Psychologist? Psychiatrist? Counselor? What's the diff, and which one is righ!

Psychologist? Psychiatrist? Counselor? What's the diff, and which one is right for me?

I have been having problems with depression lately, plus an overwhelming amount of stress. I do not wish for any medication (very opposed to drugs of any form, even OTC) and have very unusual mentality. While I love my uniqueness, and don't look to be 'judged' or 'made to conform' I do realize I need counseling. There are other factors, but those are private and not anyone's business but mine and my therapist.

Psychiatrists are medically trained specialists. As they are doctors, they are able to prescribe medication. Some of them also offer talking therapies (psychotherapy).

You don't mention psychotherapists, but they are possibly the most important in the whole arena of psychological help. Counsellors and psychotherapists overlap in their areas of expertise, and it's hard to create a clear differentation between them. Not all would agree, but, in my opinion and understanding, counselling is shorter-lasting and does not work with unconscious material; psychotherapy is longer-lasting and deeper, with many forms of psychotherapy working with unconscious motivations. Both counselling and psychotherapy have a variety of approaches - each starting from a view of human development, health and difficulty. Both offer private consultations; some (mostly counsellors) also work within agencies which may offer free consultations, usually time-limited.

Psychologists undergo a training in assessment and particular forms of therapy. They vary widely from those who make assessments for employment or educational purposes to those who work with specific difficulties such as eating disorders, health-related psychological concerns etc. They are usually, but not always, within a medical setting.

From what you have said, I would suggest a psychotherapist would be able to support you in finding the sources of your depression and how to manage that and the stress you are suffering. They usually work on an open-ended basis (unlike most psychologists and many counsellors, who offer a set number of sessions). Psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, psychosynthesis, gestalt and art therapists are probably those most likely to offer what you want, but ultimately it's the individual you feel confident in who will help you most.

Good luck - I hope you find a way to be your own unique self, and happy and relaxed as well.