To see a counsellor, psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist?

[ImaHogg]

I’ve had mental health issues for the majority of my 48 years.
Over those years the issues have been on a sliding scale from manageable ( just bubbling under the surface) to me feeling like I can’t function on day to day basis and literally feeling like a breakdown is on the horizon.
Most of my gp visits have been due to these issues over the last 29+ years. I’ve been offered endless antidepressants which have not helped. I have had cbt 4 times and endless counselling both via the NHS and my own self funding. Again these have not left me with any lasting relief or understanding of my issues.
I have never seen a psychiatrist, psychotherapist or psychologist and understand these professionals are few and far between in the NHS so will most likely need to self fund so I really want to make sure I am going down the right path as I really don’t have money to throw at it.
What is the correct path? I need help understanding why I act like I do, the route cause of my obsessions around certain things, getting over issues from past events etc. I feel I need to address these things in order to move on with my life and to help me cope with the major challenges I currently have. I feel like I live my life, helping out others with a smile on my face but inside I’m like Munch’s The Scream, it’s unbearable at times.
Does anyone have experience with any of the above health professionals and could give me an explanation how they work so I can understand which is the best treatment for me?

A psychiatrist works mostly with disorders and medications. They are a medical doctor and although they can do therapy, they usually don't. They're the mechanic if you like.

Psychologists have been to university and have a doctorate. They may also be psychotherapists. Counsellors usually have a more basic level of training. Anyone can set up as a counsellor but many are excellent.

I started out seeing a counsellor. He has been amazing and I am now looking at a psychotherapist who is eye wateringly expensive to address a specific issue. I didn't know I had this issue until I came up against it in counselling.

Once I've overcome this particular problem I will be going back to the counsellor. If I were you, I would recommend counselling first. It's less expensive and can help you fund some clarity about what the problem actually IS.

I would recommend you see a psychologist or psychotherapist. If you can afford private, I would consider it. Alternatively, the Community Mental Health team in the NHS but you will have to strongly emphasise the huge impact on your day to day functioning to be referred