Life is full of ups and downs. Occasional stress, grief, or uncertainty are part of being human. But when emotional distress becomes persistent, overwhelming, or begins interfering with daily life, it’s often a signal that it’s time to reach out and talk to a therapist. Knowing when to talk to a therapist isn’t always obvious, but recognizing key warning signs and understanding the roles of mental health professionals can help you take that step earlier rather than later.
Below, we’ll explore signs that therapy might help, how to choose between a psychologist, a psychiatrist in Los Angeles (or elsewhere), or a therapist, and what makes Brain Health USA a relevant resource in the mental health landscape. Finally, we’ll answer common FAQs to guide your decision.
Recognizing the Signs: When It’s Time to Talk
Here are some signals that suggest talking to a therapist could be beneficial:
- Persistent emotional distress
If feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, irritability, or emptiness last for weeks or months (rather than days), it may indicate underlying issues beyond everyday ups and downs. - Interference with daily functioning
If emotional or mental concerns begin to affect work, school, relationships, or self-care (for example, you find it hard to concentrate or your routine starts to crumble), that’s a strong indicator to seek help. - Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels
Significant changes—sleeping very little or too much, appetite loss or overeating, constant exhaustion—can point to depression, anxiety, or other conditions. - Increased use of substances or avoidance
When you find yourself increasingly using alcohol, drugs, or other behaviors to dull distress—or avoiding situations altogether—you may be signaling a coping mechanism that’s unsustainable without support. - Frequent mood swings or emotional reactivity
Rapid shifts in mood, long periods of anger, unexplained crying spells, or reactive emotional responses might indicate difficulties in emotional regulation and the need for professional help. - Traumatic experiences or major life changes
Following loss, abuse, a breakup, job loss, illness, or other traumas or major transitions, therapy can provide structure to process, heal, and adapt. - You’ve already tried “self-help” strategies
If journaling, reading self-help books, meditation, exercise, or confiding in friends haven’t eased your distress over time, a trained therapist can offer professional, guided strategies that go deeper. - You have suicidal or self-harm thoughts
If thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life emerge, immediate help is vital. A therapist or psychiatrist can help you with crisis support and safety planning.
These are not strict rules, but red flags. You don’t need to “wait until you’re at rock bottom.” Therapy is not just for crises—it can also be preventative, a way to build emotional resilience and self-awareness.
Therapist vs Psychologist vs Psychiatrist: Which to See?
Understanding the roles and overlap among mental health professionals can help you choose the right path.
| Professional | Training / Role | What They Can Do | When to Prefer |
| Therapist / Counselor | Usually holds a master’s degree or equivalent in counseling, social work, marriage & family therapy, etc. | Provide talk therapy (e.g. CBT, psychodynamic, behavioral), coping strategies, emotional processing | For mild to moderate distress, relationship issues, counseling, coping skills |
| Psychologist | Holds a doctoral (PhD or PsyD) in psychology | Provides assessment, testing, therapy; may specialize in specific modalities | When you want deeper psychological testing or specialty therapy |
| Psychiatrist (medical doctor) | A medical doctor specialized in psychiatry | Can prescribe medication, order labs or imaging, manage biological treatment plus therapy | For severe symptoms, suspected biological disorders, medication management |
Usually, for many emotional and mental health difficulties, seeing a therapist or psychologist is very effective. If your symptoms are more severe, chronic, or resistant to therapy alone, a psychiatrist in Los Angeles—or elsewhere—may be needed, especially to evaluate whether medication or more intensive intervention is required.
In many cases, a collaborative treatment approach works best: seeing a therapist for talk therapy and a psychiatrist for diagnosis and medication as needed.
How to Know You Need a Psychiatrist in Los Angeles (or Beyond)
Here are more specific cues that you might benefit from seeing a psychiatrist in addition to—or instead of—therapy:
- Severe, disabling symptoms: hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, or extreme mood swings.
- When medication may help: persistent depression or anxiety where therapy alone hasn’t sufficed.
- Risk of harm: self-harm, suicidal ideation, or aggressive impulses.
- Comorbid physical issues: mental health symptoms possibly tied to biological or neurological conditions.
- History of bipolar, schizophrenia, or psychotic disorders.
- Poor response to multiple therapies: when psychotherapy over months hasn’t produced significant change.
In places like Los Angeles, where options abound, seeking a psychiatrist can provide access to specialized care, diagnostic tools, and combined therapy plus medication approaches. Brain Health USA, for instance, offers psychiatry services in the Los Angeles area.
The Role of Brain Health USA in Mental Wellness
If you live in California or the greater Los Angeles region—or are interested in telehealth options—Brain Health USA is an organization offering mental health care with a strong local presence.
What Is Brain Health USA?
Brain Health USA is a mental health provider network that includes psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurse practitioners. They deliver a range of services in California, including Los Angeles, and also provide telehealth care.
Their services include:
- Child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, including diagnosis and management of disorders like anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
- Psychological services and therapy.
- Telehealth and virtual mental health consultations.
- Acceptance of many insurance plans to improve accessibility.
How to Decide When to Seek Therapy
Here are some guidelines to help you decide:
- Low to moderate distress, but consistently troubling: start with therapy.
- Major life transition or trauma: therapy often helps first.
- Symptoms interfering with daily life: therapy and a medical evaluation.
- Therapy without progress over months: consider psychiatric assessment.
- Signs of biological urgency: seek psychiatric care immediately.
Choosing a psychologist or therapist first allows time to explore mental patterns and coping strategies. A psychiatrist in Los Angeles may complement that care with medication or a deeper diagnosis when needed. The goal is to get help early, not wait for things to worsen.
Tips for Approaching Therapy and Psychiatry
- Be open and honest: The more you share, the better a therapist or psychiatrist can help.
- Bring notes: Track symptoms, triggers, sleep, appetite, mood changes, and family history.
- Set goals: Think about what you hope to get from therapy—less anxiety, healthier relationships, better sleep, etc.
- Ask about approach: Every therapist or psychiatrist has their own style and preferred methods (CBT, psychodynamic, medication management, etc.).
- Expect adjustments: Therapy or medication regimens may evolve as you progress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is therapy not enough, and when do I need to see a psychiatrist?
If therapy isn’t improving symptoms over several months, or if you’re experiencing severe mood swings, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, or drastic impairment, a psychiatric evaluation is advisable.
2. What’s the difference between a psychologist and a therapist?
A psychologist holds a doctoral degree and often conducts assessments and specialized therapies. A therapist is a broader term that includes counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists. All provide psychotherapy, but psychologists may offer more testing or research-based approaches.
3. Can I see a therapist before seeing a psychiatrist?
Yes — in fact, many people start with therapy. If symptoms worsen or don’t improve, therapy clinicians may recommend a psychiatric consultation. The sequence can vary by individual.
4. Is therapy only for serious mental illness?
Not at all. Therapy is useful for stress, life transitions, relationship problems, personal growth, coping with grief, and more. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit.
5. How do I choose a good therapist or psychiatrist?
Look for credentials, specialization (e.g., anxiety, trauma), modality (in-person or telehealth), compatibility (you feel comfortable), insurance acceptance, and reviews or referrals. For a psychiatrist in Los Angeles, also check that they coordinate with other providers for integrated care.
Strict reminder from Brain Health USA to seek a doctor’s advice in addition to using this app and before making any medical decisions.
Read our previous blog post here: https://brainhealthusa.com/can-bipolar-disorder-get-worse-with-age-treatment-affect-your-mental-health/