Psychiatrist or psychologist?

Psychiatrist (Sp.KJ)

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed specialist training in psychiatry, which in Indonesia takes about four years after medical school. They hold the title Sp.KJ (Spesialis Kedokteran Jiwa).

Psychiatrists diagnose, prescribe and review medication, and look at how physical and mental health affect each other. Some also provide therapy.

Clinical psychologist (Psikolog Klinis)

In Indonesia, a clinical psychologist holds a professional master's degree in clinical psychology (M.Psi., Psikolog) and a licence to practice.

Clinical psychologists assess and diagnose through interviews and psychological tests, and treat through therapy such as CBT, EMDR, schema therapy or ACT. They do not prescribe medication.

Who to see first

• A psychiatrist, if you are considering medication, already take medication for your mental health, or find that symptoms are making daily life hard to manage.
• A clinical psychologist, if you would like to start with therapy, or want help with a specific difficulty such as anxiety, a relationship or the effects of a past event.
• Both, if you need medication and therapy. With your agreement, they work from the same plan.

At Nara

You don't need to decide. Tell us a little about what brings you in when you register, and we'll suggest who to see first. If you later need the other, we'll arrange it.

Questions