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Yes. There are many differences both in their training and what they do. A therapist is a general term for someone that does clinical counseling - typically they are trained through counseling programs and can have a Master's or Ph.D. in counseling or social work (for example a MSW - (Master's of Social Work) are often therapists). The type of philosophy they use can vary greatly from gestalt therapy to reality therapy - although most employ a variety of therapy techniques.

Typically when someone see's a psychologist they are seeing someone that has a Ph.D. in clinical pyshcology. Theses folks typically are trained in behavioral or cognitive therapies. Psychologists also come in many other forms that do not do clinical therapy such as developmental, social or biological psychologists.

Psychiatrists are M.D.'s that specialize in clinical therapy after they get their M.D. They are the most expensive, and the only ones that can prescribe drugs. They use a variety of techniques and typically have a strong background in psychoanalysis (the type of therapy developed by Freud, Jung and others).

In the end it's not as important what type of therapist you see - but to find a professional that you can trust and feel comfortable with and that comes recommended - Hope this helps - good luck!

2007-01-09 01:08:03 · answer #1 · answered by ardapithecus 1 · 0 0

What ardapithe... said AND:

Therapist is a generic term and has no legal meaning. A 10 year old selling lemonade could be a Heat Therapist.

Psychologist is a legally protected term. If you see that, the person has a Ph.D. or Psy.D (doctorate degrees) in clinical/counseling/ school psychology. The one exception to this is the term "School Psychologist" - a masters level person that does academic testing. Psychologists work in the domains of testing, assessment, and clinical therapy among other unique roles.

Psychiatrist has a medical degree and deals mainly with medication. Historically they had some training in psychodynamic approaches. I work in the MH field and it is very rare to see a psychiatrist do anything other than diagnose and medicate.

MSW has a Master's of Social Work and can be found doing counseling duties in addition to case management type work with agencies like Child Protective Services.

States have their own Masters level licenses. Just go to their Boards of Psychology on the web to see them. (eg. CA has MFT- marriage&family therapist)

2007-01-09 05:02:38 · answer #2 · answered by metagrad 1 · 1 0

A psychiatrist is a wellbeing practitioner, holds a scientific degree, and prescribes medicine. His/her training is on the scientific/ organic and organic/ neurological bases of psychological ailment. at the same time as some would do therapy, they at the instant are not many times experienced in psychotherapy. A psychologist has a PhD or PsyD and focuses on therapy, psychological assessment, and consultation (among different issues). to hold the call of psychologist, they are required to have a doctorate. they are experienced in psychological concept and the behavioral, cognitive, social, dynamic (etc) reasons of psychological ailment. In maximum states, they can't prescribe medicine. whether, in some states (like New Mexico and Louisiana, i've got faith), psychologists can prescribe medicine with extra training. A therapist is very corresponding to a psychologist, whether, they are Masters-point and don't carry out formal psychological comments/exams.

2016-10-30 10:20:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Vast difference. Probably too mucj to go into here. but....

Psycologist studies behaviour and response, often comes form social science background.

A Psychiatrist is a doctor who specialises in Mental Health

a therapist can be anyone, prefereably with some training ! but sadly not essential.

2007-01-09 00:54:38 · answer #4 · answered by Michael H 7 · 1 0

A psychologist and a psychiatrist have to attend university and undergo training assessment, and pass exams before they are allowed to practise

Some therapists are trained but a therapist can also be someone who buys into or invents some quack psudoscientific nonsense and then makes a living out of fleecing people.

2007-01-09 01:02:27 · answer #5 · answered by Corneilius 7 · 0 0

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in mental health. A psychologist is a therapist who has done years of training in mental health issues and can get people to talk round their problems.
A therapist could just be a counsellor who people will go to and discuss things.

2007-01-09 00:56:07 · answer #6 · answered by little_jo_uk 4 · 0 0

The differnece is in the amount of education. Therapists and psychologists have Bachelors or Masters degrees. They are qualified to counsel, but not to prescribe medications. Psychiatrists have Doctorate degrees and can diagnos mental illnesses, prescribe antidepressant and anti-psychotic medications.

2007-01-09 00:58:01 · answer #7 · answered by roknrolr63 4 · 0 0

The amount and type of education they have - a psychiatrist is the only one who is able to prescribe medications, as they have a specific medical degree.

2007-01-09 00:55:54 · answer #8 · answered by T Time 6 · 0 0

Basically a psychiatrist is the only one who can actually prescribe drugs.Everyone else can only talk about how they re against drugs

2007-01-09 01:00:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

psychologist is
a professional who studies behavior and experience, usually either licensed to provide therapeutic services to the public or working in an academic setting

therapist is
somebody trained to treat disease, disorders, or injuries, especially somebody who uses methods other than drugs and surgery

a psychiatrist
a doctor trained in the treatment of people with psychiatric disorders

2007-01-09 01:03:24 · answer #10 · answered by Love United 6 · 0 0

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