Child Psychologist vs. Child Psychiatrist in Copenhagen: What’s the Difference?

When you’re worried about your child, figuring out who to contact can feel like another task on an already long list. You might know that something needs attention without knowing whether to book a psychologist, speak to your GP, or ask the school for help.

Psychologists and psychiatrists both work with children’s mental health. Their training and roles differ, though, and sometimes a child benefits from both.

What does a child psychologist do?

A child psychologist has training in psychology and experience working with children’s development, emotions, behaviour, and relationships.

They can help you understand what your child is struggling with and work with your child and family on ways to manage those difficulties. Depending on their training and role, they may also carry out psychological assessments.

Children’s sessions can involve play, drawing, games, or conversation, depending on their age and needs. Work with parents is often an important part of the process too.

You might contact a child psychologist because your child is anxious, having difficulties with friendships, struggling with separation, or finding a change in family life hard to manage. You can also seek guidance when daily routines have become difficult and you’re unsure how to help.

Psychologists do not prescribe medication.

What does a child psychiatrist do?

A child and adolescent psychiatrist, called a børne- og ungdomspsykiater in Danish, is a medical doctor with specialist training in children’s and young people’s mental health.

Their work includes assessing psychiatric conditions, considering physical health and developmental factors, and planning treatment. They can prescribe medication when it is appropriate and monitor its effects.

A psychiatric assessment may be needed when difficulties are severe, complex, or significantly affecting a child’s ability to manage everyday life. It may also be appropriate when previous support hasn’t been enough or medication is being considered.

Seeing a psychiatrist doesn’t automatically mean your child will be prescribed medication. In psychiatric services, care often involves a team that may include psychologists and other professionals.

Where should you start, child psychologist vs psychiatrist?

If you’re unsure whether you need a child psychologist vs a child psychiatrist, your GP is a useful starting point. Explain what you’ve noticed, how long it has been happening, and how it affects your child at home, in school, and with other people. Your GP can assess the concerns and discuss whether a referral is needed.

A private child psychologist can also be a starting point for emotional or behavioural difficulties. Ask about their experience with your child’s age group and the particular concerns you want help with.

If the difficulties involve school or daycare, speak with the staff too. They may have useful observations and can help you explore support through the municipality, including PPR, the educational psychology service.

You don’t need to decide on a diagnosis before asking for help. Specific examples are useful: “She cries every morning before school,” “He’s stopped seeing his friends,” or “Bedtime takes two hours because she’s frightened of being alone.”

When help is urgent

If your child talks about suicide, has seriously harmed themselves, or seems to be losing touch with reality, seek urgent medical advice. Contact your GP immediately during opening hours or the regional out-of-hours medical service. In Copenhagen and the Capital Region, that is 1813.

If there is immediate danger to your child’s life, call 112. These situations need prompt assessment rather than waiting for a routine therapy appointment.

Child therapy at Village Therapy

At Village Therapy, we offer child therapy and support for parents and families. We begin by understanding what’s happening and considering whether the support we offer fits your child’s needs.

If you’re unsure where to start, you’re welcome to contact us. We can discuss your concerns and explain what working with our child psychologist would involve.