Can a therapist prescribe medication?

In most states, no. Only psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and some primary care physicians can prescribe psychiatric medications. If your therapist believes medication may help, they will refer you to a prescriber.

Do I need to see a psychiatrist before starting therapy?

Not necessarily. You can start with either. However, if your symptoms are severe, if you suspect you may need medication, or if you want a diagnostic evaluation first, starting with a psychiatrist can help guide the therapy referral.

How do I know if I need medication or just therapy?

A psychiatric evaluation can help answer this question. In general, mild symptoms may respond well to therapy alone, while moderate-to-severe symptoms often benefit from medication alongside therapy. The decision is individualized.

Does SLS Psychiatry provide therapy?

SLS Psychiatry focuses on psychiatric evaluation and medication management. For ongoing psychotherapy, we coordinate with and refer to therapists who specialize in the approaches most relevant to your condition.

Psychiatrist vs Therapist: Which Do You Need?