Christians can absolutely seek help from psychologists or psychiatrists, but we must remember that professional advice alone can’t fix every struggle. True healing and understanding comes from God alone.
People often seek out the services of psychologists or psychiatrists for help managing mental health difficulties that are impacting their everyday life in areas such as relationships, work, and school. The Bible doesn’t discourage this but points to God as the true Healer. Genesis shows that we are not merely physical beings, but are created in God’s image, with a spirit and soul, which includes emotions (Genesis 1:26, 2:7). Proverbs advises seeking wise counsel (11:14, 15:22). At the same time, God is the ultimate Counselor and Healer, so we should always take our troubles to Him (Psalm 34;18, 42:11). Scripture teaches the power of prayer. Believers are told to cast our anxieties upon the Lord in prayer (Matthew 11:28-30; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:7), communicate with God regularly, and test any advice from human counselors against what Scripture teaches (1 Thessalonians 5:21). God knows us more than any human being can, so we can come to him with that in mind and share our deepest hurts.
Christians who need counseling are immediately at odds with a secular counselors’ mindset: Psychologists and psychiatrists are typically trained to believe that humans can solve their own problems, but the Bible teaches that we cannot save ourselves apart from God. The work of the Holy Spirit in our lives leads to change.
Christians seeking help from mental health professionals would benefit from finding a biblically grounded believer. But even a Christian psychologist or psychiatrist will never have all of the answers because human knowledge will never compare to God's wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:14-16).
Psychologists and psychiatrists may be able to assist people with mental well-being, but they can make mistakes and usually can’t help every problem. Only God has the complete answers and help for all of life's difficulties. God has given us the Bible as a guide for how to live our lives, relate to each other, and know who He is.
We are to bring our cares and difficulties to the Lord in all situations and find our ultimate hope and help in Him (1 Peter 5:7, Jeremiah 17:7). We can look to God and His Word, which He has given to us for help, especially in times of trouble.