Therapy vs Medication

What therapy and medication are

Therapy and medication are two of the main approaches used in mental health care. Psychotherapy, or talking therapy, uses a structured relationship with a trained professional to help people understand and change patterns of thinking, feeling and behavior. Psychiatric medication uses prescription medicines that act on brain chemistry to help manage symptoms. For many conditions, research supports therapy, medication or a combination of both.

Which approach fits depends on the condition, how severe it is, a person’s history and preferences, and access to services. Clinical trials compare these approaches, and findings differ by condition, which is why clinical guidelines tend to recommend individualized plans rather than a single answer.

Talking to a professional

Decisions about treatment are personal and best made with a qualified professional who can assess a person’s situation. Medication decisions require a prescriber, and changes to existing treatment should be discussed with the treating clinician.

Relevant professionals include primary care doctors (GPs), psychiatrists, psychologists and licensed therapists, who often work together.

Before an appointment, it can help to note down your questions, what you have noticed and any medicines you already take. It is reasonable to ask about the options available, what the research says about them and what happens next. Good clinicians welcome questions and explain things in plain language.

Learn more

To learn more, see our pages on types of therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and the difference between psychiatrists and psychologists. Our guide to types of mental health professionals explains who does what.