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Bailey
Student
Maywood, NE
1
Question
Asked
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What is the better career?
What would be the steps for becoming a mental health therapist? What would be the steps for becoming a psychiatrist? Which is the better career to follow? I'm not sure which I want to go to.
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7 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Bailey!
Ohhh, I love that you're even thinking about stepping into the mental health world — that's already such a beautiful calling. Honestly, both paths you're considering could be life-changing for so many people.
By the way, Diana gave such solid advice — both careers are absolutely in demand, and the world needs more people like you stepping up. The main difference is really how you want to help people.
If you're all about those deep heart-to-heart conversations and guiding people through their struggles, becoming a mental health therapist could be your sweet spot. It's more focused on the emotional and psychological side — helping people process trauma, build coping skills, and navigate life. Like Diana mentioned, you'll need a master's degree in counseling or psychology, then work under a licensed therapist to rack up supervised hours before becoming fully licensed. It's a faster path to getting out there and making a difference — and if you're someone who loves creating safe spaces and just being there for people through their storms, this might be your lane.
Now psychiatry? That's a whole different flavor of helping. It's more science-heavy, diving into the why behind the mind — the brain chemistry, medical conditions, and how meds can help balance things out. It's a long road (hello, med school + residency), but if you're fascinated by the biology of mental health and want to treat both the mind and the body, this could be your calling. Psychiatrists can prescribe meds and work with therapists as part of a bigger healing team.
Neither is better — they're just different superpowers.
If you're still feeling torn, here's the best hack — try to dip your toes into both worlds before making the big decision. Volunteer at mental health organizations, shadow a therapist and a psychiatrist, or even message some professionals on LinkedIn to ask what their day-to-day life is really like.
Also, a little secret? You don't have to have it all figured out right now. A lot of people start out as therapists and later decide to become psychiatrists — or the other way around. Mental health careers are full of pivots, and the best part is that whatever path you choose, you're still going to be making people's lives better.
If your heart's pulling you more towards that human connection and helping people feel seen and heard, therapy might be your vibe. But if your brain's curious about what makes the mind tick on a biological level, psychiatry might light you up.
Whatever spark you're feeling deep down — trust it. That's your inner compass trying to guide you.
If you're still feeling stuck or want more insider tips on what these careers actually look like day-to-day, hit me up! You've got such a big heart, and no matter what path you choose, the world is gonna be so lucky to have you out here healing minds.
Sending you all the clarity and blessings. All the best Bailey, don't hesitate to reach out or ask if you got anything wiring around that head! 😊🤗
Ohhh, I love that you're even thinking about stepping into the mental health world — that's already such a beautiful calling. Honestly, both paths you're considering could be life-changing for so many people.
By the way, Diana gave such solid advice — both careers are absolutely in demand, and the world needs more people like you stepping up. The main difference is really how you want to help people.
If you're all about those deep heart-to-heart conversations and guiding people through their struggles, becoming a mental health therapist could be your sweet spot. It's more focused on the emotional and psychological side — helping people process trauma, build coping skills, and navigate life. Like Diana mentioned, you'll need a master's degree in counseling or psychology, then work under a licensed therapist to rack up supervised hours before becoming fully licensed. It's a faster path to getting out there and making a difference — and if you're someone who loves creating safe spaces and just being there for people through their storms, this might be your lane.
Now psychiatry? That's a whole different flavor of helping. It's more science-heavy, diving into the why behind the mind — the brain chemistry, medical conditions, and how meds can help balance things out. It's a long road (hello, med school + residency), but if you're fascinated by the biology of mental health and want to treat both the mind and the body, this could be your calling. Psychiatrists can prescribe meds and work with therapists as part of a bigger healing team.
Neither is better — they're just different superpowers.
If you're still feeling torn, here's the best hack — try to dip your toes into both worlds before making the big decision. Volunteer at mental health organizations, shadow a therapist and a psychiatrist, or even message some professionals on LinkedIn to ask what their day-to-day life is really like.
Also, a little secret? You don't have to have it all figured out right now. A lot of people start out as therapists and later decide to become psychiatrists — or the other way around. Mental health careers are full of pivots, and the best part is that whatever path you choose, you're still going to be making people's lives better.
If your heart's pulling you more towards that human connection and helping people feel seen and heard, therapy might be your vibe. But if your brain's curious about what makes the mind tick on a biological level, psychiatry might light you up.
Whatever spark you're feeling deep down — trust it. That's your inner compass trying to guide you.
If you're still feeling stuck or want more insider tips on what these careers actually look like day-to-day, hit me up! You've got such a big heart, and no matter what path you choose, the world is gonna be so lucky to have you out here healing minds.
Sending you all the clarity and blessings. All the best Bailey, don't hesitate to reach out or ask if you got anything wiring around that head! 😊🤗
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Girls
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Cecilia
Thank you so much, Chinyere! Your support truly means a lot — you're always bringing such warmth and wisdom to this Village. Grateful to be learning alongside you! 🌿
Dr H
Ahhh, thank you so much, Girls and Cecilia! Your energy and kindness light up this space! 🌟 Keep that excitement going — you've got everything it takes to make your dreams happen!
Glad it was helpful, stay blessed🤗
Dr H
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1207
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Bailey,
Hope you are doing great! Choosing between becoming a mental health therapist and a psychiatrist depends on what kind of work you want to do and how much time you’re willing to spend in school. Both careers focus on helping people with their mental health, but they take different approaches.
If you want to be a mental health therapist, you’ll typically need a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or social work after earning a bachelor’s degree. After that, you’d complete supervised clinical hours (usually around 2,000 to 4,000 hours) and pass a licensing exam to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), depending on your specialty. This path takes about 6-8 years total and allows you to provide therapy, help clients work through emotional struggles, and use different counseling techniques, but you can’t prescribe medication.
On the other hand, if you want to be a psychiatrist, you’ll need to go to medical school, which is a much longer and more demanding path. First, you’d earn a bachelor’s degree (usually in a science-related field), then complete four years of medical school to become an M.D. or D.O. After that, you’d need to do a four-year residency in psychiatry. So in total, this takes about 12 years or more. Psychiatrists focus more on diagnosing mental illnesses and prescribing medication rather than talk therapy, though some do both.
As for which career is "better," that really depends on what excites you more. If you love the idea of talking through problems with clients and using therapy techniques, becoming a therapist might be the way to go. If you’re more interested in the medical side of mental health, diagnosing disorders, and prescribing medication, then psychiatry could be a better fit. Psychiatrists generally earn more money, but therapists get into the field much faster and don’t have to go through the intense years of medical training.
Think about what kind of work you want to do every day and what kind of education commitment you’re willing to make. Either way, both careers make a huge impact in people’s lives, and whichever one you choose, you’ll be helping people in a meaningful way!
Best wishes!
Hope you are doing great! Choosing between becoming a mental health therapist and a psychiatrist depends on what kind of work you want to do and how much time you’re willing to spend in school. Both careers focus on helping people with their mental health, but they take different approaches.
If you want to be a mental health therapist, you’ll typically need a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or social work after earning a bachelor’s degree. After that, you’d complete supervised clinical hours (usually around 2,000 to 4,000 hours) and pass a licensing exam to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), depending on your specialty. This path takes about 6-8 years total and allows you to provide therapy, help clients work through emotional struggles, and use different counseling techniques, but you can’t prescribe medication.
On the other hand, if you want to be a psychiatrist, you’ll need to go to medical school, which is a much longer and more demanding path. First, you’d earn a bachelor’s degree (usually in a science-related field), then complete four years of medical school to become an M.D. or D.O. After that, you’d need to do a four-year residency in psychiatry. So in total, this takes about 12 years or more. Psychiatrists focus more on diagnosing mental illnesses and prescribing medication rather than talk therapy, though some do both.
As for which career is "better," that really depends on what excites you more. If you love the idea of talking through problems with clients and using therapy techniques, becoming a therapist might be the way to go. If you’re more interested in the medical side of mental health, diagnosing disorders, and prescribing medication, then psychiatry could be a better fit. Psychiatrists generally earn more money, but therapists get into the field much faster and don’t have to go through the intense years of medical training.
Think about what kind of work you want to do every day and what kind of education commitment you’re willing to make. Either way, both careers make a huge impact in people’s lives, and whichever one you choose, you’ll be helping people in a meaningful way!
Best wishes!
Chinyere, thank you!
Girls
Beautiful advice, Chinyere! You really broke it down in a way that makes both paths feel possible. That little reminder that it's not about which career is better, but which one feels right — that's the kind of wisdom that sticks.
Bailey, whichever path pulls at your heart the most — that's the one that's meant for you. Trust that pull, and you'll never go wrong!
Dr H
Thank you so much, Dr. H! Your feedback means a lot, especially coming from a fellow mentor. We're all in this together, and it's always wonderful to have such insightful colleagues to share the journey with.
Chinyere Okafor
You're welcome Girls!
Chinyere Okafor
Diana V. MS, CRC, LPCC
16
Answers
Updated
Diana V.’s Answer
Both excellent careers and in high demand.
I’ll speak to California licenses -mental health therapist have to get a masters degree in counseling and then work under/ with a licensed therapist for “supervision hours” to get hands on training. You have to pass some tests and register with the board of behavioral sciences(BBS) look online at BBS and it outline what you need to have do in order to apply for licensure.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health. In this case you are going through medical school and picking a specialization of mental health, instead of let’s say general practitioner.
To good health!
I’ll speak to California licenses -mental health therapist have to get a masters degree in counseling and then work under/ with a licensed therapist for “supervision hours” to get hands on training. You have to pass some tests and register with the board of behavioral sciences(BBS) look online at BBS and it outline what you need to have do in order to apply for licensure.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health. In this case you are going through medical school and picking a specialization of mental health, instead of let’s say general practitioner.
To good health!
Thank you!
Girls
Sean Alexander
Retired
34
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Sean’s Answer
Becoming an intern at a nonprofit organization will really help you grow and learn. Good luck! Sean
Karl Tolbert
Medical Student
3
Answers
Memphis, Tennessee
Updated
Karl’s Answer
To become a psychiatrist, you will need to
Step1: complete a 4 year Bachelor’s degree (including pre-med requirements - chemistry, biology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, stats, human sciences, etc).
Step 2: Take the MCAT exam, apply to medical schools, do interviews, and get accepted to a medical school.
Step 3: complete medical school (4 years)
Step 4: complete psychiatry residency (4 years)
Psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication and perform therapy
Psychologists (no medical school requirement) tend to do more of their depth therapy sessions (but CANNOT prescribe medications).
This is a very general layout, if you want more detail, I’m happy to help answer as best I can.
Make it a great day,
Karl
Step1: complete a 4 year Bachelor’s degree (including pre-med requirements - chemistry, biology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, stats, human sciences, etc).
Step 2: Take the MCAT exam, apply to medical schools, do interviews, and get accepted to a medical school.
Step 3: complete medical school (4 years)
Step 4: complete psychiatry residency (4 years)
Psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication and perform therapy
Psychologists (no medical school requirement) tend to do more of their depth therapy sessions (but CANNOT prescribe medications).
This is a very general layout, if you want more detail, I’m happy to help answer as best I can.
Make it a great day,
Karl
Michael Henson
Retired
48
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Michael’s Answer
The best thing that you could do is ask the question when there is a doubt or no real clarity! Both choices are excellent! Next question that you should ask yourself is, why of all the choices, I decided to settle on these two? Next question is which choice would better suit my personality and which of the two are you willing to go to any length to work in! They both are similar in scope of practice and each has a great benefit to those who may receive your input!
Your study habits and worldview will definitely determine which direction you will go in! Studying is critical to understanding what your ultimate goal will be! The knowledge needed to work in the mental health field is tedious and at the same time enlightening and inspiring!
To be the best at anything you aspire to be is the most valuable part of your life! Being the best that you can be ensures that those you are helping and working with are getting the best service ever from the best qualified person ever, and that person is you!
As you are studying, stay close to the professors who are placed in your life to ensure your lessons and learning are well founded! Get a study partner as well and focus totally on your goal. You will accomplish your task which will place your mind body and spirit where it will satisfy you and the population you will be serving in a peaceful and successful space!!
All the best in your studies and your chosen profession!!!!!
Your study habits and worldview will definitely determine which direction you will go in! Studying is critical to understanding what your ultimate goal will be! The knowledge needed to work in the mental health field is tedious and at the same time enlightening and inspiring!
To be the best at anything you aspire to be is the most valuable part of your life! Being the best that you can be ensures that those you are helping and working with are getting the best service ever from the best qualified person ever, and that person is you!
As you are studying, stay close to the professors who are placed in your life to ensure your lessons and learning are well founded! Get a study partner as well and focus totally on your goal. You will accomplish your task which will place your mind body and spirit where it will satisfy you and the population you will be serving in a peaceful and successful space!!
All the best in your studies and your chosen profession!!!!!
Thank you for the advice.
Girls
Gerald J Olseski Jr
Certified Peer Support Specialist
47
Answers
Riverview, Michigan
Updated
Gerald J’s Answer
It all comes down to what you would like to do and what you are good at, doing.