What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist?

A psychiatrist is a doctor that has completed medical school, trained as a doctor in the hospital system and has achieved all the requirements of a medical specialist. A psychiatrist is able to prescribe medications, provide psychotherapy, organise investigations such as an MRI brain scans and blood tests or perform certain procedures such as TMS therapy.

A clinical psychologist is a highly-trained clinician with postgraduate qualifications. A clinical psychologist provides psychotherapy to help people manage some of their difficulties by changing some of their thinking and behaviour patterns.

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy, in layman’s terms, is known as “talk therapy”. Contrary to popular opinion, “talk therapy” is not merely having a chat, like one would do with a friend. Psychotherapy is a therapeutic and clinical process, whereby questions are raised about a person’s current situation, and answers are sought through the process of psychotherapy.

There are different types of psychotherapy, and in general psychotherapy can thought of as a spectrum, with free-form psychoanalysis on one end and structured therapy such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) on the other end.

Dr Lim practices psychodynamic psychotherapy which is a global therapy between the two ends of the spectrum. Psychodynamic psychotherapy aims to help the individual identify important pieces of the puzzle that makes them who they are and to help them rearrange the pieces in ways that allow the individual to form a more functional and positive sense of self. Psychodynamic psychotherapy involves interpretation of mental and emotional processes rather than focussing on behaviour.

Why do some people require medications?

Not all treatments are the same for the same individual, that is why we are all unique. For some, psychotherapy may not be a useful therapeutic option as sessions can be too intense to be tolerable. For others, medications are chosen in order to achieve a result quicker as time is of the essence. In some circumstances, a person may be too unwell to concentrate on psychotherapy. In this instance, medications are used to help stabilise their condition so that they can constructively engage in psychotherapy to help in their recovery. There are also some psychiatric conditions where medications are imperative to help someone cope with their symptoms so that they can function in their day to day life.

In Melbourne Psychiatry Network, medications are prescribed with great care and caution, with non-medication options a preferred first line treatment.

What happens if I require an admission?

An open discussion will be held between you and Dr Lim to discuss the benefits and disadvantages of an admission so that you can make an informed decision. An admission to a private hospital will always only be done with your consent. Should an admission be needed, this is usually organised through a private hospital in Richmond. Private health insurance is essential for this process to take place.

Melbourne Psychiatry Network can also assist with admissions in the public health system. However, due to the nature of the process, we are not able to have direct participation in this arrangement, and the ease and efficiency of this process is the responsibility of the respective public health facilities.

Why do I need a GP referral letter if I am a new patient?

If you are a medicare card holder, you are entitled to medicare rebates with a GP referral letter. In addition, a GP referral letter provides additional clinical and collateral information that would be useful in planning an assessment. It also ensures that a follow-up plan can be conveyed to your GP, and that you have the appropriate level of supervision from your primary care doctor.

If you do not have a letter from your GP, please contact our clinic to have a discussion about your circumstances.