Psychiatrist vs psychologist
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With regards mitigation at Crown Court level, does anyone have any strong opinions of using a psychiatrist vs a psychologist? Solicitor seems to think a psychiatrist would be better but we are hesitant. Anyone know much about the risk assessments each provide?
Hi Ellbee,
The main difference between a psychiatrist and psychologist is one (being the psychiatrist) is a trained medical Dr who has undergone at least 5-12 of years training at medical school and is able to diagnose, treat and prescribe medication for any condition be it physical or mental, a psychologist can only prescribe therapy mainly talking. They are both able to understand how the brain works but psychiatrists provide a more holistic approach in terms of addressing patients medical, social and psychological needs. Your solicitor may have suggested a psychiatrist as opposed to a psychologist so that a more (pardon for repeating) holistic approach is required. There is always a possibility that an undiagnosed mental health condition may be present which a psychologist may not be able to identify. Very often there is also a possibility there may be a physical pathological cause that affects the mental health or behavior of a person which only a psychiatrist can differentiate and diagnose. At the very start of our journey I insisted and was supported by our GP to have my husband referred to a psychiatrist which happened, however during the plea hearing none of this was used as mitigation by our useless solicitor which angered me so much, it sounds like your solicitor is being thorough by suggesting the psychiatrist. Hope this helps.
Love Katie xxx
The main difference between a psychiatrist and psychologist is one (being the psychiatrist) is a trained medical Dr who has undergone at least 5-12 of years training at medical school and is able to diagnose, treat and prescribe medication for any condition be it physical or mental, a psychologist can only prescribe therapy mainly talking. They are both able to understand how the brain works but psychiatrists provide a more holistic approach in terms of addressing patients medical, social and psychological needs. Your solicitor may have suggested a psychiatrist as opposed to a psychologist so that a more (pardon for repeating) holistic approach is required. There is always a possibility that an undiagnosed mental health condition may be present which a psychologist may not be able to identify. Very often there is also a possibility there may be a physical pathological cause that affects the mental health or behavior of a person which only a psychiatrist can differentiate and diagnose. At the very start of our journey I insisted and was supported by our GP to have my husband referred to a psychiatrist which happened, however during the plea hearing none of this was used as mitigation by our useless solicitor which angered me so much, it sounds like your solicitor is being thorough by suggesting the psychiatrist. Hope this helps.
Love Katie xxx
Hi, I'm not sure there is a right or wrong answer to your question as both provide different support. My son saw a psychiatrist soon after his arrest due to his poor mental health and suicidal thoughts. The psychiatrist started him on medication and then recommended he started therapy with a psychotherapist.
We managed to find a psychotherapist and the therapy provided to my son has made a huge difference to his mental health. The psychotherapist wrote a character reference for my son for his crown court appearance outlining the therapy he had been through. The judge made reference to this at least twice during the hearing.
I don't know for sure whether the character reference made any difference to the sentencing outcome or not but I do know for sure that the psychotherapy has helped my son so much.
We managed to find a psychotherapist and the therapy provided to my son has made a huge difference to his mental health. The psychotherapist wrote a character reference for my son for his crown court appearance outlining the therapy he had been through. The judge made reference to this at least twice during the hearing.
I don't know for sure whether the character reference made any difference to the sentencing outcome or not but I do know for sure that the psychotherapy has helped my son so much.
I'd be interested in any views on this too, my person is waiting for a report to be done, in relation to his mental health and traumatic past abuse as a child, and autism/borderline personality issues. Not sure who will be doing the report... psychiatrist or whatever? But we want the best possible outcome.
Any advice would be helpful.
Xx
Any advice would be helpful.
Xx