Child Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist

By Nicole Garber, MD, Blackbird Health Chief Medical Officer

When your child is struggling emotionally, behaviorally, or academically, figuring out where to turn for help can feel overwhelming. You might hear terms like "child psychologist," "child therapist," and "child psychiatrist" used interchangeably, but these professionals have different training, approaches, and areas of expertise.

Understanding the difference between a child psychologist and a psychiatrist (and where therapists fit in) can help you make the best choice for your child's unique needs. In this guide, we'll break down what each professional does, how their training differs, and when your child might benefit from seeing one over the other. [1,2,3]

What Is a Child Therapist?

A child therapist is a mental health professional with a master's degree in fields such as social work, counseling psychology, or marriage and family therapy. Therapists complete 2-3 years of graduate education followed by supervised clinical experience before becoming licensed. [2,4]

What Child Therapists Do

Child therapists provide talk therapy and use evidence-based techniques to help children:

Work through difficult emotions like anxiety, sadness, or anger
Develop coping skills for managing stress
Navigate big life changes (divorce, moving, new sibling)
Improve behavior and family communication
Build social skills and self-esteem [2,4]

Therapists take a practical, problem-solving approach. They meet regularly with children and families to address specific challenges and help kids feel better day-to-day.

What Child Therapists Cannot Do

Prescribe medication: Therapists are not medical doctors and cannot write
Conduct comprehensive psychological testing: While they can make diagnoses, they don't typically perform the in-depth cognitive and developmental assessments that psychologists do. [2,4]

When to See a Child Therapist

Your child might benefit from working with a therapist if they:

Need someone to talk to about their feelings
Are struggling with anxiety, depression, or anger
Are dealing with behavioral issues at home or school
Need help adjusting to a major life change
Would benefit from regular, ongoing support [2]

What Is a Child Psychologist?

A child psychologist holds a doctoral degree, either a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or PsyD (Doctor of Psychology), which requires 4-6 years of graduate study, plus a one-year supervised internship and additional supervised clinical work. [3,4]

What Child Psychologists Do

Child psychologists provide many of the same therapeutic services as therapists, but with additional capabilities:

Comprehensive Assessment and Testing

Conduct psychological, cognitive, and developmental evaluations
Diagnose learning disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia)
Assess for ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and other neurodevelopmental conditions
Identify the root causes of behavioral and emotional struggles [3,4]

Evidence-Based Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Play therapy
Family therapy
Specialized interventions for anxiety, depression, and trauma [1,4]

School Advocacy and Planning

Create reports for Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 accommodations
Help parents understand how learning and developmental issues affect their child
Recommend classroom strategies and supports [4]

What Child Psychologists Cannot Do

Prescribe medication: Like therapists, psychologists are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication in most A small number of states allow appropriately trained psychologists to prescribe, but this is the exception, not the rule. [3,4]

When to See a Child Psychologist

Your child might benefit from seeing a psychologist if:

You suspect a learning disability, ADHD, or autism spectrum disorder
Your child needs comprehensive testing to understand what's really going on
You want a detailed diagnosis and treatment plan
Your child needs school accommodations and you need documentation
You're looking for a full picture of your child's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning [2,4]

What Is a Child Psychiatrist?

A child psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in children and adolescents. After four years of medical school, child psychiatrists complete six years of additional training: four years in a general psychiatry residency followed by a two-year fellowship specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry. [1,3,5]

What Child Psychiatrists Do

Child psychiatrists bring a medical perspective to mental health care.

Medication Management

Prescribe and monitor psychiatric medications for conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and bipolar disorder
Adjust dosages and watch for side effects
Combine medication with therapy recommendations [1,6]

Complex Mental Health Treatment

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Diagnose and treat severe mental health conditions
Address biological factors contributing to mental health struggles
Conduct physical screenings to rule out medical causes of symptoms
Create integrated treatment plans that address mind and body [1,6]

When to See a Child Psychiatrist

Your child might need a psychiatrist if:

Therapy alone hasn't been enough to manage their symptoms
They have severe anxiety, depression, or mood instability
They're showing signs of self-harm or thoughts of hurting themselves
They have a diagnosis that typically requires medication (like ADHD or OCD)
A pediatrician, therapist, or psychologist has recommended medication evaluation
They have unexplained physical symptoms (headaches, stomach aches) that may be linked to mental health [1,2]

Child Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist: Key Differences

	Child Therapist	Child Psychologist	Child Psychiatrist
Education	Master's degree (2-3 years)	Doctoral degree (4-6 years)	Medical degree + 6 years psychiatry training
Can Prescribe Medication	No	No (with few exceptions)	Yes
Provides Talk Therapy	Yes	Yes	Sometimes (usually refers out)
Conducts Testing	Basic assessments	Comprehensive psychological testing	No
Focus Area	Emotional support, coping skills, behavior	Testing, diagnosis, therapy	Medication management, severe mental illness
Best For	Ongoing emotional support	Understanding learning/developmental issues	Conditions requiring medication

Difference Between Child Psychologist and Psychiatrist: Treatment Approaches

The main difference between a child psychologist and a psychiatrist lies in how they approach treatment:

Psychologists focus on understanding behavior, thoughts, and emotions through therapy and testing. They help children develop skills and strategies to cope with challenges. Treatment is non-medical and emphasizes building resilience through talk therapy, behavioral interventions, and family support. [1,4]

Psychiatrists view mental health through a medical lens, considering how brain chemistry, genetics, and physical health affect emotions and behavior. They use medication to address imbalances and often coordinate with therapists to provide comprehensive care. [1,6]

Do Children Need Both a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

Yes, and this collaborative approach often produces the best outcomes for children with complex mental health needs.

Many children benefit from seeing both a therapist or psychologist (for regular talk therapy and skill-building) and a psychiatrist (for medication management). This team approach ensures that both the psychological and physiological aspects of mental health are addressed. [1,3]

For example:

A child with ADHD might see a psychologist weekly for organizational skills and emotional regulation, while seeing a psychiatrist quarterly to monitor ADHD medication
A teen with anxiety and depression might work with a therapist on CBT techniques while a psychiatrist manages an antidepressant prescription [1]

How Blackbird Health Provides Comprehensive Care

At Blackbird Health, we understand that every child's needs are different, and that effective treatment often requires multiple types of support.

Our whole-child diagnostic approach means we look at the full picture: how your child's brain works, how their body functions, and how they relate to others and themselves. This allows us

to uncover not just symptoms, but their underlying causes, including co-occurring conditions that are often missed.

Our team includes:

Licensed therapists who provide evidence-based talk therapy
Clinical psychologists who conduct comprehensive evaluations and assessments
Child psychiatrists who offer medication management when needed

This means your child gets coordinated, comprehensive care under one roof, without the hassle of jumping around between multiple providers in different locations.

How to Choose the Right Professional for Your Child

Start by considering what your child needs most right now:

Start with a therapist if

Your child needs someone to talk to about their feelings
Behavioral issues are affecting family life
You want regular, ongoing support for coping with stress or life changes
Medication is not currently needed

Start with a psychologist if

You're not sure what's going on and need comprehensive testing
Your child is struggling academically or socially in ways you don't understand
You suspect ADHD, autism, or a learning disability
You need documentation for school accommodations

Start with a psychiatrist if

Your child has been in therapy but isn't making progress
They have severe symptoms affecting daily functioning
Another professional has recommended medication evaluation
They're showing warning signs like self-harm or suicidal thoughts [1,2,4]

Remember: You don't have to figure this out alone. Many families start with one provider who then recommends additional support. At Blackbird Health, we help families navigate these decisions and connect with the right combination of services.

When to Seek Help for Your Child

You know your child best. If you're worried something is "off," trust your instincts. Here are common signs it's time to reach out for professional support:

Emotional changes:

Persistent sadness, worry, or irritability
Sudden mood swings or emotional outbursts
Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
Withdrawal from family or friends

Behavioral changes:

Acting out at school or getting in trouble repeatedly
Aggressive or destructive behavior
Sleep problems or changes in eating habits
Regression (losing skills they previously had)

Academic or social struggles:

Grades dropping suddenly
Difficulty making or keeping friends
School refusal or frequent complaints about school
Trouble focusing or sitting still

Family impact:

You feel like you've tried everything and nothing is working
The whole family is affected by your child's struggles
Your pediatrician has suggested additional support [2]
The challenges persist for three weeks or more

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a child psychologist diagnose ADHD?

Yes. Child psychologists can diagnose ADHD through comprehensive testing that evaluates attention, executive functioning, and behavior patterns. However, only a psychiatrist or pediatrician can prescribe ADHD medication. [1,4]

What's the difference between a child psychologist and a pediatrician?

Pediatricians are medical doctors who focus on children's physical health and development. While they can identify mental health concerns and prescribe some medications, they don't have specialized training in psychological assessment or therapy like psychologists do. [3]

Does my child need a referral to see a psychologist or psychiatrist?

This depends on your insurance. Many insurance plans don't require referrals for mental health services, but it's best to check with your provider.

How long does a child typically see a therapist or psychologist?

This varies widely based on your child's needs. Some children benefit from short-term therapy (8-12 sessions) focused on a specific issue, while others need longer-term support. Your provider will work with you to create a treatment plan. [2]

Can my child see multiple providers at once?

Absolutely. In fact, many children benefit from seeing both a therapist (for weekly talk therapy) and a psychiatrist (for medication
management). At Blackbird Health, we coordinate care between providers so everyone is working together toward your child's well-being.

Finding Help: Next Steps

If you're ready to get support for your child, Blackbird Health makes it easy. We offer:

Comprehensive evaluations and assessments to understand what's really going on
Therapy services for anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral issues, and more
Medication management when needed
Coordinated care so you don't have to manage multiple providers on your own

We accept most major commercial insurance plans and offer both virtual and in-person appointments across Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Schedule a consultation today to discuss your child's needs and find the right path forward.

Sources

Snead Psychological Services - "Child Psychologist vs Child Psychiatrist: Which Is Right for Your Child"
Katie Lear, LCMHC - "Choosing a Child Therapist, Psychologist, or Psychiatrist"
Child Mind Institute - "Guide to Mental Health Specialists
Cleveland Clinic - "Child Psychologist: What They Do & Training"

References:

Nicole Garber, MD, Blackbird Health Chief Medical Officer

Nicole Garber, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Blackbird Health, is a nationally recognized eating-disorder expert. She is triple board-certified in General Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and Obesity Medicine; a certified Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) therapist; and has advanced training in psychodynamic therapy, mentalization-based therapy, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). Dr. Garber developed the adolescent eating-disorder track at the Menninger Clinic, led the pediatric and adolescent eating-disorder program at Rosewood Centers, and served as Vice President of Psychiatric Services at Meadows Behavioral Health and Chief of Psychiatry at The Meadows Ranch. She was most recently the chief medical officer at Alsana where she led the standardization and growth of their eating disorder and diabetes program. She is a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and lectures nationally on eating-disorder diagnosis and treatment, self-harm, and integrated care.

To chat with Blackbird Care Navigator specialist about our model of care and how we might help, reach out any time: (484) 202-0751; info@blackbirdhealth.com. To get started with Blackbird, complete this quick intake form and we'll reach out to schedule.

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