Whats the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Answer 1

ology means study of so a psychologist is the study of the mind. Psychiatrist is a MD that can prescribe medicine. He has more schooling then a regular psychologist who only has a PhD who can not prescribe medicine.

Answer 2

A psychologist counsels people and a psychiatrist prescribes medicine. Often a psychologist and a psychiatrist work together as a team and see the same patients. The psychologist does the counseling and provides his or her notes about the patient to the psychiatrist who then decides what meds to prescribe to the individual. A psychologist will usually have a PhD while a pschiatrist has an MD.

Answer 3

A psychologist doesn't have a medical degree and a psychiatrist does. So a psychologist cannot prescribe medication and a psychiatrist can prescribe meds. A psychologist does counseling and a psychiatrist does med management.

Answer 4

A clinical Psychologist can listen to your problems and advise, but not prescribe medications.
Psychiatry, being an specialization of medicine, allows the provider to do both things.
You need only 4 years of college to become a psychologist, but around 8-10 years total (including medical residency) to become a psychiatrist.

Answer 5

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.).

got this from this website: http://depression.about.com/cs/psychotherapy/f/psychologist.htm

Answer 6

Hello James P. A psychiatrist is a doctor, he is able to prescribe you medicines. A psychologist is not a doctor, he cannot prescribe medicines. With the psychologist you just go and talk about your problems. [e-mail]

Answer 7

A psychologist is called a therapist most of the times and even though they are sometimes considered doctors they cannot prescribe medications. They sit there and listen to your problems.

A psychiatrist is not a therapist and is used mainly to prescribe medications or if need be have a patient admitted to a hospital.

Answer 8

A psychologist has a Bachelor's degree and cannot prescribe medication.

A psychiatrist has a Doctorate, they go to med school.

Answer 9

a psychologist studies the human and a psychiatrist talk with patients.my boyfriend wants to be a psychologist.so he pretty much tells me all there is to kno about being a psychologist.hope i could help

Answer 10

The psychologist treats clients without the benefit of drugs and hopistials because they are not medical doctors. Psychiatrist are medical doctors and have all the tools of both worlds to treat clients.