What is the difference between a psychologist and psychiatrist?

Question

I want to be a child psychologist and I want to know what the difference is.. I think one can perscribe medicine and the other can not.

Answer 1

A psychologists as least has a chance of helping someone

Answer 2

You're right. The major difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist is the fact that the psychiatrist has a Medical degree with a specialty in psychiatry. and can prescribe medications. A psychologist usually has a PHD, which is a doctorate degree and can not prescribe medicines.


A career of that of a child psychologist is good. But if you want my honest advice. You should go into nursing. Nursing is more in demand. The pay is good. It's a very rewarding profession. And if you like children. You can still become a pediatric nurse.

Answer 3

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with specialized education in mental health disorders. Some psychiatrists teach or do medical research, but clinical psychiatrists basically make diagnoses and prescribe medication. Psychiatrists tend to deal most with clients who have the more severe psychiatric disorders: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Clinical psychologists, on the other hand, have an advanced degree in psychology (usually a Ph.D.) and know about the various psychotherapies and which disorders they are appropriate for. Their background in psychology should give them an advantage in understanding a client's cognitive biases, how conditioning provides a framework for the etymology of many disorders, etc. The psychiatrist tends to know more about interactions between medicines, brain structure, and things like that.

Answer 4

I don't know about prescribing medicines. But in some places a psychologist can be subpoenaed to court for prosecution of the patient, whereas a psychiatrist cannot betray client/patient information. Also depending on your heath coverage, a psychiatrist may be covered, but not a psychologist. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

A psychologist does talk therapy. He usually has a PhD degree. A psychiatrist does drug therapy. He has to have an MD degree with a specialty in psychiatry to prescribe drugs.
A session with a psychologist might last one hour.
With a psychiatrist, the talk is usually limited to the medications. The visit may be ten minutes.

Answer 6

The simplest way to describe the difference between them is that a psychologist primarily aids the depressed patient by counseling and psychotherapy. A psychiatrist may also perform psychotherapy; but, in addition, can prescribe medications and perform ECT (electroconvulsive therapy). A psychiatrist is a medical doctor. A psychologist may hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) and be called "doctor"; but, is not a medical doctor (M.D.).

Answer 7

I cannot believe how many people have answered saying that a psychologist can have a masters degree. This is ABSOLUTELY *NOT* TRUE. A masters-level clinicial can provide psychotherapy and counseling but is NOT a psychologist. To call oneself a psychologist, one must have either a PhD or a PsyD.

Additionally, 2 states do allow PhD level psychologists to prescribe medications.

Answer 8

One answer said that psychiatrists are researchers and that psychologists aren't. This isn't really true. There are researchers in both fields, but one is usually in a college of letters and sciences (psychology) while the other is part of a medical school (psychiatrist).

Answer 9

Psychiatrists are psychologists that can prescribe medications. They are supposed to prescribe them as a last resort, but I think that they just do it anyway without trying to talk the problem out like a Psychologist would.

I could be wrong, though.

Answer 10

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor and can prescribe medication. A psychologist is a counselor and is not considered a doctor and cannot prescribe medicine. It takes a lot longer to become a psychiatrist as you would have to go to medical school. A psychologist only needs a master's degree and the necessary certification in order to practice.

Answer 11

Yes, you are right...only a psychiatrist can prescribe medication, as they go to medical school, and acheive the MD degree (doctor of medicine)...A psychologist either has a master's degree or a Ph.D., but cannot prescribe medication...