What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
2006-09-26 06:25:11 · 7 answers · asked by butterfly_261 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
To add to the above statement, there is a significant difference is the skill set and training. Psychiatrists spend the first 4 years learning general medicine and nothing about psychological phenomena. They spend the final year of their residency learning about psychopathology. Psychologists begin studying such phenomena from day 1 and continue to do so for 5 years. Psychiatrists have prescription privileges and in most states, psychologists don't, although this seems to be slowly changing. Psychologists are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders, neuropsychological functioning and adjustment to chronic illness. Generally speaking, you'll get more accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations from psychologists.
2006-09-26 06:34:36 · answer #1 · answered by Ph_D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gavin's description is perfectly accurate. The only thing I want to add is that typically Psychologists are not able to prescribe medication because they are not medical doctors, and Psychiatrists are able to. The exception to the rule would be a psychologist who is supervised by a Psychiatrist or who works for a medical facility where others are licensed to prescribe.
2006-09-26 13:36:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Psychiatrists are real doctors. they have MD degrees. after becoming a doctor they specialize in psychiatry branch of medicine; while a psychologist is just a major in college. when they graduate they're called psychologist, aka shrink.
main difference psychiatrist has spent more time in school, maybe charges you more.
2006-09-26 13:34:25 · answer #3 · answered by zakbauer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like psychiatrists, licensed psychologists hold a doctorate in their field. Psychiatrists are physicians who have earned an M.D. or a D.O., whereas licensed psychologists have earned a Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D. In addition, each of these two licenses operate under somewhat different legal definitions and restrictions.
2006-09-26 13:28:40 · answer #4 · answered by Yahoo Medic 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A psychologist is a therapist and cannot prescribe meds.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who prescribes meds and sometimes does therapy.
2006-09-26 13:33:05 · answer #5 · answered by First Lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A psychiatrist has been to medical school and can prescribe medications. A psychologist has a degree in psychology, has not been to medical school and cannot prescribe medication.
2006-09-26 13:35:07 · answer #6 · answered by danaluana 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One is a bullshi**er and the other is not. It is in fact, difficult to tell which one is which.................
2006-09-26 13:30:01 · answer #7 · answered by thomasrobinsonantonio 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋