Laredo, Texas
Psychiatrist vs Psychologist vs Therapist: Who Should You See in Laredo?
Four kinds of mental health professionals, four different jobs. Here is how they differ, who can prescribe in Texas, and how to decide where to start.
In short: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who diagnoses mental health conditions and can prescribe medication. A psychologist has a doctoral degree in psychology, provides therapy and psychological testing, and in Texas does not prescribe. A therapist or counselor (LPC, LCSW or LMFT) provides talk therapy. If you think you may need medication, or want a diagnosis such as ADHD evaluated by a physician, start with a psychiatrist. DaniCare Psychiatry in Laredo offers psychiatric evaluations and medication management, and therapy for some patients. Call (956) 266-8476.
- Psychiatrists are medical doctors
- Only prescribers can give medication
- Therapy and medication often work together
- Call to schedule
The short version
Can prescribe medication
- Psychiatrist (M.D. or D.O.): a medical doctor specializing in mental health
- Psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP): an advanced practice nurse; in Texas, prescribes under an agreement with a physician
Do not prescribe in Texas
- Psychologist (Ph.D. or Psy.D.): therapy and psychological testing
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC): talk therapy
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): therapy and help connecting to resources
- Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): therapy for couples and families
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a physician who completed medical school and then residency training in psychiatry. Because they are medical doctors, psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions, order or review medical tests, consider how physical health and other medications affect mood and focus, and prescribe and manage psychiatric medication.
See a psychiatrist when symptoms are strong enough that medication may help, when a condition such as ADHD, bipolar disorder or severe depression needs a physician's diagnosis, or when a medication you already take is not working well.
American Psychiatric Association: What is psychiatry?Psychiatrist in Laredo, TX
Psychologist
A psychologist has a doctoral degree in psychology. Psychologists provide therapy and are trained in psychological testing, such as detailed cognitive or learning assessments. In Texas, psychologists do not prescribe medication.
A psychologist is a good fit when you want structured therapy, or when a school or doctor asks for formal psychological or neuropsychological testing. Many people work with a psychologist for therapy and a psychiatrist for medication at the same time.
Therapist or counselor (LPC, LCSW, LMFT)
Licensed counselors, clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists provide talk therapy for stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationships and life changes. They do not prescribe medication. For many people, therapy is the right first step, and a therapist can recommend a psychiatric evaluation if symptoms need more than therapy alone.
Psychiatric nurse practitioner
A psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse with specialized training in mental health. In Texas, nurse practitioners can prescribe under a prescriptive authority agreement with a physician. They often handle evaluations and medication follow-ups.
How to decide where to start
Start with a psychiatrist if…
you think you may need medication, you want a medical doctor to evaluate ADHD, bipolar disorder or severe depression, or a current medication is causing problems.
Start with a therapist if…
you mainly want someone to talk to about stress, relationships, grief or a life change, and daily life is still mostly manageable.
Consider psychological testing if…
a school or doctor has asked for formal testing, for example for a learning difference.
Not sure?
Call (956) 266-8476. Our team can tell you whether a psychiatric evaluation makes sense for what you are dealing with.
What DaniCare Psychiatry offers in Laredo
DaniCare is a psychiatry practice. We provide psychiatric evaluations, ADHD evaluations and medication management for adults, teens and children, and some patients also receive therapy with us. If you already see a therapist or psychologist, you can keep seeing them while we manage medication. Visits are in person at Laredo Medical Center, 1700 E Saunders St, Suite B270, or by secure telehealth anywhere in Texas.
ADHD testing in LaredoAnxiety & OCD treatmentChild & teen psychiatry
Serving Laredo and South Texas
In-person visits take place at our Laredo office. Telehealth appointments are available to patients anywhere in Texas, including:
- Laredo
- Rio Bravo
- El Cenizo
- Zapata
- Hebbronville
- Anywhere in Texas
Our Laredo office
DaniCare PsychiatryLaredo Medical Center
1700 E Saunders St, Suite B270
Laredo, TX 78041-5401
Phone: (956) 266-8476
Psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist: frequently asked questions
Can a psychologist prescribe medication in Texas?
No. In Texas, psychologists do not prescribe medication. Psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners working under a physician agreement, and other physicians can prescribe.
Who can diagnose ADHD?
Several licensed professionals can evaluate ADHD, including psychiatrists and psychologists. A psychiatrist can both diagnose ADHD and, when appropriate, prescribe and manage medication. To schedule an ADHD evaluation with DaniCare, call (956) 266-8476.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist in Laredo?
No referral is needed to request an appointment with DaniCare. Some insurance plans require one for coverage, so our team checks your plan when you call.
Is it better to see a psychiatrist or a psychologist?
It depends on what you need. If medication may help, or you want a medical doctor's evaluation, see a psychiatrist. If you mainly want therapy or formal psychological testing, a psychologist is a good fit. Many people see both.
Does DaniCare offer therapy?
DaniCare focuses on psychiatric evaluation and medication management, and some patients also receive therapy with us. If you already have a therapist, you can keep seeing them while we manage medication.
What if I need help right now?
If you are in danger or having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. For thoughts of suicide or emotional distress, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 with Spanish-language support.
This page is for general information and is not a diagnosis or medical advice. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911.
