What is the differance between a physchiatrist and a physcologist?

Question

How much does each of them usually get paid? What do you have to do to become one?

Answer 1

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor, holds a medical degree (MD or DO), 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. You have to go to medical school with a psychiatry specialization to become a psychiatrist. The pay is higher than a psychologist, however I couldn't give you specific numbers.
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 and a license. It is illegal in most states to call yourself a psychologist unless you have a Ph.D. or Psy.D. AND a license (so, you can't be a psychologist with a bachelor's or masters). Psychologists 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. The average salary for a psychologist depends on where they are working (with what population and in what geographic area). It tends to average around $50,000 and $70,000, but could be more than that in private practice or major metropolitan areas.
Basically, the length of training is about the same, but the work duties and income are very different.

Answer 2

Psychiatrists prescribe psychotropic medications to treat mental illness and have an M.D. or D.O. degree. Psychologists study human behavior, conduct assessments, teach at academic institutions, conduct and publish research, and interpret assessments. Licensed psychologists must have a PhD or a PsyD degree to qualify for licensure. There is also an internship and externship requirement. Counselors and clinical social workers do therapy and hold at least master's degree and a professional license. Few psychiatrists do any psychotherapy these days. Psychologists are moving away from therapy because of the number of counselors and social workers who charge much less for services. Depending on the area, psychiatrists are usually paid well over $200,000 per year. A psychologist can make a good six figure income in private practice, but counselors and social workers make much less. Many only making between $30-50K annually.

Answer 3

A psychiatrist is an MD who specializes in human behavior, psychology. As an MD, this person can write prescriptions. A psychologist is a person trained in psychology, either clinical and/or counseling. They provide similar services as a psychiatrist. A person with a bachelor's degree cannot be a licensed psychologist, contrary to an earlier post. To become a psychiatrist you have to go to medical school. To become a licensed psychologist you must obtain a Ph.D., but in some states I think a masters degree is sufficient. Their hourly rates can vary from as little as $50 and hour to a few hundred an hour.

Answer 4

A psychiatrist has a medical degree. They usually work in hospitals and deal mostly with the biological aspect of mental illness (medications). A psychologist has a Ph.D and CANNOT write prescriptions, they do anything from therapy to teaching to motivational speaking to criminal profiling to research

Answer 5

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor like your primary care doctor. He/she had decided to specialize in Psychology instead of say family medicine or pediatrics. Therefore a psychiatrist can prescribe medication. A psychologist has a academic degree of the highest. To become a psychologist you have to have a BA, MA, Ph. D A Ph. D is a doctor of philosophy which is the highest academic degree that you can get. It takes at least six to eight years after you get your bachelors degree. You also have to train at a psychiatric hospital before you can practice on your own like a doctor has to do a residency before he can practice on his own. Working on their own with their own practice a Psychologist can make up to 100,000 or more a year. Working with a hospital they can make up to 150,000 a year. A psychiatrist will make more but they have to go through a full course of medical school just like any other doctor.

Answer 6

a psychiatrist is doctor and can prescribe meds. a psychologist is not authorized to prescribe medicine.

Answer 7

psychiatrist has a Phd and can write prescriptions and charge more than a
psychologist that has a bachelors degree.