Understanding who’s who in mental health care
When someone decides to seek help for their mental health, one of the first questions they often ask is: “Who should I see?”
Between therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, it’s easy to get confused — especially since they sometimes work together as part of your care team.
At And Then There Is You – Mental Health Group, we want you to understand your options clearly, so you can choose the support that fits your needs.
Therapists
Therapists (sometimes called counselors or clinicians) are trained to help clients explore emotions, behaviors, and thought patterns through conversation and evidence-based techniques.
They typically hold master’s degrees in fields like mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, or social work.
Therapists help clients with:
- Anxiety, depression, trauma, or grief
- Relationship or family struggles
- Life transitions and stress management
- Building coping skills and emotional awareness
Think of therapists as guides who help you process emotions, understand patterns, and create healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.
Psychologists
Psychologists hold doctoral degrees (PhD or PsyD) and are trained in both therapy and psychological testing.
They can diagnose mental health conditions, conduct psychological assessments (for ADHD, learning differences, personality, and more), and provide therapy.
At And Then There Is You, our in-house psychologist, Dr. Lauriann Tomaszeski-Sandrik, PsyD, based in our Green Cove Springs office, offers a range of psychological evaluations to help clients better understand their strengths and challenges.
Psychologists bridge science and compassion — they use data-driven insight to guide therapy and treatment planning.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who specialize in mental health.
They can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication to help manage symptoms like depression, anxiety, or ADHD.
Psychiatrists often collaborate with therapists and psychologists to ensure clients receive well-rounded care — combining medication management with talk therapy or psychological assessment when needed.
Putting It All Together
Each of these professionals brings something different — and sometimes, working with more than one can offer the best support.
| Role | Education | Can Prescribe Medication? | Can Provide Therapy? | Can Conduct Psychological Testing? |
| Therapist | Master’s (LMHC, LCSW, LMFT) | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Psychologist | Doctorate (PhD or PsyD) | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Psychiatrist | Medical Doctor (MD/DO) | ✅ | Sometimes | ❌ |
The right fit depends on your needs — whether you’re seeking insight, therapy, or a medical approach.
If you’re unsure where to start, we’ll help you find the right path. Schedule a consultation to connect with a caring clinician at And Then There Is You.