what is the difference between a psychologist and a social worker?

Question

my mom is a social worker (therapist) and my therapist, faughn, is a psychologist. faughn says that psychologists think of people more in terms of the individual and social workers tend to think of people more in terms of how they function in society. i'm not sure i agree. thoughts?

Answer 1

A Ph.D. psychologist specificially is trained in psychological testing of individuals and they do engage in therapy. A person with a masters' degree in psychology can only practice under a Ph.D. psychologist, an LCSW, or a psychiatrist. A person with a Masters' Degree in Clinical Social Work when they become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker can engage in private practice AND be reimbursed by health insurance if, after earning their Masters' Degree, they have been supervised for 2 years in a fulltime social work position by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and, after that is completed, to take a 4 hour state licensure exam which then results in their becoming an LCSW. It is true that they have been trained AS WELL to view people in the way they function in society but they can also diagnose using their clinical training and are very effective therapists. Psychiatrists are medical doctors and can prescribe medication although a competent social worker can suggest to a doctor what medication they think might be beneficial.

Answer 2

A psychologist obtains a doctorate in psychology; a psychiatrist obtains both a doctorate in medicine and also has training in psychology and can prescribe medicine; (psychologists have just been issued the authority to do this as well.) And a social worker has a masters in counseling and family counseling. When it comes to therapy, it depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for family counseling and relationship counseling, a social worker would be able to suit your needs. If; however, you are suffering from a disorder, or trauma of some kind, or a long term addiction coupled with deep rooted issues in your life, a psychologist would be the one to see. A psychologist by the way, is a doctor. They recieved their PhD. A psychiatrist deals mainly with the chemical side of these disorders. But some have done psychotherapy and recieve extra training in that area as well. As far as powers are concerned, they vary: A psychologist is the only one who can perform IQ tests and evaluations of different sorts. A social worker is the only one who can make the decision to remove a child from a home. A psychiatrist is usually the one to commit a person to a hospital, etc.

Answer 3

That is correct. Psychologist deal with the individual and their brain and emotions.
A Social Woker deals with the problems of the person as related to society.

Example:
You are suicidal, then you would see a psychologist and possible be put on meds and discuss the whys of the act.

You are being abused. You see a social worker who can connect you with places to help you like Womens Center, Family Resouce Center and such. They will discuss the abuse and help you see why it is not healthy and how to get out of that situation.

Both are important. But those that enjoy relating to people and helping them solve their emotional (not physical) problems should steer toward Social therapist.

Good Luck

Answer 4

Psychologists provide counseling and can provide a patient with a diagnosis. A social worker can do counseling but they can only have a private practice with a doctorate degree ( i think it is doctorate)...and they can not diagnose.

Social workers also do not need to be people that provide counseling. They do a plethora of things like community work, advocacy, research, etc. They can also work professionally with a bachelors, and become ceritfied with a masters. Psychologists need their doctorate to have professional status.

Answer 5

A PSYCHOLOGIST HAS A PHD IN PSYCHOLOGY AND A SOCIAL WORKER HAS A MASTERS OF SOCIAL WORK

Answer 6

Who has the diploma?

That sheepskin lends a huge amount of "credibility"

Answer 7

yup