I want to be one of them, but I don't know which is which!
2007-03-07 11:55:19 · 22 answers · asked by Queen Shaina 1 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
In the U.S., both licensed psychiatrists and licensed psychologists hold a doctorate in their field. Psychiatrists are physicians who have earned an MD or a DO, whereas psychologists have earned a PhD, PsyD, or EdD. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication and generally spend shorter periods of contact time with clients/patients, and the principle method of treatment is psychopharmacology. Conversely, clinical psychologists generally rely upon psychological assessment and the use of psychotherapy to relieve psychological distress. It is not uncommon for people suffering from mental illness to combine these services to maximize their impact.
2007-03-07 11:57:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
A psychiatrist has a M.D. (medical degree) and a psychologist just has a regular degree (college degree). A psychiatrist focuses more on the medical part of mental illness (psychiatrists can write prescriptions, unlike psychologists) while a psychologist focuses on the way the mind works and behavior. Both help people through their problems and can be called "shrinks." If you are interesting in being a "real" doctor you should consider being a psychiatrist. If you want to be more of a therapist you should try psychology. Check the links if you want more information, and good luck!
2007-03-07 12:23:23 · answer #2 · answered by sunday girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The main difference I believe, is that a Psychologist does not write prescriptions to where a Psychiatrist can. I've known of Psychologists to work in the same capacity as a therapist as well. So, you're going to probably be looking at studying for different degrees. Best of luck to you.
2007-03-07 12:03:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who went to med school, and chose the specialty of mental health instead of family practice or pediatics. They can write prescriptions and nowadays they depend on the psychologists, therpists and the like to do the actual one on one therapy with clients. A psychologist is a person with an advanced degree in psychology (study of human behavior). They mostly do therapy, research, testing, etc. In most states they cannot write prescriptions so send people to psychiatrists to do that.
2007-03-07 11:59:38 · answer #4 · answered by daquimops 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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.
2007-03-11 12:07:13 · answer #5 · answered by psychgrad 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Psychiatrist is a doctor (of Psychiatry) and could Prescribe drugs. A Psychologist can not prescribe drugs and basically does counseling/scientific care, biofeedback, hypnosis, issues like that. the two one among them could be seen Therapists as they the two do scientific care. Sociologists are completely diverse; they learn sociology that's the final dating of persons interior fairly some sorts of societies and how they relate to themselves and others, etc...
2016-10-17 12:45:56 · answer #6 · answered by rosen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor and can prescribe medications, psychologists counsel and, if needed, refer clients to psychiatrists.
2007-03-07 11:57:56 · answer #7 · answered by Phartzalot 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
psychologist is for a person when he has stress, when he has problems in every day life.. Someone that you can talk to and can give you an advise..
Psychiatrist is for a person when he has major problems like mental illness.. When he has manic depression for instance and he can prescribe you medication..
2007-03-07 12:00:57 · answer #8 · answered by HeAvEnLy_PiNk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A psychiatrist takes longer schooling and can write drug prescriptions.
A psychologist cannot write prescriptions.
2007-03-07 11:58:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Psychologist - Can't prescribe medication
Psychiatrist - Can prescribe medication, more schooling to be familiar with medications.
that is the only real difference.
2007-03-07 11:58:11 · answer #10 · answered by Fluffington Cuddlebutts 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋