whats the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Question

i know a psychiatrist can prescribe drugs right whereas a psychologist cant...is that the only difference?

Answer 1

A psychologist treats patients on a one-on-one basis; dealing with "inner healings" through counselling. Dealings with childhood trauma; sexual/physical abuse; depression; behavioral disorders, family & relationship counselling; sexual disorders, etc. Its primary goal is the relief of mental suffering and improvement of mental well-being.

Psychology is an academic and applied field involving the study of the human mind, brain, and behavior. Psychology also refers to the application of such knowledge to various spheres of human activity, including problems of individuals' daily lives and the treatment of mental illness. Psychology differs from biology and neuroscience in that it is primarily concerned with the interaction of mental processes and behavior, and of the overall processes of a system, and not uniquely the biological or neural processes themselves, though the subfield of neuropsychology combines the study of the actual neural processes with the study of the mental effects they have subjectively produced. However, biological psychology, the scientific study of the biological bases of behavior and mental states, is a subfield of biology and psychology which deals with this mental effects.

The word psychology comes from the ancient Greek ψυχή psyche ("soul," "mind") and -λογία, -ology, "study").
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A psychiatrist will tend to treat patients with drugs as a bandaid solution to the real underlying problem of the patient. Although Psychiatry is a medical specialty dealing with the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of mental illness – both in itself and in bodily illness ('psychiatry in medicine') – such as clinical depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders.

Its primary goal is the relief of mental suffering and improvement of mental well-being. This is sometimes done by first doing a thorough diagnostic assessment of the person from a biological, psychological, and social/cultural perspective. An illness or problem can then be managed by medication or various forms of psychotherapy.

The word 'psychiatry' derives from the Greek for "healer of the spirit".
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Both are independent of each other. Depending on which one you need, you may be referred to one or the other. :-)

Answer 2

What it boils down to, as you said, a psychiatrist may prescribe and a psychologist may not. A psychiatric degree is also a medical degree or B.Sc while a psychological degree is normally a BA. A psychiatrist is a doctor and a psychologist can only become a doctor once he has done his doctorate, but then still not be able prescribe.

Answer 3

We can not tell that Psychiatrist is great because he prescribe drugs. Both are great in different fields. Psychiatrist is only a doctor. But psychologist is different. only different. that does not mean he is greater than or cheaper than some one else.

Psychiatrist studies mainly biological factors along with psychological factors

But psychologist studies cognitive factors along with psychological factor

Psychiatrist can not do psychologist job.
at the same time
Psychologist also can not Psychiatrist job.

Answer 4

A psychiatrist takes the easy way out and perscribes meds that people may end up thinking they need for the rest of their lives in order to function. They also have to get an MD so that they can perscribe meds.

A psychologist gets a PhD and is trained to find ways to help people change thier cognitions and behaviors to facilitate effective functioning in everyday life so that meds won't be a necessity.

That said, some mental disorders require meds to enable the person who has it to function. A good psychologist will know where his/her boundaries in competency are and refer out to a psychiatrist when appropriate/in the best interests of thier client.

I guess a lot of the difference has to do with theoretical orientation.

A side note and important clarification....in order to be a liscensed practicing clinical psychologist, one must have a graduate degree (such as a PhD or PsyD) not just a BA or BS. Otherwise, one would have to be called a therapist, and any joe blow off the street can call themselves a therapist and charge people to maybe help but maybe hurt them.

Answer 5

there are many differences between psychologist and psychiatrists but the most important is that psychiatrists can help people they are mentally ill whereas psychologists help anyone that needs advice. also psychologist as you describe him isn't something specific it is a general science on the other hand psychiatrists is a particular job of doctor science.

Answer 6

PSYCHIATRIST These are medically trained Doctors who have chosen to specialise in treating mental disorders. The only ones qualified to prescribe medication. Some psychiatrists have undergone extra training in therapy and offer similar things to psychologists or psychotherapists

PSYCHOLOGIST Anyone who has obtained a Psychology degree is entitled to call themselves a Psychologist. However, there are many different kinds of Psychologist, and the people who are qualified to offer therapy are usually called Clinical Psychologists or Counselling Psychologists. These people undergo an extra 3 year training which usually qualifies them up to a Doctorate level. This can be a little confusing as they are Doctors of Psychology, not medicine. They are usually trained in a variety of different therapies and are in a good position to assess you for the type of therapy you might need, and often are able to provide it.

Answer 7

The psychiatrist must be a full Medical Doctor before specializing in Psycho Analysis. A Psycologist is more of a quack by comparison. The level of "Degree" is completely different.

Answer 8

psychologist has a degree in arts and psychiatrist has a degree in science/medicine. psychologist has studied a psychology as a subject, whereas psychiatry is a subject related to various psychological deceases and cure.

Answer 9

A psychiatrist is an M.D. that can prescribe medication. A psychologist is a bullshit artist. But if he's a GOOD bullshit artist, by all means go to him. He's a lot cheaper.

Answer 10

ok i have answered this question some 25 years ago....
i believe the difference is, psychologist deal with the emotions,side. the psychiatrist deal with mental state of affairs. and the latter is really a true doctor hence why he/she can admin drugs

Answer 11

A psychologist is not much more than a liberal arts major.

A psychiatrist is a specialist doctor.