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Psychologist vs Psychiatrist: Who Should You See in Malaysia?
In Malaysia, more and more people are opening up about their mental health — and that’s a beautiful thing.
But if you’re just starting your wellness journey, you might feel unsure: “Should I see a psychologist or psychiatrist? What’s the difference? How do I know who’s right for me?”
YOU’RE NOT ALONE.
In this article, we’ll help you understand the difference between psychologist and psychiatrist in Malaysia, so you can make a confident, informed choice when seeking help.
What Does a Psychologist Do?
If you’ve ever wondered, “What does a psychologist do?” — here’s your answer.
A psychologist in Malaysia is a trained mental health professional who supports you through:
- Talk therapy (psychotherapy): to explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
- Assessments: like IQ tests, learning difficulties, or personality evaluations.
- Behavioural strategies: to help with coping skills, habits, and emotional regulation.
They help people manage:
- Stress, anxiety, overthinking
- Depression, grief, or loneliness
- Relationship struggles, breakups
- Trauma, self-esteem, or personal growth
At Skybi, our psychologists in Malaysia focus on providing accessible, empathetic care — ensuring you feel heard, understood, and supported.
What Does a Psychiatrist Do?
A psychiatrist is a licensed medical doctor who specialises in mental health and is qualified to:
- Diagnose psychiatric conditions
- Prescribe medications
- Provide medical treatments for mental health
Psychiatrists typically treat:
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Major depressive disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Severe anxiety or psychosis
While some psychiatrists offer therapy, most focus on medical and pharmacological care， often working alongside psychologists for a holistic approach.
Psychologist vs Psychiatrist: Key Differences
Here’s a simple comparison to help you see the difference between psychologist and psychiatrist in Malaysia.
Remember: there’s no right or wrong choice.
For many people, starting with a psychologist is a great first step – they can help assess if you need medical care and refer you to a psychiatrist if needed.
Who Should You See in Malaysia?
Not sure where you fit? Here’s a simple guide.
👉 Feeling overwhelmed with emotions, stress, or relationships?
See a psychologist.
👉 Experiencing panic attacks, hallucinations, or mood swings affecting your daily life?
A psychiatrist might be more appropriate.
👉 Still confused?
Many psychologists in Malaysia, including those at Skybi, can help you determine if you need medication or specialised care — and guide you gently to the right professional.
Real-life examples:
- Struggling with break-up anxiety or academic burnout? 👉 Psychologist.
- Feeling detached from reality or having uncontrollable intrusive thoughts? 👉 Psychiatrist.
Why Skybi Is Your Trusted Partner in Mental Wellness
At Skybi, we believe mental health care in Malaysia should be accessible, stigma-free, and person-centered.
Our team includes licensed psychologists specializing in:
- Child and teen counselling
- Couples and relationship therapy
- Stress and burnout support
- Trauma recovery
We’re here to walk beside you – at your pace, on your terms.
👉 Explore our trusted team of experts:
🔗 Skybi Mental Health Professionals
Ready to Talk to Someone? Let’s Get Started.
You don’t have to wait until things get worse to seek help.
Whether you’re curious, struggling, or just want someone to talk to, Skybi is here.
📱 Have questions or need help choosing the right support?
Message us directly on WhatsApp — we’re happy to help you get started:
🔗 Contact Skybi via WhatsApp
Written by: Sophia (Intern) on 15/07/2025, Edited by Kai Lin.
