Mental health is as important as our overall physical health. Hong Kong’s fast-paced lifestyle can be one of the main contributors to stress1. This lifestyle also often leaves little space to care for our mental health.
Some people assume therapy isn’t worth the time, often, they are unaware of the different types of therapy and therapists that are available. Those who want help tend to ask, "What is the difference between a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a therapist and a counsellor?"
These are some of the signs that you might need to seek help:
There are lots of effective treatments for mental health issues. However, the first step is making sure you find the right person for your difficulties. Knowing the difference between a therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist and counsellor will give you an insight into what to expect from these professionals. They focus on different aspects of mental health and provide a solution with a specialised approach.
Your mental health clinic will recommend a specialist if you are unsure which one would be right for you. This may change after your initial visit as you delve deeper into the issue that is bothering you.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who help with mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, personality disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. They can prescribe medication and carry out general health checks. Their methods are usually a combination of psychotherapy and medical treatments: a medical doctor and psychologist all in one.
Psychologists are trained to treat conditions such as depression, emotional issues, behavioural difficulties and learning difficulties2. Unlike psychiatrists, psychologists do not prescribe any medication. However, they use specific therapeutic techniques to help clients with their presenting problems.
Therapists are mental health professionals qualified to help in various areas. There are several types of psychotherapy, but here we take a look at the main ones:
Counsellors are trained professionals who provide solutions strictly to personal problems6. Although they fall under the same category as psychotherapists, counsellors’ primary focus is on interpersonal and personal issues. Unlike therapists who focus on more profound changes to one’s personality, counsellors focus on a specific area of one’s life and solving problems. Some of the problems counsellors help with include addiction, marital problems, loss and grief.
Reaching out can be difficult, but the feeling of helplessness will only increase as you continue coping with an issue without the right help. There are many people that are struggling with mental wellness and are looking for support.
When seeking help, you can start by reaching out to someone you trust. This can be your GP, school counsellor, colleague or family. Mental health information hotlines in Hong Kong include:
MindWorX is the dedicated mental wellness clinic at OT&P. At MindWorX, we have a team of qualified and experienced psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical hypnotherapists, educational psychologists, mental health counsellors and behavioural therapists, offering sessions in both English and Cantonese. Our team provides a wide range of therapy services with a personal approach as there is no room for a one-size-fits-all approach to mental health.