Psychologist or Psychiatrist: Where Should I Turn and When? A View by a Clinical Psychologist: Online Counselling vs Face-to-Face Therapy

Meta description: Psychologist or psychiatrist? Here’s what sets the two professions apart, when to see one or the other and how online therapy can make a difference. Expert advice from a clinical psychologist in Chania, Crete.

Introduction

So, one version of the question we hear all the time in my practice is like this: “I know I need help but I don’t even know if it should be a therapist or a psychiatrist!” If that all seems a little too relatable, believe me, you’re definitely not alone. Certainly at least half of the people who are in touch with me do so with a sense of bewilderment as to whether they should be contacting this category of professional or that.

The mix-up is completely understandable. Navigating mental health care can be a labyrinth, particularly when you’re already in distress. There is this stereotype that psychiatrists are for “deadly serious” stuff (whatever that means) and psychologists are just there for a chat. Others, to the contrary, believe the total opposite – that only psychiatrists can “really” help because they’re medical doctors. Neither stereotype is true, and both can prevent people from seeking the help they need.

Here’s the bottom line: The mental health professional you pick can have a big impact on your recovery. It’s not just about credentials or titles — it’s about matching the kind of support that fits your case. In Greece, especially here in Chania where I work, we have achieved significant developments regarding mental health awareness and accessibility of services. From IRL face-to-face therapy to virtual platforms that are pushing the boundaries of traditional treatment, the choices have become downright dizzying. Whether you’re seeking individual psychotherapy or counseling psychology services, knowing what your choices are is only the first step.

This article seeks to be your practical guide through that ordeal. I’ll clarify the true differences between psychologists and psychiatrists, describe when each is most useful and demonstrate how often they collaborate. We’ll also consider where online therapy fits into the picture — since, let’s be real here: The digital age has dramatically shifted the landscape of how we access mental health care, and by and large it’s been for the better.

I’m Savvina Anastasaki, a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist in Chania, Crete. Through my practice at www.psymt.com, I’ve coached many people through this exact conundrum over the years. Some simply needed a sympathetic ear, others required psychiatric intervention and many needed both. Everyone’s experience is different, but there are clear patterns and signposts that may guide you in making an informed decision.

Here’s the thing – there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to psychologist vs psychiatrist. What is right for your friend or relative may not be right for you. But there are benchmarks, caution flags and practical considerations that can help you make your decision. We will break these out below, using examples from the real world (though we’ll keep all client identity under wraps) to demonstrate when each type of professional is most appropriate.

What Is the Difference Between a Psychologist and Psychiatrist? (Core Concepts & Professional Roles)

Now is a time to set the record straight. Both psychologists and psychiatrists are mental health professionals, but they have different training, tools, and overall approaches. An analogy: If mental health care were a house, psychologists would be the architects designing how it looks and fits together; psychiatrists would be the engineers making sure it’s liveable beneath and all buttons are pushed. Both are necessary, just in separate ways.

A psychologist is a person who has undergone extensive study on human behavior, emotions and mental processes. We usually have master’s or doctoral degrees in psychology and thousands of hours of supervised clinical experience. As a clinical psychologist such as myself, I diagnose and treat psychological disorders by way of psychotherapy. We’re trained to see the complex interplay of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that lead to mental ill health. What we cannot do is prescribe drugs — which really, in many cases, works to our clients’ advantage as it forces us to design sophisticated non-pharmacological interventions.

The psychiatrist, on the other hand, is an M.D. They have gone through medical school, and then medical specialization training on psychiatry, with an emphasis on the biology of mental health and neurochemistry. This medical education lends to them a distinctive perspective on how physical health and mental well-being intersect. Their superpower? The power to prescribe and follow the psychiatric medications. They can prescribe brain scans, blood tests and other medical evaluations that could uncover biological elements contributing to mental health symptoms.

The disparities are more profound than prescribing privileges. Psychologists tend to view psychological and social factors as affecting mental health. We explore how you came to be who you are, the kind of story about your life that you’ve created, the relationships you form, repetitive patterns of thought and behavior. Psychiatrists, though many also do therapy, often come at problems from a more medical perspective — neurotransmitter imbalances, genetics and biological vulnerabilities.

What is a Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist?

And here’s where it gets juicy — and personal. As a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist, my job is about more than merely listening and nodding (although active listening is certainly part of it). We learn together in an investigative process. In our work, each session is a mutual discovery where we untangle the knot of the problem and explore its many facets. Individual psychotherapy is not passive — it’s you actively leading the way, being the expert on your own life while I provide a framework and tools for managing distress.

The line between a psychologist and psychotherapist is often fine. Definitely all clinical psychologists can do therapy and generally provide a range of options, but psychotherapist is specifically when you emphasize the therapeutic relationship and process. It’s about creating a unique space — one that doesn’t exist in any other part of your life — to be totally honest, dig into sticky feelings and experiment with new ways of being. In counseling psychology, we work from the level of particular symptoms to that of broader life patterns and existential concerns.

In my work, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative this process can be. Whether a client comes in with anxiety, depression, relationship issues or an overall feeling of being “stuck” they’re often surprised at the journey during psychotherapy. It’s not that I have all the answers, it’s about how to help bring the answers from yourself. Sometimes the most profound transformation results from simply being genuinely listened to and understood for the first time.

What Does a Psychiatrist Do in Real Practice?

The point is that psychiatrists have a different but entirely complementary perspective on the care of patients with mental illness. Their medical training gives them a broad view of how body and mind interact. When a person seeks treatment for depression from a psychiatrist, then, they’re examining symptoms through several lenses — if this depression is psychological only or whether thyroid issues are playing a role. What I’m wondering is, are these mood swings indicative of behavior and not an actual personality disorder or could it possibly mean bipolar disorder and should medication be considered?

Psychopharmacology — the study of how drugs affect mental health — is the primary tool in a psychiatrist’s toolkit. They prescribe and monitor medications, such as antidepressants; anti-anxiety drugs; mood stabilizers, which are used to treat bipolar disorder; and antipsychotics. But it is not just about prescribing medication. Good clinicians slowly titrate dosage, monitor for side effects and consider how the medications may interact with other medications or health conditions. They’re also equipped to know or figure out when medication isn’t the solution, or when it ought to be paired with psychotherapy for best results.

What many people do not understand is that psychiatrists often devote a great deal of time to diagnosis. It can sometimes be difficult to recognize certain mental health conditions, when symptoms are so similar or interrelated — or when someone has multiple conditions. A skilled psychiatrist is trained to use clinical interviews, psychological testing (often done in collaboration with psychologists) and, when necessary, medical tests to make an accurate diagnosis. This diagnostic specificity counts because different diseases respond to different therapies.

When Is The Right Time To Go See A Psychologist? (Recognizing the Signs)

So at what point should you schedule that first visit to a psychologist? The quick answer: more likely than you might think. We tend to wait until we’re in dire straits, when the fire’s three houses down, but that’s like waiting for your car to break all four axles before you change the oil. If you’re wondering whether you need help, that’s often an answer to your own question.

Here are common scenarios where a psychologist is your best first option: if you have persistent anxiety or worry that’s affecting the quality of your life (even though you’re still functioning), mild to moderate depression where you’re struggling but still able to carry out daily activities, relationship issues that keep repeating themselves despite everything you’ve tried, work stress or burnout that’s starting to creep into other parts of life, major life changes that seem massive. Using individual psychotherapy and counseling psychology, we can attend to these issues before they become crises.

Here’s what I find myself saying to prospective clients often: You do not need to be “sick enough” to deserve help. If you’re in emotional pain, facing tough decisions, stuck in a rut that you can’t get out of or just wanting to understand yourself better – these are all good reasons to see a psychologist. Some of my most profound work has been with people who came in saying, “I don’t even know if I should be here,” and left with profound insights and practical tools for living.

Seeing an Individual Therapist Could Change Your Life

Let me describe a scenario where therapy truly shines. You ever have that reaction when you do something and say, ‘Why did I just do that? That’s not who I want to be”? Or on the third time you are caught in a parallel painful relationship dynamic? These patterns — the ones that seem like some damn automatic behavior over which you have no control — are precisely what individual psychotherapy helps you see and overcome.

Physical symptoms are often a sign of psychological problems as well. If you experience unexplained headaches, digestive problems, muscle tension or have difficulty sleeping, your body might be manifesting that which in the past has gone unexpressed in your thoughts. I’ve had clients whose chronic pain greatly diminished when we worked on underlying emotional trauma. The mind-body link is not new-age mumbo jumbo: It’s scientifically validated reality.

Another sign is when your coping mechanisms are no longer effective — or worse, begin to cause additional problems. Perhaps wine at dinner became wine before dinner. Maybe retail therapy involves maxing out credit cards. Or scrolling social media for distraction has turned into hours of comparison and despair. When the solutions are problems, it’s time for professional help.

Online Psychologist – Modern Solution for Modern Lives

Let’s tackle the elephant in the room — or, rather, the therapist on your screen. I was dubious when I began conducting therapy online. Can we really bond with a stranger on a computer? Would it feel as safe for clients and be as holding a space in virtual space? The answer, I’ve learned is a clear yes — with some caveats.

There are however, certain cases where online psychological services is the best. If you live in a remote area (and Greece has plenty of that) and are frequently traveling for work, struggling with chronic illness or mobility issues, or just managing life situations that make regular appointments challenging, online therapy offers a new level of convenience to some people. One of the best things about an online practice: It opens up your clientele to people in areas where specialized mental health services are scarce; small islands, and expats who want therapy in their native tongue.

Through www.psymt.com, I’ve watched online psychotherapy make the therapeutic process even better in some people’s minds. There’s something powerful about doing deep emotional work in a safe space of your own. For some clients, it is easier to open up when they are in a space where they feel at home. And that commute, as an afterthought, means you can slot sessions back-to-back over your lunch hour or between other obligations — and makes regular therapy more possible.

When Is It Essential to See a Psychiatrist? (Understanding Severity and Safety)

Here’s where we really need to talk. While psychologists can treat a full range of mental health problems, there are times when psychiatric intervention is not just beneficial — it’s essential. Noticing these red flags can quite literally be a lifesaving action, whether for yourself or someone you care about.

Some clear signs you may need an evaluation by a psychiatrist include: persistent suicidal thoughts or feelings of self-harm (even if you think “you would never act on them”), experiencing delusions or hallucinations, significant mood episodes where functioning is seriously compromised for days at a time and has been going on for years, or a history of disorders such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. If you cannot get out of bed for days, do not eat or sleep for more than a week, feel completely disconnected from reality — these are psychiatric emergencies.

Here’s what I need you to know: If you require psychiatric help that doesn’t mean you’re “crazy” or “weak.” Mental health diseases are real, and just as valid as diabetes or heart disease, which all have a biological base. Would you attempt to think your way out of appendicitis? Of course not. That you are so comfortable and accepting that mental illness does sometimes require medication is actually the act of wisdom and self care.

The Place of Psychopharmacotherapy in the Recovery of Mental Health

Let’s demystify psychiatric medication. I have had too many clients suffer needlessly because they were terrified of being “drugged” or becoming “dependent.” Contemporary psychiatric medications are advanced tools, and when used appropriately, they can provide the stability required for psychological work to be efficacious. Consider them scaffolds — they’ll help you build your permanent structure.

Fantasy and delusion exists regarding psychiatric medications that needs to be addressed. No, being prescribed antidepressants doesn’t mean you’ll be on them forever. No, they won’t alter your personality or turn you into a zombie. And no, that you need medication doesn’t mean therapy has failed. In truth, some of my best therapy cases were patients who took medication in addition to coming for therapy. The drugs took care of the biologic part, while we tried to work through psychological profile and changes in life.

The trick is to find the right medication and appropriate dose, which is why hard-won psychiatric expertise makes a difference. A good psychiatrist doesn’t hand out pills like candy — they check carefully, start on a small dose and monitor closely till you find the right one for you. They also know when medication is not working and are open to exploring other options.

How Psychologists and Psychiatrists Work Together

Now here’s where mental health care really gets under way — when professionals interact. In my years of practice, some of the most profound improvements were due to collaborative care between psychologists and psychiatrists. It’s not about taking sides; it’s about building the right team for your situation.

Let me tell you how this interaction generally goes (without violating anyone’s privacy, obviously). When I think a client could possibly benefit from medication — their anxiety is so high they can’t do anything in therapy, or their depression has some biological signs to it — I have the conversation out loud. And with their approval, I can share whatever observations there are with a psychiatrist colleague. They deal with the medicine, and then we just keep the therapy going. We keep in touch to make sure that we coordinate and not counterbalance each other.

This combination strategy is especially potent for disease states where there are high levels of complexity. For example, some people with severe depression may require medication to stabilize their mood so that they can get better at skills — therapy, mindfulness practices, relational skills — until their need for medication decreases. It’s not black and white – it’s nuanced care in which both parties are offering some sort of knowledge to usher you down the road to healing.

Psychologist or Psychiatrist? A Practical Decision-Making Guide

Alright, let’s get practical. You’re flailing, you know you need help, and you still don’t know how to begin. Let’s go through a few scenarios and decision criteria in the real world that might influence your choice. And remember, there’s no “wrong” door to walk through — mental health professionals refer back and forth all of the time.

Scenario 1: The Anxious Professional. You’re able to work, but you’re worried all the time, sleeping poorly and not getting along with people. You’ve attempted meditation apps and self-help books with only modest traction. Start with a psychologist. In individual therapy, you can identify what triggers your anxiety, learn coping skills and work through deeper patterns. If just therapy is not enough, your psychologist can send you to a psychiatrist for medication support.

Scenario 2: The Crisis Situation. You have thoughts of ending your life, severe mood swings that are interfering with your function or signs of psychosis. See a psychiatrist, or go to emergency. This is not a time when talk therapy alone will suffice; you need to be seen immediately by professionals who can evaluate your condition and likely intervene medically to stabilize it. Once the system is calmed down, psychotherapy can help patients sustain recovery over time.

Scenario 3: The Complex Case. You’ve had periods of depression off and on for many years. There is a history of bipolar disorder in your family. You might want to start off seeing both. A psychiatrist can consider whether medication might address the bio functions, and a psychologist helps you build psychological resilience and coping skills.

Essential Questions for Self-Assessment

A dose of honest self-reflection is going to come in handy, before you find yourself committed to a mental health professional. Ask yourself these key questions, and give the answers time to percolate:

How is my daily functioning? Can I hold down a job, sustain relationships and perform routine self-care? If you are struggling to maintain everyday existence, a psychiatric assessment is essential.

Am I in danger? Any thoughts of hurting oneself (even if they are fleeting) warrant professional evaluation right away, usually by a psychiatrist.

Any mental illness in my family history? Conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and severe depression that tend to run in families often respond well to medication.

Have I tried therapy before? If past therapy hasn’t been helpful, think about whether adding on psychiatric support could help.

What do I believe about medicine? Being forthright about your willingness to try medication is key in figuring out where to start.

Are there physical symptoms? Physical symptoms without an apparent cause might be a result of a psychological problem and vice versa — you may need help sorting this out.

When Combined Treatment Becomes Essential

Something that bears repeating: requiring BOTH a psychologist and psychiatrist is NOT a sign of severity — it’s often an indicator of nuanced, intelligent treatment. It works for a lot of conditions, and I’ve witnessed it change the lives of people whose single-modality treatment wasn’t budging.

Conditions that often respond particularly well to combined drug and psychological treatment are: major depressive disorder (especially with suicidal ideation), bipolar disorder, severe anxiety disorders that interfere with functioning, ADHD in adults, eating disorders complicated by medical complications, and complex PTSD. Medication and therapy often work together synergistically, in ways neither alone could accomplish.

Here is such a common trajectory I see: Someone goes on medication with a psychiatrist, symptoms improve — they have energy and clarity; they can do good therapy. With psychological work, they gain understanding and coping techniques. As their facilities reopen, these could potentially mean having less need for medication or lower doses. There’s a lovely overlap between biological and psychological healing here.

Online Counseling, Teletherapy and Digital Mental Health Providers: Modern Options in the Realm of Psychology vs. Psychiatry

It’s not just how we shop or socialize that’s been upended by the digital revolution: Mental health treatment has also been reshaped. When I first began practicing, the notion of doing therapy through a screen was ludicrous. Now? My most insightful therapy work happens online. Let’s look at how digital options fit into the decision between psychologist vs. psychiatrist.

Online therapy ranges from video sessions that resemble traditional doctor visits to specific apps and digital interventions for mental health. For a variety of mental health issues — anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges — studies demonstrate that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person treatment. The key advantages? Ease of access, convenience, continuation of care despite life changes and, for some, diminished stigma.

The psychologist vs. psychiatrist decision endures online, with some caveats. Many psychiatrists do medication management and follow-ups by telepsychiatry, although a patient may need to go in person for the initial evaluation. Web therapists such as myself can offer full-fledged individual psychotherapy, employing evidence-based techniques that have been tailored for digital delivery. At www.psymt.com, I have found ways to maintain therapeutic depth and connection even when you can’t be in the same room.

Pros and Limitations of Psychotherapy via Digital Means

Let me keep it real with you about the pros and cons of online therapy. The pros are numerous: no travel time (a big deal in the city or for country clients); ability to continue treatment even when you’re moving around or relocating; getting the pick of specialists without regard to geography; and for many feeling safer working from one’s own turf. I’ve had clients say that they could talk about trauma more easily from their couch than in an office.

But online therapy is not a magic elixir for everything. It’s not suitable for acute crises, active suicidal ideation that requires immediate intervention, severe psychiatric conditions requiring close medical monitoring or when Wi-Fi connections are unreliable. Some therapy modalities that involve physical presence or environmental requirements are difficult to take online. There’s also privacy when people are sharing a living space, and ‘Zoom fatigue’ is a real phenomenon as well.

The trick is finding a modality that works best for you. For many who struggle with anxiety, depression, relationship issues or whatever’s on their list for personal growth goals, online therapy can be a superb option. The convenience can result in better attendance and results — no missed sessions because of bad weather or transportation issues!

Online Therapy Chania & Online Therapy Crete – Increasing Access to Mental Health Services

Here’s some of the exciting ways my practice has developed. Through www.psymt.com, I provide online psychotherapy services to clients not only in Chania or Crete but in all of Greece and to Greek speakers anywhere around the world. This digital reach is stretching beyond location-based barriers and providing access to culturally competent, language-appropriate mental health care.

I offer the same depth and quality of work online. Through the use of secure, GDPR-compliant platforms we can work to achieve therapeutic environments which feel confidential and private, despite physical separation. This method has been a life-saver for expats who hold onto cultural connections like lifelines, professionals who can’t fit regular commuting into their adventurous travel schedules, parents with children around too much to leave them at home while they pop out to an office visit, and people in rural locations where mental health providers are scarce. The convergence of clinical expertise and digital visibility means that quality care can reach the people who need it most.

What often comes as a surprise to many clients is about the speed with which online bonds can form. After a few sessions, the screen “disappears” and we’re just two people hard at work together. The ease of online therapy may indeed result in more regular therapeutic work, which is key in that matter.

Selecting the Best Mental Health Provider For You: A Personal Checklist of Things to Consider

Let’s take the guesswork out of it by providing some practical criteria on how to find the ideal professional. Whether you’re selecting a psychologist or psychiatrist, online or offline, some factors do predict a good fit for therapy. Keep in mind, you are hiring someone to join your healthcare team – you get to be choosy.

Universal standards for every mental health professional (always check these things): appropriate licensure and certification (as per state regulations), their training and how it is relevant to your particular issues, how they present their approach supposing you had chosen to see them, how they communicate about what happens in therapy with clients / about confidentiality, fee structure, and if something does not feel right during the initial contact. If something seems wrong, trust your gut.

Other things to think about when choosing a psychologist: their theoretical orientation (which includes CBT, psychodynamic, humanistic and integrative), any specific training in the areas where you need help, availability for weekly sessions if this is a necessity, flexibility regarding timings and online therapy options — as well as how they approach homework and between-session support. Inquire about their experience with matters like yours — a generalist is well-suited to some concerns, but others may require specialist knowledge.

How To Find Your Psychologist Or Psychotherapist – In Chania or Online

For those of you who are looking for someone to see in Chania, or online, here’s some advice from the inside. Office accessibility, access to parking and safety of the neighborhood are local considerations. For online therapy: Consider how user-friendly the platform is, what kind of technical support is offered and if you have backup modes of communication. As a practitioner of both modalities, I appreciate the special needs of each.

Starting therapy at www.psymt.com is intended to be simple and easy to use. This initial consult also enables us to check each other out therapeutically — a good fit matters more than degrees, after all. Whether you prefer face to face sessions in my office in Chania or online therapy wherever you are located, the aim is to allow for a working relationship that promotes genuine growth and healing. I am a proponent of transparency around the process, check ins around progress and collaborative treatment planning.

Picking a Psychiatrist – The Medical Aspect of Mental Health

Selecting a psychiatrist involves considering medical skills and interpersonal skills. Factors that should matter most: board certification in psychiatry, familiarity with your particular condition or symptoms, hospital affiliations (in case there’s a need for an emergency visit), and where they stand on medication use. A good psychiatrist explains diagnoses clearly, presents all treatment options candidly and respects your agency in deciding on the plan for you.

What to look out for: psychiatrists who immediately prescribe medications with little assessment, those who refuse to work collaboratively with other providers, or anyone who waves away your concerns about side effects. Effective psychiatric care is about listening, it is about thorough evaluation and continuous monitoring. Some psychiatrists also do therapy, while others solely specialize in medication management — it helps to know their boundaries so you can set appropriate expectations.

F.A.Q.: The Real Answers to Your Psychology vs. Psychiatry Questions

Should I Begin with a Psychologist or Psychiatrist?

Psychologists are where you should begin for most mental health issues. We can work up, start treatment and refer to psychiatry if meds seem required. But if your symptoms are intense, you’re worried for your safety, or have a history of mental illness that’s needed medication, then it is okay to see a psychiatrist first. There’s really no “wrong” choice — professionals refer one another all the time.

Can Therapy Work Without Medication?

Absolutely! There are also many conditions that psychotherapy by itself does an exquisite job in helping. Studies have shown that for mild to moderate depression and anxiety, therapy can be just as effective as medication. With individual psychotherapy, you gain tools and understanding that you keep after treatment stops; the effects of medication end as soon as they stop being taken. With that being said, there are certain cases in which medication support can be helpful — at least temporarily.

When Is Medication Really Needed?

Medication is needed when symptoms are so functionally disabling, dangerous or biologically based. These types of issues, like severe major depression with suicidal ideation, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and severe panic disorder will typically require medication as part of a treatment package along with therapy. Your mental health care provider can decide whether medication might be helpful for your treatment.

Does Online Therapy Really Work?

Research increasingly supports the efficacy of online therapy for depression, anxiety, PTSD — you name it. The winning formula is collaborating with digital specialists. My online psychotherapy clients frequently mention feeling more relaxed and able to open up in their own environment, with faster therapeutic progress.

How Do I Know If My Therapist Is Any Good?

Trust your instincts. Within 2-3 sessions, you should feel heard, honored and hopeful that the process itself is going to be healing. A good therapeutic fit feels like a safe place to be vulnerable, where you trust your therapist to “get” you and begin experiencing small positive changes. You are who you are, what you like is what you like — though giving something a try first and being honest with yourself about how it’s going is sometimes the only power anyone can really muster here. If it’s not clicking after a fair shot, it’s okay to go look for someone else — that isn’t failing, that’s self advocacy.

Can I Have Both a Psychologist and Psychiatrist?

Yes, a lot of people love this whole body approach! I work integratively all the time with psychiatrists. This is not “overkill” — it’s comprehensive care, addressing all aspects of mental health. Frequently, the sum is greater than the parts and combination of treatments gives better results than either alone.

How Long Will I Have Treatment for?

The length of treatment will vary greatly depending on what your concerns or goals are, and how quickly your body responds. Resolution of some issues can be achieved with short-term work (8-12 sessions), and other opportunities may benefit from longer-term developmental work. Depression could require 6-12 months of integrated treatment, and personality patterns may take years to change. You and your provider should talk about what’s realistic and monitor progress often.

Conclusion: It All Begins With a Step

We have seen a lot of territory together, from knowing basic differences between what psychologists and psychiatrists do to when each expert can offer the most help. The key takeaway? Both are important for mental health care, and they often work best together. Psychologists offer expertise in therapeutic interventions and can support individuals through behavioral change. Psychiatry adds medical oversight and serves as the prescriber of appropriate medications if necessary.

If this is the only thing you remember from following this guide, that is okay — recognize that asking for help is a courageous and self-caring act, not weakness. If you are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties or feeling lost in this thing called life – there is help! The most critical step is not selecting the “right” professional: instead, it’s choosing to start at all. Mental health professionals work together and refer back and forth, so no matter which door you enter into first, they make sure you get what you need.

Ready to get it going with that brave first step? If you are pondering how one-on-one therapy can benefit your health, contact me at www.psymt.com. Whether you would rather meet in person in Chania and have face-to-face therapy or have online psychotherapy from wherever you are, we can work together to understand what is going on for you and build the way forward. An evaluation can work to determine whether psychologic support, psychiatric intervention, or both are the most appropriate for your individual situation.

Your mental health matters. Your struggles are valid. And help is available. Psychologist, psychiatrist or both; traditional, face-to-face sessions or modern online therapy — it doesn’t matter because the important part is you’re not alone in this anymore. Trust yourself to know when it is time for you to lean, and trust in the professionals who are there to help support your process of recovering and healing.

Just remember: You don’t need to have everything figured out before you find help — that’s what professionals are for. Psychologists and psychiatrists are not two rivals but complement each other. Online therapy is a convenient, effective alternative for many people. The right choice is whatever will get you started on your healing path. Your health is an investment worth making and future you will be thankful you did something about it now.