Whats the step? How long takes a person to become a psychologist?

Question

and whats the major difference between a Psychiatrist & Psychologist?

Answer 1

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO), 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.
To be a psychologist, you have to attend 4 years of undergraduate college/university, 4 years of graduate school to get your doctorate, a one-year internship, and then one year of supervised, postdoctoral work before you can be licensed.

Answer 2

Psychologist - You have to complete 4 years of college, 2 years or more of graduate school and eventually your Ph.D. You have to have a M.S. before you are allowed to even counsel anyone. (Does more counseling)
Psychiatrist - College, Medical School. You actually are a doctor who can prescribe medications. Pschiatrist goes to school for a much longer period of time since you are an actual doctor. Psychiatrist can actually treat mental disorders.

Answer 3

Capabilities, motivation, studies, training, practice; these would be the major steps I can think of. As for how long it would take, I think it would depend on how serious you are about academy (College to PhD) work and the effort you put into becoming as best a psychologist as you can.

Answer 4

A psychiatrist can prescribe medicine, and psychologist can't.