Guides
Psychologist, Counselor or Psychiatrist: Who Should You See?
All three help with mental health, but they are trained differently and do different work. Here is how to tell which one you need first.
The short answer
If you want to talk through what is going on and learn to handle it differently, start with therapy, from a psychologist, counselor or marriage and family therapist. If you need answers about ADHD, autism, learning or memory, you want psychological testing. If you think medication may help, you want a psychiatric provider.
Who does what
- Licensed Psychologist
- Doctorate in psychology. Therapy and psychological testing. Examples: Dr. Kiran Mishra, Dr. Jenna Turner, Dr. Renata Nero
- Licensed Psychological Associate
- Master's degree. Testing and therapy under Texas psychology rules. Examples: Gloria Ntela (testing) and Diana Cantu (therapy)
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- Master's degree and counseling license. LPC-S means approved to supervise. Examples: Maggie Johnson, Kamau Richard, Torresy Smith
- LPC Associate
- Finished school, completing supervised hours. Examples: Naim Karabanoff, Nikki Holmes
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- Trained in couples and family systems. Example: Michelle Mitchell
- Psychiatrist and psychiatric nurse practitioner
- Evaluate and prescribe medication. Dr. Richard P. Diaz, DNP, PMHNP. Dr. Vikram Mehra, MD, is the collaborating physician with Dr. Diaz and does not see clients.
- Psychometrician
- Administers tests under a psychologist's supervision. Example: Shelby Taylor
When to start with therapy
Stress, anxiety, low mood, grief, relationship strain, parenting, and life changes usually start with therapy. Many people improve without medication, and a therapist can tell you if an evaluation or a medication consult would help.
When to start with testing
If the question is what is going on, such as whether a child's school struggles are ADHD, a learning difference or anxiety, a psychological evaluation gives a clear answer and written recommendations. Our testing is private pay.
When to start with a prescriber
If symptoms are severe, have not improved with therapy, or you already take psychiatric medication and need ongoing care, start with a psychiatric evaluation. Medication management here is by telehealth anywhere in Texas and works best alongside therapy.
Why one practice helps
When these professionals work in the same practice, a counselor who suspects ADHD can refer you to the testing team, and a prescriber can check in with your therapist before changing a dose, with your written permission.
Common questions
Can a psychologist prescribe medication?
Not in Texas. Our psychiatrist and psychiatric nurse practitioner prescribe.
Is a PhD therapist better than a counselor?
Not necessarily. For therapy, focus and fit usually matter more than degree.
Who does ADHD testing here?
Dr. Jenna Turner and Gloria Ntela, with Shelby Taylor for memory testing.
Not sure where to start?
Call or text 832-876-3232 and we will point you to the right person, or request an appointment online.