Therapists and psychiatrists have different roles and serve different purposes. People visit a psychiatrist when they are looking to get evaluated for potential psychiatric medications. People see a therapist when they are looking to process emotions, work through a difficult time, identify/improve patterns that create obstacles, or any other reason emotional work would be beneficial. So to answer your question, both can be helpful - but for different reasons. I always recommend starting with a therapist and assess from there whether a psychiatrist referral is necessary. I am connected with other psychiatrists in the community and can provide referrals if we determine that your child may benefit from both therapy and psychiatry.