difference psychiatrist and psychologist?

Question

whats the difference between psychiatrist and psychologist?

Answer 1

Wow, people ask this question a lot.

Psychologists have a PhD or Psy.D (those with only a master's can't call themselves psychologists). They have spent at least 4-6 on average working on their dissertation, and learning about the theories and techniques of psychotherapy and various mental illnesses. Then they seek an internship in different settings. They train much more intensely on psychological theories and in the case of the Ph.D, research methods. They cannot prescribe medicine. However, there are two states (New Mexico and Louisiana) in the United States that allows psychologists who have undergone intensive training to prescribe medication. Personally, I think this is a great idea, but I won't go off topic.

Psychiatrists on the other hand, start with 4 years in medical school. After wards, they seek out out a specialty in psychiatry through internships. They are very knowledgeable with medication and can prescribe medication. They tend to have less training in psychotherapy. They treat mental illness very much like a physical illness. Our abnormal psychology professor told us that there was a manual that they often use: "If x drug does not work, try x drug. If that does not work , try x drug etc. etc." They tend to work with more seriously ill patients, such as those with schizophrenia. If your problem is more biologically based or severe, a psychiatrist may help stablize you and your behaviors.

Psychiatrists are more expensive, and if you are not struggling with an biologically based illness, I would suggest consulting with a psychologist first. Personally, I believe that if someone spent 4 years learning about the heart, eyes etc. while the other learned about human behavior, the psychologist will have more knowledge. Although both complete internships, the psychiatrist is much more involved with aspects of prescribing medication. Your family doctor can prescribe medication with your psychologist's help, so don't worry about prescriptions if that is a concern.

Answer 2

Psychiatrist: can prescribe medication, a Psychologist cannot.

Answer 3

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor that can prescribe medication, psychologist is just a therapist.

Answer 4

A psychiatrist can prescribe meds. A psychologist cannot.

Answer 5

Both are in the mental health care profession. A psychiatrist, is also an MD (medical doctor). They can prescribe medication. A psychiatrist is a doctor who specializes in psychology.

Answer 6

Antelias,

Pshychiatrist = prescribes medication
Medicine being his expertise, is what
their knowledge is strong, i.e. the effects
and side effects, which med for what, but
many times they lack an understanding
of what is causing the profile.

Phychologist = cannot prescribe medication
so their strength is in finding out what causes
the profile. They should have thorough knowledge
and be good at applying therapies.

So, if there is a need to see one, I would
most definitely advise to see the other one
as well, as they are both completely different
approaches to Mental Health and one will not
do without the other.

Hope this helps.

Answer 7

a psychiatrist has gone to medical school, and had specialized in psychiatry..
A psychologist had a PHD In psychology, and has to be accredited by the state in order to practice.

Answer 8

a psychiatrist can prescribe medication and a psychologist cannot.

Answer 9

psychology = an academic and applied field involving the study of the human mind, brain, and behavior.

psychiatry = Psychiatry is a medical speciality whose primary goal is the treatment of mental illness. Its name derives from the Greek for "healer of the mind".

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor & spends alot more money & time in school.

Answer 10

A psychiatrist is not a medical doctor..... he just took the class that teaches about drugs so he can prescribe em... and got that certificate.. however.. YOU CAN become a medical doctor then turn your path towards psychiatry.