Whats the difference between a phyciatrist and a phsycologist?

Question

Please answer :) I need to know.

Why would one go to one over the other?

Do phsyciatrists have anyhitng to do w/ autism?

Answer 1

Good answer Lacey.

They both worry me. Who wants to take bucket loads of meds and who wants to talk in detail about their past.

The psychiatrist wants to give you bucket loads of meds so you will be so far gone you wont give a dam and wont be yourself. The psychologist wants you to talk, until they find out they are dealing with some extreme stuff and then they want you to see someone else, usually a psychiatrist. No win situation. I wonder if they have performance statistics, say on suicide, so they buck pass likely candidates. Sort of a not on my watch syndrome. Which in itself could be a mental disorder 'syndrome' for which they need help

My advice, is to beware of drugs unless you have a clear, recognized medical diagnosis like bipolar etc. confirmed by two psychiatrists and then stick with proven drug treatment protocols.

Answer 2

the main difference between counseling and a psychiatrist is that a regular counselor is either a psychologist or some other mental health worker and can not prescribe medications. A psychiatrist is a person whether female or male that can prescribe medications to you. Some psychiatrists may also want to ask you questions about how you are and so forth, but they generally let the counseling up to the counselors. As far as getting this for free I don't know if you can. Some free clinics maybe, but usually you have to pay or have your insurances pay for these services. Good luck to you and I hope I was some what helpful!

Answer 3

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor. They go to medical school, become an MD,(medical doctor) do an internship and then specialize. They can write prescriptions for medications.
A psychologist did not go to medical school. They are a PhD (doctor of psychology). The focus of their education is psychology, sociology, behavior; more people oriented but do study the brain, nervous system. Just not in the detail an MD does. They cannot prescribe medications.
Addendum: Why would one go to one rather than the other? I'd go to the psychiatrist first. He will refer to a psychologist or counselor. Rarely will a psychologist refer for meds unless he is absolutely sure it's beyond his scope of practice i.e. schizophrenia and even sometimes they try talk therapy. The psychiatrist works from a medical model, the psychologist works from a social model. Either are great for mental issues.

Answer 4

the psychiatrist is a mental doctor, theyre allowed to use medicine and some of em use therapies as well

and psychologists just give therapies

and if you have small issues you go to a psychologist, something you dont need medicine to get cured

and if you have a mental diease: depression, paranoia, ocd, bdd, etc you go to a psychiatrist

Answer 5

Lacey is right and you would only go to those if you have some serious mental health issues.

Many people can go to a counselor for talk therapy (much cheaper and probably not as stuffy).

Counselors also usually work on a sliding scale, so you can pay what you can afford, very helpful.

Answer 6

The first is a medical doctor who is better equipped to handle listening to your needs and determining what or if any medication you need. He can also prescribe medication. The latter isn't a medical doctor but does have a P.H.D. They're like therapists where people go and talk about their lives, problems, etc.

Answer 7

a psychologist studies the mind and how it works.
a psychiatrist is basically a doctor for the mind instead of the body. all psychiatrists need a basic understanding of psychology, but not all psychologists are psychiatrists

Answer 8

Psychiatrist has a Medical degree and can prescribe medicine.

Psychologist can only advise /counsel.

or

About $250,000 dollars per year

Answer 9

psychiatrist is a MD. psychologist has a PH D. Psychiatrist can prescribe meds, psycholoist can not

Answer 10

i go to see a psycologist AND a psyciatrist lol my psycologist talks to me about like my feelings and emotions and my mental stuff and my psyciatrist just checks in on how my medicines are making me feel and stuff