?
A psychiatric prescriber is a qualified mental health professional who can evaluate symptoms, discuss treatment options, prescribe medication when appropriate, and provide ongoing medication management.
Mental health prescribing professionals can have different educational and professional backgrounds. The important thing is finding a qualified provider who understands your symptoms, listens to your concerns, and can develop an individualized treatment plan.
At Balance Point Wellness, our prescribers provide personalized medication management based on each patient’s individual needs, symptoms, treatment goals, and circumstances.
Therapist vs. Psychiatrist: What’s the Difference?
The primary difference is the type of care each provider typically offers.
A therapist focuses primarily on psychotherapy and helps individuals work through thoughts, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and life challenges.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health and can evaluate mental health conditions and prescribe psychiatric medications.
Other qualified psychiatric prescribers may also provide medication management, depending on their education, training, credentials, and applicable state regulations.
Some people benefit from therapy, some from medication management, and many benefit from both.
When Should You See a Therapist?
Therapy may be a good place to start if you’re struggling with emotional, behavioral, or relationship concerns.
You may want to consider therapy if you’re experiencing:
- Persistent worry or anxiety
- Sadness or low mood
- Stress or feeling overwhelmed
- Relationship difficulties
- Grief or loss
- Difficulty managing emotions
- Problems with self-esteem
- Trauma-related concerns
- Major life changes
- Difficulty coping with everyday challenges
You don’t need to have a specific diagnosis to benefit from therapy.
Sometimes, simply feeling that you aren’t yourself or that you’re having difficulty managing everyday life is enough reason to reach out.
When Should You See a Psychiatric Prescriber?
Medication management may be worth considering when mental health symptoms are persistent, significantly affecting your daily life, or not improving enough with therapy and other strategies.
You may want to discuss medication management if you’re experiencing:
- Persistent depression
- Significant anxiety
- Panic symptoms
- Difficulty functioning at work or school
- Significant changes in mood
- ADHD symptoms affecting daily life
- Persistent sleep difficulties associated with mental health concerns
- Symptoms that interfere with relationships or daily responsibilities
- Symptoms that have not improved enough with therapy alone
A psychiatric prescriber can evaluate your symptoms and discuss whether medication may be appropriate.
Do I Need a Therapist, Psychiatrist, or Both?
You may not know which type of provider you need — and that’s okay.
Your symptoms, goals, medical history, preferences, and individual circumstances can all help determine what type of care may be appropriate.
Some people benefit from therapy alone. Others benefit from medication management. Many people benefit from a combination of therapy and medication management.
For example, someone experiencing anxiety may work with a therapist to develop coping strategies while also seeing a psychiatric prescriber to discuss medication.
At Balance Point Wellness, our team can help connect you with the appropriate type of care based on your needs.
Can You See a Therapist and Psychiatric Prescriber at the Same Time?
Yes. Therapy and medication management can be used together when clinically appropriate.
Therapy can help you understand patterns of thinking and behavior, develop coping skills, and work through emotional or life challenges.
Medication management can address symptoms when medication is clinically appropriate.
When used together, these approaches can provide different types of support and may complement one another.
What Should I Expect at My First Therapy Appointment?
Your first therapy appointment is generally an opportunity for you and your therapist to get to know each other.
Your therapist may ask about:
- What brought you to therapy
- Your current concerns
- Your mental health history
- Important life experiences
- Relationships and family
- Work or school
- Your goals for therapy
You don’t have to have everything figured out before your first appointment.
Your therapist can help you identify what you’d like to work on and determine where to begin.
What Should I Expect at My First Medication Management Appointment?
During an initial medication management appointment, your provider may ask about your current symptoms, mental health history, medications, medical history, sleep, lifestyle, and treatment goals.
Depending on your individual circumstances, your provider may discuss whether medication could be appropriate and what treatment options are available.
Medication decisions are individualized and may change over time as your provider monitors your response to treatment.
Can Therapy and Medication Management Be Done Through Telehealth?
Yes. Telehealth can make mental health care more convenient for people who prefer to meet with a provider from home.
Balance Point Wellness offers virtual mental health services statewide throughout Maryland and Delaware.
Virtual care may include therapy and medication management when clinically appropriate and available based on the provider and patient’s circumstances.
Mental Health Care at Balance Point Wellness
At Balance Point Wellness, we understand that finding the right mental health care can feel overwhelming.
Our team provides both therapy and medication management, allowing patients to access different types of mental health support within one practice.
Our in-person locations include:
- Hunt Valley
- Bel Air
- Overlea
- Baltimore
- Salisbury
We also offer virtual care statewide throughout Maryland and Delaware.
Our providers work with children, adolescents, and adults, depending on the provider’s specialty and availability.
Meet Our Team of Therapists and Prescribers
Finding the right mental health provider is an important part of your care.
At Balance Point Wellness, our experienced team provides therapy and medication management for a variety of mental health concerns.
Our providers have different areas of experience, specialties, and approaches to care, allowing us to help connect you with care that fits your individual needs.
Whether you’re looking for therapy, medication management, or both, we’re here to help you take the next step.
Meet Our Team of Therapists and Prescribers to learn more about our providers.
When Should You Reach Out for Mental Health Support?
You don’t have to wait until your symptoms become severe before seeking help.
Consider talking with a mental health professional if your symptoms are:
- Persistent
- Getting worse
- Interfering with daily responsibilities
- Affecting your relationships
- Affecting your work or school
- Interfering with sleep
- Making it difficult to enjoy life
- Becoming difficult to manage on your own
Seeking help isn’t a sign that something is wrong with you. It can be a proactive step toward understanding what you’re experiencing and finding effective ways to manage it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a therapist the same as a psychiatrist?
No. Therapists primarily provide psychotherapy, while psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health and can prescribe medication. Some people benefit from seeing both a therapist and a psychiatric prescriber.
Can a therapist prescribe medication?
Generally, therapists do not prescribe medication. Medication is prescribed and managed by qualified psychiatric or medical prescribers, depending on their credentials, scope of practice, and state regulations.
Do I need a therapist or psychiatrist?
It depends on your individual needs. Therapy may be appropriate for emotional, behavioral, relationship, or life concerns. A psychiatric prescriber may be appropriate when medication evaluation or management is being considered. Some people benefit from both.
Do I need a psychiatrist for anxiety?
Not necessarily. Many people with anxiety benefit from therapy, while others may benefit from medication management or a combination of both. A mental health professional can help determine what type of care may be appropriate.
Do I need a psychiatrist for depression?
Not necessarily. Therapy can be an effective treatment for depression, while some people may also benefit from medication. A therapist or psychiatric prescriber can help you explore your treatment options.
What is a psychiatric prescriber?
A psychiatric prescriber is a qualified mental health professional who can evaluate symptoms and provide medication management when appropriate. Different types of qualified medical professionals may provide psychiatric medication management depending on their credentials and state regulations.
Can I see a therapist and a psychiatrist at the same time?
Yes. Therapy and medication management can be used together when clinically appropriate. Your providers can address different aspects of your mental health and may coordinate care.
Does Balance Point Wellness offer therapy and medication management?
Yes. Balance Point Wellness offers both therapy and medication management for a variety of mental health concerns.
Does Balance Point Wellness offer virtual therapy?
Yes. Virtual mental health services are available statewide throughout Maryland and Delaware.
Where are Balance Point Wellness offices located?
Balance Point Wellness has in-person locations in Hunt Valley, Bel Air, Overlea, Baltimore, and Salisbury, Maryland. Virtual services are available statewide throughout Maryland and Delaware.
How quickly can I get an appointment at Balance Point Wellness?
Intakes can typically be scheduled within 24 hours, depending on provider availability.
Does Balance Point Wellness accept insurance?
Most insurance plans are accepted. Coverage can vary by plan, so patients are encouraged to contact the practice to confirm their specific benefits.
Take the First Step
You don’t have to determine whether you need a therapist, psychiatrist, or psychiatric prescriber before reaching out.
At Balance Point Wellness, our team can help connect you with the appropriate provider based on your individual needs.
We offer therapy and medication management at our in-person locations in Hunt Valley, Bel Air, Overlea, Baltimore, and Salisbury, Maryland, as well as virtual care throughout Maryland and Delaware.
Most insurance plans are accepted, and intakes can typically be scheduled within 24 hours.
To make an appointment, call 410-800-2169 or visit bpointwellness.com.
Meet Our Team of Therapists and Prescribers