What’s the real difference between a psychiatrist and a therapist — and how do you know which one you need?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Eric Bender, a psychiatrist, therapist, and media consultant who has worked everywhere from private practice to video game studios. Together we dive into the messy realities of mental health treatment: the truth about psychiatric medication, therapy vs. “med management,” why stigma keeps so many people stuck, and how to know when it’s time to seek help.

Dr. Bender shares his journey from teaching and social work into psychiatry, what it’s really like to balance prescribing with therapy, and how he helps patients navigate shame, fear, and medication side effects. We also explore borderline personality disorder, antidepressant withdrawal, genetic testing, and the art of tailoring treatment to the individual. Plus — his fascinating work consulting on Batman and other characters for media projects.

This conversation is honest, practical, and full of insights to help you better understand yourself and your mental health journey.

Sponsors (Support the Show!)

Mint Mobile — Get 3 months of unlimited premium wireless for just $15/month → https://www.mintmobile.com/kati

OneSkin — Target aging on 3 fronts with the OS-01 peptide, antioxidants, and non-nano zinc oxide. Get 15% off with code KATI → https://www.oneskin.co/

Timestamps (Ask Kati Anything ep. 277)

00:00 – Introduction: Meet Dr. Eric Bender

00:17 – Psychiatry vs. Psychology: What’s the Difference?

02:09 – Dr. Bender’s Unconventional Path to Becoming a Psychiatrist

07:10 – Working with Children & Parents in Therapy

09:01 – Why He Still Does Therapy (Not Just Medication)

13:16 – Conversations Around Medication & Stigma

17:18 – Antidepressant Withdrawal & Side Effects Explained

23:36 – Treating Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

29:48 – Therapy, Medication & Insurance Challenges

35:13 – Should You See a Psychiatrist or a Therapist?

43:47 – Offering Hope & Knowing When to Seek Help

47:31 – Psychiatry Meets Pop Culture: Consulting on Batman & Media

52:14 – How Media Shapes Mental Health Stigma

53:04 – Closing Thoughts

My New Book (Pre-Order)

Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ

If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support.

Other Books

Traumatized → https://geni.us/Bfak0j

Are u ok? → https://geni.us/sva4iUY

Connect with Dr. Eric Bender

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.ericbender

Website: http://www.doctorericbender.com/

Kati’s Main YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/katimorton

Online Therapy (10% off your first month)

While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist → https://betterhelp.com/kati

Partnerships

Nick Freeman | [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices