Questions for Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Therapists?

Question

I'm psychology major/ human health and wellness minor, and I've been recently weighing my future career options.
I know that psychiatrists prescribe meds and psychologist generally don't, and a psychiatrist has a higher salary, but what are some of the other significant differences? and what exactly does a therapist do? or is it just a different name for the same thing?
I really want to get into the medical field, but I also want to do counseling and talk therapy, and do more than diagnosing and prescribing medication. Are there psychiatrists who do more behavioral modification therapy than medication therapy?
I'm a 4.0 student so grades are not a problem and lots of schooling does not bother me, nor does the idea of medical school; so beyond that, what are some of the major appealing and unappealing factors of the different fields?
Any info (especially from people in the field) would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

Psychiatrists are graduates of medical school - they are MDs with further training in psychiatry. Board certified psychiatrists do therapy with patients as well as prescribe meds.
Psychologists are graduates of regular colleges and universities, and have gone to graduate school to learn diagnosis and treatment, assessment, and therapy skills with individuals, couples and families. They don't prescribe medications, but the field is changing, and they are beginning to become able to prescribe if they've had enough training in psychopharmacology.
Therapists can be PhDs, MFTs, and LCSW, as well as some school counselors. Therapy is the practice of working with people to deal with their psychological issues.
Look at the curriculum for psychiatrists and psychologists and see which path lights you up. Look carefully and take your time. Getting a graduate degree and the necessary experience takes years, and is very expersive. Either path will enable you to help people, so pick the one that feels like the best fit for you.

Answer 2

I'm NO professional but I can say that my Psychologist / Therapist seems to have more of an interest in me. Who I am, whats going on with me, how I'm doing...etc. I find they get more into the root of your issues rather than a 45min time slot, here's your meds and don't contact me til our next appointment.. That's what I find here in Northern Ontario anyways. A Psychiatrist makes more money but a Psychologist/Therapist makes more out of your time and leaves a much better impression...Good Luck

Answer 3

Psychiatry is the study on the chemical and anatomic functioning of the brain, psychology is the one of the mind, the way I see it. The difference is that the mind is a function.

I would say they study something similar but have different weapons to solve mental problems. Psychologists can work in your ideas and attitudes, psychiatrists in your chemistry. Mental functions are a part of nervous system's uses. The rest of them are studied by neurology.