2007-02-22 12:51:22 · 11 answers · asked by cj872006 5 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor, holds a medical degree, and prescribes medication. His/her training is on the medical/ biological/ neurological bases of mental illness. While some may do therapy, they are not usually trained in psychotherapy.
A psychologist has a PhD or PsyD and specializes in therapy, psychological assessment, and consultation (amongst other things). To hold the title of psychologist, they are required to have a doctorate. They are trained in psychological theory and the behavioral, cognitive, social, dynamic (etc) causes of mental illness. In most states, they cannot prescribe medication. However, in some states (like New Mexico and Louisiana, I believe), psychologists can prescribe medication with additional training.
2007-02-24 07:16:08 · answer #1 · answered by psychgrad 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
psychiatrist- licensed physicians (MD or DO) who specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders. Their medical and psychiatric training prepares them to treat adults and children either individually, as part of and involving the family unit, and/or in a group setting. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications, if needed.
psychologist- A specialist who can talk with patients and their families about emotional and personal matters, and can help them make decisions. Or a specialist in the study of the structure and function of the brain and related behaviors or mental processes. A psychologist may provide psychological evaluation, assessment, testing, and treatment, but may not prescribe medications.
2007-02-22 21:01:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both can diagnose a mental disorder. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication. They are doctors. Psychologists can only give advice etc.
2007-02-22 20:56:37 · answer #3 · answered by E.T. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A psychiatrist is a psychologist that has a doctorate and can prescribe medication.
2007-02-22 20:56:08 · answer #4 · answered by King Midas 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A psychiatrist can prescribe medicine; a psychologist cannot.
2007-02-22 21:02:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Essentially, a psychiatrist is someone who attempts to treat mental illness, whereas a psychologist looks to study mental conditions (both illnesses and "normal" behaviors).
2007-02-22 21:04:05 · answer #6 · answered by super_mewtwo2 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a psychiatrist is a like physician who helps you with any problems like marriage, family, etc ..
a psychologist deals with mental people with serious issues to find out whats wrong with them. Hope thats helps :)
2007-02-22 20:55:31 · answer #7 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor, that is also trained in psychologiy and can administer drugs. Psychologists can only make a psychiatric evaluation and cannot legally administer drugs.
2007-02-22 21:10:40 · answer #8 · answered by Stormchaser 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a psychologist studies human behavior and thinking, while psychiatry is a branch of medicine that deals with the effect of prescription drugs on a person's behavior.
2007-02-22 20:54:48 · answer #9 · answered by marcosmv 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
psychologist-a person who is trained and educated to give therapy and perform research & testing in psychology
psychiatrist-treating people affected with mental and emotional disorders
2007-02-22 21:02:36 · answer #10 · answered by bev 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋