What’s the Difference Between a Psychiatrist and a Therapist?

The primary difference between a psychiatrist and a therapist lies in their training and role in mental health care.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health disorders. At Success Health System, our psychiatrists have the medical expertise to prescribe medications, conduct comprehensive evaluations, and manage complex psychiatric conditions. They address both the psychological and physical aspects of mental health, making them well-suited for treating conditions that may require medication as part of the treatment plan.

On the other hand, a therapist—such as a psychologist, licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), or licensed professional counselor (LPC)—focuses on providing talk therapy and counseling. Therapists help patients work through emotional, behavioral, and psychological challenges using evidence-based methods like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or talk therapy. While they do not prescribe medication, their work plays a critical role in helping individuals manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues through non-medical interventions.

At Success Health System, we offer a comprehensive approach to psychiatric care, ensuring that each patient has access to the right treatment, whether medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both, to address their mental health needs effectively.

At Success Health System, we recognize that understanding insurance coverage for mental health services can be complex. Whether your insurance covers the services of our psychiatrists or therapists depends on several factors, such as your specific insurance plan, the type of services you receive, and the credentials of the provider.

Most health insurance plans, including those under the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, and employer-sponsored plans, typically offer some level of coverage for mental health services. Our psychiatrists at Success Health System are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing mental health conditions and prescribing medications. As medical professionals, their services are usually covered by insurance, similar to other healthcare specialists. However, you may be responsible for copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles depending on your plan.

To help navigate your insurance coverage, we recommend:

• Verifying whether your provider at Success Health System is in-network with your insurance plan.

• Checking with your insurance company for coverage details, including copayments, deductibles, and therapy session limits.

• Asking your insurance company about any referral requirements or prior authorization needs.

If you have questions about your insurance coverage, our administrative team at Success Health System is available to assist you. We’re committed to helping you understand your benefits and ensure you receive the care you need. Always confirm your coverage details before starting treatment to avoid unexpected costs.

If you’re experiencing anxiety, it can be difficult to decide whether you should see a therapist or a psychiatrist. At Success Health System, we’re here to help guide you toward the right care for your individual needs.

Psychiatrists at Success Health System
 Our board-certified psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders. Psychiatrists have the ability to prescribe medications to manage anxiety symptoms, which can be particularly helpful for those with severe or persistent anxiety. If needed, they can also provide therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Psychiatrists at Success Health System work with patients to assess their symptoms and determine the most appropriate treatment, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both.

Therapists
 Therapists are highly trained professionals who specialize in talk therapy (psychotherapy). They provide counseling and emotional support to help you manage anxiety by exploring its underlying causes and developing coping strategies. Common therapeutic approaches for anxiety include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps patients recognize and change negative thought patterns, and other techniques aimed at reducing anxiety symptoms. Therapy is often a highly effective treatment for those with mild to moderate anxiety.

Your First Step
 If you’re unsure whether to see a therapist or psychiatrist, Success Health System can help. Schedule an appointment, and we’ll assess your needs and guide you to the right treatment. Whether you need therapy, medication, or both, our team is committed to supporting your mental health journey.

The cost of seeing a psychiatrist versus a therapist can vary due to differences in the type of services provided and the qualifications of the provider.

Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing mental health conditions and prescribing medications. Because of their medical training and ability to provide medication management, appointments with psychiatrists are generally more expensive.

• Initial consultations with a psychiatrist typically range from $250 to $500, depending on the complexity of the case and the provider’s experience.
• Follow-up appointments usually cost between $100 and $300 per session.

Therapists
Therapists, such as psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and counselors, focus on providing talk therapy and other non-medical interventions. Since therapists do not prescribe medication, their services tend to be less expensive than those of psychiatrists.

Therapy sessions generally cost between $150 and $500 per session, depending on the therapist’s credentials, specialization, and experience.

Insurance and Payment Options
Both psychiatrists and therapists may be covered by insurance, which can impact your out-of-pocket costs. For those who are uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket, Success Health System offers flexible payment options and transparent pricing.

Dr. Moses Tabe Ambilichu, M.D., offers a holistic, integrated approach to mental health care that combines his extensive psychiatric expertise with therapeutic strategies to provide patients with the most effective treatment options. With a focus on both mental and emotional well-being, Dr. Ambilichu works closely with patients to create personalized care plans, including medication management and therapeutic interventions, to address their specific needs. Whether dealing with conditions such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD, Dr. Ambilichu tailors his treatments to help patients regain control of their lives and improve their overall quality of life. His ability to provide both psychiatric and therapeutic services in one comprehensive treatment approach sets him apart in the Creve Coeur, Independence, and Columbia, MO areas.

What makes Dr. Ambilichu a trusted choice for patients is his commitment to compassionate care and his accessibility through both in-person and telehealth services. He understands that mental health is deeply personal, which is why he takes the time to listen, understand, and support each patient’s journey toward healing. His focus on integrating the latest research with evidence-based treatments ensures that patients receive care grounded in the most current practices. Whether you’re seeking medication management, therapy, or a combination of both, Dr. Ambilichu’s compassionate and thorough approach provides a path to recovery for those in need of psychiatric and therapeutic support in the local area. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Creve Coeur MO, Independence MO, and Columbia MO. We serve patients from Creve Coeur MO, Overland MO, Bridgeton MO, Independence MO, Raytown MO, Kansas City MO, Columbia MO, Shaw MO, Midway MO and surrounding areas.