Psychiatry vs Psychology – What’s the Difference and What’s the Right Path

At Ramsay Mental Health, we offer a wide range of psychiatric and psychological services tailored to support your mental health journey. Whether you’re seeking treatment for complex conditions or guidance through life’s challenges, our compassionate team is here to help.

But how do you know which type of care is right for you? Below, we outline the differences between psychiatry and psychology to help you make informed decisions in consultation with your GP.

Psychiatry Services

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, considering physical, psychological, and social factors. Their comprehensive care includes:

Medication Management: Prescribing and monitoring medications to alleviate symptoms and improve overall wellbeing.
Neurostimulation Treatments: Advanced options like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) for treatment-resistant conditions.
Psychotherapy: Collaborative therapeutic approaches designed to explore emotions, behaviours, and thought patterns. Psychiatrists often work closely with psychologists as part of a care pathway, ensuring patients benefit from integrated support across disciplines.

Psychiatric Services at Ramsay Mental Health

Our psychiatric services include:

Inpatient Programs: Comprehensive support in a structured environment, including access to regular psychiatrist consultations and group therapy sessions with a multidisciplinary team. Psychiatrists oversee care while working collaboratively with psychologists, mental health nurses and other specialists to address your unique needs.
Day Programs: Flexible therapeutic options for specific conditions, combining group therapy and skill-building sessions.
Outpatient Consultations: Ongoing care tailored to your individual needs, including referrals to psychologists for additional therapeutic support.
Neurostimulation Treatments: Innovative therapies for those with complex or treatment-resistant conditions.

Psychiatric care is often recommended for complex mental health conditions that require more than behavioural therapy or GP support.

Referral Process

To access psychiatric care, a GP referral is required. The process may vary depending on the type of service you need.

Ramsay Psychology Services

Anyone can seek care from a psychologist at Ramsay Psychology. Adults, children, teenagers, couples, families — all are welcome and no referral is necessary. Our compassionate and personable psychologists work with you to help you manage your mental health over the long term.

There is no cookie-cutter approach to mental health. We all face life’s challenges differently. Our psychologists utilise world best-practice techniques and evidence-based therapies to develop the right mental health plan for your unique situation.

Our focus is on creating a future for you where you can manage life more easily and happily. By working together, we can give you the tools, resources and strategies to manage your mental health so you can live confidently and peacefully.

Accessing Ramsay Psychology Services

No Referral Needed: You can book an appointment directly with Ramsay Psychology.
Medicare Rebates: With a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be eligible for rebates for up to 10 sessions per year (gap fees apply).

If you need a Mental Health Treatment Plan, schedule an appointment with your GP.

Why Choose Ramsay Mental Health?

At Ramsay Mental Health, we integrate psychiatric and psychological care to address every aspect of your wellbeing. Our experienced team delivers compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your needs, supporting you every step of the way.

Contact Us Today to learn more about our services or to book your first appointment.