I think there is a useful distinction between psychiatry and psychology/therapy. I think psychiatry works well under the medical model and allows people who have mental illnesses to seek treatment and obtain medications in that vein. I think talk therapy, however, works better independent of the medical model, and can serve both those who do and those who do not have mental illnesses. For those who need both services, they can work together and compliment one another. But having them separate allows the client to maintain a level of autonomy and choice over their care. And, for those of us who only need/want talk therapy and do not have a mental illness, it allows us to benefit from this service without forcing us to work within a model that is not helpful for us.

I experienced first-hand the drawbacks that can come with a medical model and the stigma associated with seeking therapy. My medical chart indicated that I see a therapist-- because it had not occurred to me to withhold that information. So, I went to a neurologist for physical symptoms I was having and I was quite concerned given that both of my biological parents have neurological diseases (MS and Parkinson's). The doctor told me that all of the symptoms were in my head (made up) and, when I disagreed, he wrote in my chart that I was a hypochondriac and non-compliant with mental health treatment. I actually had to have my GP and my therapist write addendums to my medical file indicating that I did not have a mental illness and that this doctor was severely off-base. I filed a complaint and found out that he had done the same thing to several other female patients, who had also filed complaints against him. I also fainted three days later and was rushed to the ER in the middle of the night-- guess what?! I actually did have a physical health problem and had to have immediate surgery at 2am. Had this guy taken me seriously, I would not have almost died.