No, a therapist does not count as your physician in the traditional sense. While both therapists and physicians are healthcare professionals, they serve different roles and have distinct areas of expertise.
A physician is a medical doctor who is trained in the diagnosis and treatment of physical health conditions. They can prescribe medications, order medical tests, and provide medical treatments for various illnesses and diseases. Physicians typically focus on the physical aspects of health and treat conditions such as infections, injuries, chronic diseases, and other medical issues.
On the other hand, a therapist is a mental health professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental and emotional health concerns. Therapists can be psychologists, licensed counselors, social workers, or psychiatrists. They are trained to provide talk therapy and other forms of psychotherapy to help individuals with a wide range of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship problems, and more.
While both physicians and therapists play essential roles in overall healthcare, they address different aspects of a person's well-being. If you have physical health concerns, you would seek help from a physician or another medical specialist. If you are dealing with mental or emotional challenges, a therapist would be the appropriate professional to consult.
It's important to have a holistic approach to health and consider both physical and mental well-being as interconnected components of overall wellness. Collaboration between healthcare professionals from different fields can provide comprehensive care for individuals seeking to improve their overall quality of life.