When should i see a psychologist rather than a psychiatrist?

Therapy vs Meds: U wanna see a psychologist for psychotherapy to explore the underlying issues related to ur emotional state & explore ways to resolve those issues. Adjunct medication is recommended at times (an at times meds are the primary approach such as for schizophrenia) & that's when u wanna see a psychiatrist. Used to be where psychiatrists did both; some states are now training psychologists to do both.

A Sad Split: I agree with dr. Ghanem about the decline in % of psychiatrists who do psychotherapy in their practices. But they do exist -- just ask! for medications, you'll need a psychiatrist. In either case, trust in your psychologist or psychiatrist is crucial -- and feeling that you can discuss concerns openly. More psychologists than psychiatrists do specialized therapies like emdr also.

Symptom severity: Typically when symptoms are not especially severe, psychologists are consulted for cases. However if the symptoms are severe, especially if they are life-threatening, then a psychiatrist is the better professional to see pending a full psychiatric evaluation of symptoms.