No, your therapist cannot be your primary care physician. These are two very different types of healthcare workers with different training and abilities. A therapist helps with mental health through talk and behavior therapy, while a primary care physician is a medical doctor who treats your whole body and can write prescriptions.
Let’s explore why these roles are separate and how they can work together to keep you healthy.
What Makes a Primary Care Physician Different from a Therapist?
Medical Training and Education
Primary care physicians are medical doctors who went to medical school for four years after college. They earn a medical degree (MD) or a doctor of osteopathy degree (DO) and then complete years of hands-on training in hospitals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this extensive medical training gives them the knowledge to diagnose and treat many health problems.
Therapists have different training. Most therapists require master’s degrees and the approval of their licensing boards to practice in the mental health field. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that mental health counseling programs typically require 60 credit hours of graduate study. They study psychology, counseling, or social work but don’t go to medical school.
What They Can and Cannot Do
The biggest difference is what each professional can legally do for your health:
Primary Care Physicians Can:
- Write prescriptions for medicine
- Order blood tests and X-rays
- Do physical exams
- Treat infections, injuries, and chronic diseases
- Give vaccines and shots
- Refer you to specialists
Therapists Cannot:
- Therapists cannot generally prescribe medications
- Order medical tests
- Treat physical illnesses
- Give vaccines
Therapists Can:
- Help someone better understand and cope with thoughts, feelings and behaviors
- Provide talk therapy and counseling
- Teach coping skills for stress and mental health
- Help with relationship problems
Why Can’t Therapists Prescribe Medicine?
A therapist can only prescribe medication if they have one of the credentials that requires medical training. Most therapists don’t have medical degrees, so they can’t write prescriptions.
Only these professionals can prescribe medicine:
- Medical doctors (MDs)
- Doctors of Osteopathy (DOs)
- Nurse practitioners
- Physician assistants
- Psychiatrists (who are medical doctors with mental health specialty training)
If your therapist thinks you need medicine for depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues, they will send you to someone who can prescribe it.
How Primary Care Doctors Help with Mental Health
You might be surprised to learn that PCPs can screen for and treat a variety of mental health conditions and even provide ongoing support. Many people start their mental health journey with their family doctor.
What Mental Health Care Primary Care Doctors Provide
PCPs can provide an array of behavioral health support including screening for and treating depression, anxiety, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), substance use disorders, peripartum mood disorders, eating disorders, and intimate partner violence.
Your primary care doctor can:
- Screen you for depression and anxiety during regular visits
- Prescribe common antidepressants and anxiety medicines
- Help you manage mild to moderate mental health issues
- Refer you to specialists when needed
When Primary Care Doctors Refer to Specialists
Primary care providers can treat mild to moderate cases of anxiety and depression but will often refer patients with severe depression or anxiety to a psychiatrist. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, primary care physicians receive training in recognizing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety as part of their residency programs. They also refer patients who need more specialized care or aren’t getting better with basic treatment.
The Best Team Approach for Your Health
The good news is that therapists and primary care doctors often work together to give you the best care possible. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors will grow 18 percent from 2022 to 2032, showing the increasing demand for mental health services.
How They Work Together
Here’s how your healthcare team might work:
- Your primary care doctor handles your physical health, does check-ups, and can prescribe mental health medicines
- Your therapist helps you learn coping skills, work through problems, and manage stress
- A psychiatrist (if needed) specializes in complex mental health conditions and medicine management
The combination of medication and therapy is usually recommended for deeper and longer-lasting improvements.
Benefits of This Team Approach
Working with both types of providers gives you:
- Complete care for your mind and body
- Medicine when you need it
- Talk therapy to learn new skills
- Someone to coordinate all your care
When to See Each Type of Provider
See Your Primary Care Doctor When:
- You need a physical exam or check-up
- You have a cold, flu, or infection
- You need vaccines or preventive care
- You want to try medicine for mild depression or anxiety
- You have ongoing health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
See a Therapist When:
- You’re dealing with stress, grief, or major life changes
- You want to learn better coping skills
- You’re having relationship or family problems
- You need help managing emotions
- You want to work on personal growth
See Both When:
- You have both physical and mental health concerns
- You’re taking medicine for mental health and want therapy too
- You have chronic pain that affects your mood
- You’re dealing with a serious illness that’s causing emotional stress
Finding the Right Care at Yorktown Health
At Yorktown Health, we understand that good health includes both your physical and mental well-being. Our primary care doctors can help with many mental health concerns and work closely with mental health specialists when you need extra support.
We offer comprehensive care including:
- Annual physicals that include mental health screenings
- Treatment for stress-related conditions
- Depression care and medicine management
- Referrals to trusted therapists and psychiatrists
Common Questions About Therapists and Primary Care
Can a therapist diagnose mental health conditions?
Therapists provide mental health diagnoses and develop a treatment plan. However, the specific types of diagnoses they can make depend on their training and state licensing rules.
Do I need a referral to see a therapist?
In most cases, you don’t need a referral from your primary care doctor to see a therapist. You can often call and make an appointment directly. However, getting a referral from your doctor can help you find a good therapist who fits your needs. The New York State Office of Professions requires that licensed mental health counselors complete at least 60 semester hours of graduate study and 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience.
Can my primary care doctor handle all my mental health needs?
PCPs can even provide ongoing mental health support for conditions such as depression, anxiety, postpartum depression, and substance use disorders. However, for severe or complex mental health issues, you may need to see a psychiatrist or specialized therapist.
What if I can’t afford both a therapist and a primary care doctor?
Start with your primary care doctor. They can often help with mild to moderate mental health issues and refer you to affordable therapy options in your community. Many areas have sliding scale fee programs for mental health services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment in mental health-related industries has grown significantly, leading to more accessible care options.
Taking Care of Your Whole Self
Remember that taking care of your mental health is just as important as caring for your physical health. While your therapist can’t be your primary care physician, having both types of providers gives you the most complete care.
The key is finding providers who communicate well with each other and put your health first. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about how your different doctors work together to care for you.
Final Thoughts
Your therapist and primary care physician serve different but equally important roles in keeping you healthy. While they can’t be the same person, they can work as a team to give you comprehensive care for both your mind and body.
If you’re looking for primary care that includes attention to your mental health, the team at Yorktown Health is here to help. We believe in treating the whole person and connecting you with the right specialists when you need them.
Ready to start building your healthcare team? Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward better health.
