In addition to differences in practice, psychiatrists and psychologists also have different educational backgrounds and training requirements. Some psychiatrists get extra training in a specialty, such as: Psychologists complete graduate school and doctoral-level training. Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association; 2016. The type of approach needed often depends on the severity of the symptoms and the needs and wishes of the patient. In order to become a psychiatrist, students first earn an undergraduate degree before they attend medical school and receive an MD. More and more people are being open about their mental health issues at work. During this medical residency, those specializing in psychiatry receive training and practice in how to diagnose and treat different psychiatric conditions such as PTSD, ADHD, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Those who earn a Ph.D. in clinical or counseling psychology receive extensive training in research methods and complete a dissertation. While they have several similarities, they play different roles in healthcare settings. Over a series of sessions, a psychologist will work with someone to help them better understand their symptoms and how to manage them. Salaries vary depending on where a psychologist or a psychiatrist works. A second important distinction between the two careers is that psychiatrists can prescribe medications, while, in most states, psychologists cannot. The terms "psychologist" and "psychiatrist" are often used interchangeably to describe anyone who provides therapy services, but the two professions and the services they provide differ in terms of content and scope. Different Degree Options Available for Therapists, Clinical Psychology Careers Training, Salary, andOutlook, The Difference Between a Counselor and a Counseling Psychologist, What You Should Know If You Want to Work as a Counseling Psychologist, 5 Psychology Degrees and What You Should Know About Them, Daily Tips for a Healthy Mind to Your Inbox, The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analysis. Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist Education The professions of psychiatry and psychology also differ greatly in terms of education. The symptoms may start small, then escalate, and affect your life and health. The PsyD degree option, on the other hand, tends to be more practice-oriented. It’s an approach that focuses on helping people overcome negative thoughts and patterns of thinking. Learn about the different kinds of mental health professionals and how they can help you. Psychiatrists are physicians that have specific training in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses. Counseling and Psychotherapy: Theories and Interventions. Now we know about the education and treatment of Psychologists and Psychiatrists. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Psychologists receive graduate training in psychology and pursue either a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) or PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) in clinical or counseling psychology. Read on to learn more about the differences between the two and how to decide which you should see. Talk therapy can take many forms, including: When treating children, psychologists may assess areas other than mental health, including cognitive functioning and academic capabilities. If they won’t give you an answer or seem unwilling to discuss prices with you, they’re probably not a good fit for you, anyway. Keep in mind that many common mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, are often treated with a combination of medication and talk therapy. Doctorate programs typically take five to seven years to complete and most states require an additional one- or two-year-long internship in order to gain licensure. Some states—such as New Mexico and Louisiana—now grant prescribing privileges to medical psychologists holding a post-doctoral master's degree or equivalent in clinical psychopharmacology. These professionals are also qualified to provide mental health services depending on training and experience. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth; 2014. They also work with a wide variety of patients, ranging from children to adults, who may have behavioral problems, emotional difficulties, or some sort of psychiatric disorder. Don't face mental health challenges alone. Psychologist vs Psychiatrist - What's the Difference A psychologist and a psychiatrist are often confused as having the same meaning. Psychologists also face similar demands. Work/life balance and work settings are other factors that students should consider when choosing between a career as a psychologist or psychiatrist. During this program, they work with people in hospitals and outpatient settings. It’s a common question people have, understanding the distinction between these two common types of mental health professionals. A psychiatrist may be a better choice if your child has a more complex mental issue that requires medication. Sign up to find out more in our Healthy Mind newsletter. Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, Ph.D., CRNP — Written by Stephanie Watson on May 23, 2019 Practice Both types of providers must be licensed in their area to practice. That psychologist may observe, assess, and diagnose the patient before referring them to a psychiatrist who can prescribe and monitor medications. After seeing a primary physician for a referral, a patient might work regularly with a psychologist addressing behavioral patterns. They may also perform types of therapy that psychiatrists normally don’t do, such as play therapy. The psychologist and psychiatrist may work together, with the psychologist offering behavioral interventions and the psychiatrist providing or adjusting medication, in order to best address the patient's symptoms. Personal communication. The psychologist and psychiatrist may work together, with the psychologist offering behavioral interventions and the psychiatrist providing or adjusting medication, in order to best address the patient's symptoms. Once they’ve earned a degree, psychologists complete another one to two years of training that involves working with people. 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