Do you have to be ill to speak with a psychologist?
You don't need to have problems that meet the criteria for mental illness to receive help from a psychologist, but you may have them—and still receive help.
A psychologist’s help can prevent mental distress from developing into mental illness, and can also contribute to improvements in areas such as self-esteem, sleep, and stress management.
While psychiatry is the doctor’s specialization in mental illness, psychology is based on how the human mind normally functions and how we typically interact with and respond to our environment.
A psychologist's expertise includes assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health issues and psychological distress, but they can also provide, among other things, counseling and support if you need help with common yet challenging issues, such as those related to relationships, intimacy, or work life.