Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist vs. Counselor in the Philippines: Who Should You See?
Saya Team
Mental Health Team
In this Article
When you're finally ready to seek mental health support, one of the first questions that might come up is: "Do I need a psychiatrist, a psychologist, or a counselor?"
In the Philippines, the differences between these roles can be confusing—especially with the growing number of platforms and services now offering therapy online.
This guide breaks down what each professional does, how much their services typically cost, and when it makes sense to choose one over the other—so you can start your healing journey with confidence.
👨⚕️What's the Difference?
Understanding the roles of different mental health professionals helps you make informed decisions about your care and ensures you get the right type of support for your specific needs.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders using both therapy and medication. In the Philippines, they are the only mental health professionals who can legally prescribe psychiatric medication.
They're often consulted for conditions such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and severe anxiety or panic attacks—especially when medication may be necessary.
Psychologists
Psychologists specialize in psychotherapy (also called "talk therapy") and psychological assessments. They help clients process emotions, identify thought patterns, and work through trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and other mental health concerns.
They do not prescribe medication, but they often collaborate with psychiatrists when needed.
Price at Saya:
Counselors
Counselors are trained mental health professionals who provide support for day-to-day emotional struggles, life transitions, and relational or work-related stress. They offer guidance, emotional validation, and practical tools for coping.
While they don't conduct formal psychological testing or provide medication, they're a great starting point for people new to therapy or working through manageable emotional challenges.
Price at Saya:
💡When Should You See a...?
| Scenario | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Ongoing anxiety, burnout, low mood | Psychologist or Counselor |
| Severe depression or panic attacks | Psychiatrist + Psychologist |
| Relationship or family issues | Counselor or Psychologist |
| Need for medication or diagnosis | Psychiatrist |
| Want someone to talk to regularly (but affordably) | Counselor |
| Looking for therapy focused on trauma or grief | Psychologist |
💬How Saya Makes It Easier to Decide
Saya is a platform built for Filipinos who want accessible, compatible, and affordable mental health support. Instead of assigning you a provider at random, you can choose your own licensed psychologist or counselor, based on their profile and specialization.
Sessions are fully online and private, and users can book sessions individually or through monthly subscription plans. These plans unlock additional features like:
Unlimited therapist chat between sessions
Post-session summaries and action items
Priority support
Free mental health certificate (for psychologist plans)
And while psychiatrists aren't yet available on the platform, Saya is launching psychiatric services soon, allowing users to receive medication support when needed—complementing the psychotherapy already available.
📌Summary: Who's Right for You?
If you're unsure where to start:
Begin with a counselor if you want to ease into therapy or are on a tighter budget.
Choose a psychologist if you're dealing with deeper emotional challenges and want evidence-based therapy.
Consult a psychiatrist (soon available on Saya) if medication might be necessary or your symptoms are severe.
✅ Ready to Take the First Step?
Finding the right mental health professional can make all the difference. Whether you're looking for emotional clarity, structured therapy, or professional guidance through something difficult—help is now more accessible than ever.
Explore psychologists and counselors on Saya and book your first session today.