Episode 1 The Psychiatric Landscape

Summary

In this episode, Dr. Cathy Owen with interviewer Peter Dowling demystifies psychiatry and discusses the differences between counselling, psychology, and psychiatry. She explains that while all three disciplines work in the same space, they have different professional backgrounds, learning backgrounds, funding, and availability. Counselling focuses on here and now issues and is often shorter term, while psychology delves into the brain mechanisms of function and offers various subspecialties. Psychiatry, on the other hand, requires a medical background and involves a comprehensive assessment of physical and mental health. The episode also touches on the regulations, barriers to entry, and referral processes for each discipline.

Keywords

psychiatry, counselling, psychology, differences, disciplines, mental health, regulations, barriers, referral process

Takeaways

· Counselling, psychology, and psychiatry are three different disciplines that work in the same mental health space.

· Counselling focuses on here and now issues and is often shorter term, while psychology delves into the brain mechanisms of function and offers various subspecialties.

· Psychiatry requires a medical background and involves a comprehensive assessment of physical and mental health.

· Regulations and requirements for psychiatrists and psychologists are stricter compared to counsellors.

· Access to counselling is relatively easier, while access to psychiatry and psychology may require a referral from a GP.

· Law enforcement, under certain circumstances, can refer individuals to psychiatrists for their mental health needs.

Chapters

00:00Demystifying Psychiatry: Understanding the Differences

01:27Counselling: Addressing Here and Now Issues

02:26Psychology: Exploring Brain Mechanisms and Specialties

03:22Psychiatry: Comprehensive Assessment and Medication Prescribing

11:54Regulations and Barriers in Mental Health Disciplines

16:10Referral Process: GP as the Gatekeeper

17:38Law Enforcement and Mental Health Referrals

Key Mental Health Resources

Lifeline 131114 or online here https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/

Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

E-Couch https://ecouch.com.au/

Relationships Australia https://relationships.org.au/

1800Respect 1800737732 or https://www.1800respect.org.au/

National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline 1800250015

Headspace for 12-25 https://www.headspace.com/articles/how-to-improve-self-esteem

Kids Helpline for 5-25 https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Reach out with questions at barkingmadpodcast@outlook.com