what exactly is the difference between psychologist, psychotherapist, and psychiatrist?

Answer 1

A Psychologist studies Psychology & practices it. Usually teaches it or research work. That sort of thing. Or even counsel. A Psychotherapist is a Therapist. Doesn't have a doctor's degree. They just work with people to sort thru their problems thru Psychology methods of therapy. A Psychiatrist is a doctor. They deal mostly with distributing medicines to the patients that the therapist sees. That's the most of it~

Answer 2

Firstly, psychotherapists are a form of therapists, then there are occupational therapists, educational therapists, management therapists. A therapist and a psychotherapist deals with the underlying problem that caused something like depression such as a car accident. A psychiatrist looks at a mental disorder and how it affects the physiological side of us. So how schizophrenia affects us physically, they then treat it. Psychologists, again there are many types, a clinical psychologist is much the same as a psychiatrist. They look at mental disorders but deal with the disorder rather than the physical symptoms. SO a clinical psychologist would deal with the actual schizophrenia rather than the effects on the body. Hope this helped a little

Answer 3

A psychologist is a person who has studied psychology. They can be in many areas, such as research, teaching, writing, and typically have a bachelors, masters, or a doctorate.

A psychotherapist, is someone who gives counseling. There again are many types, as there are many theories of how we think, and the methods of counseling.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor. They specifically understand chemical imbalances. They can prescribe and monitor medication.

The biggest difference is that a psychotherapist will help you understand and help you think more healthy. A psychiatrist will give you medication if you have a chemical imbalance. A psychologist is just a general name for anyone who has studied psychology.

Answer 4

Stephanie is wrong, so is Know it All (and HIS credentials should tell you why). A psychologist must have a doctoral degree- a BS or MS is not enough.

A psychologist (Ph.D.) is a doctor of philosophy in psychology. A Psy.D. is a doctor of psychology (this requires less research to obtain a degree than a Ph.D.). This is the talking doctor.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in psychiatric medication- his is the only degree that can dispense and advise on medication.

A psychotherapist can have a degree as low as a Masters, and a license as low as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Just talking.

Answer 5

Typically, psychologist is anyone with a Ph.D. in psychology. This could be a researcher / college professor, in addition to a clinician. A psychotherapist is anyone who practices psychotherapy, whether they have a Ph.D. in psychology or not. Could be a masters-level counselor or social worker with training in doing psychotherapy. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has specialized in psychological disorders. Some psychiatrists do a lot of psychotherapy; some mainly prescribe drugs.

Answer 6

Psychiatrists are medical doctors and are certified in treating mental illness using the biomedical approach to mental disorders including the use of medications.

A psychotherapist is a type of psychologist. Neither is a medical doctor and neither can prescribe medications.

Answer 7

psychiatrist = MD, studied medicine and can prescribe drugs.
psychologist = BS, MS, or PhD. Piled high and deep alright. Can NOT prescribe drugs.
psychotherapist = fancy word for a person that provides therapy of the mental variety.

However you slice it, that cigar is not necessarily a cigar.

Answer 8

The amount and type of schooling they had. Their degrees are the only difference. Each, with the right credentials, can prescribe medication and conduct therapy sessions.

Answer 9

FIRST, WOULD BE THE SPELLING J/K ..NO BUT THE TRUTH IS...THEY ARE ALL IN THE SAME FIELD STUDY OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR. THEY DIFFER ALSO IN TERMS OF THE WIDE VARIETY OF COURSES OR CLINICAL EXTERNSHIP.

Answer 10

the first one thinks your crazy the second one checks it out and third convinces you.