A Guide to Choosing a Psychologist in Thailand – Types, Approaches & Services

Counsellors:

Training & Education

Counsellors in Thailand typically hold a master’s degree (2 – 3 years) in counselling, psychology or counselling psychology. Practical experience working with clients for counselling for masters degrees usually range between 200 and 300 hours of clinical practice in both individual and group counselling utilising a range of counselling techniques supervised by an appointed clinical supervisor.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Provide individual counselling for adults, children, teens or couples or family therapy.
• Help clients process, cope, manage and resolve personal and emotional issues utilising therapeutic techniques like CBT, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy.
• Counsellors do not diagnose severe mental illnesses or prescribe medication but may refer clients to psychiatrists or psychologists if more intensive treatment is needed.

Psychologists:

Training & Education

Psychologists typically hold a Masters or doctoral degree in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and are registered members of one or more psychological associations. It is important to note that unlike psychiatrists psychologists are not medical doctors. Their training focuses on the study of behaviour, emotions, and mental processes and usually have one or more areas of specialisation.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Conduct psychological testing and assessments to clinically diagnose mood disorders or mental health conditions and other psychological issues under the guidance of a licensed psychiatrist for the administration of any prescription medication.
• Work either as researcher or provide psychotherapy and counselling using various therapeutic techniques.

Psychiatrists:

Training and Education:

Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors (MDs) who specialise in mental health. They complete medical school usually 6 years followed by a residency in psychiatry (usually 3 to 4 years)

Training includes extensive clinical experience in diagnosing and treating mood disorders, psychiatric conditions and severe mental illnesses.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Diagnose and treat mental health disorders including severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression
• Prescribe medication and perform medical procedures like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
• Work in hospitals, mental health clinics, and private practices.
• Provide medical reports for insurance companies

Key Differences: Summary

Medical Training: Psychiatrists are medical doctors and can prescribe medication, while psychologists and counsellors are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication.

Scope of Practice: Psychiatrists manage both medical and psychological aspects of mental health. Psychologists focus on assessments and or psychotherapy, while counsellors provide supportive counselling and help clients with personal and emotional issues.

Training and Education: Psychiatrists undergo extensive medical and psychiatric training, psychologists complete a masters or doctoral program in psychology, and counselors earn a master’s degree in counseling or a related field.