subject: Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist: What's the difference? [print this page] Psychiatrist vsPsychiatrist vs. Psychologist: What's the difference?
There are many different options for individuals seeking the services of a mental health professional. People feeling depressed,anxious, or simply not themselves may call upon the services of a relationship or school counselor, a social worker, a nurse, or thefamily doctor before deciding that they need psychiatric or psychological counseling. While the words sound quite similar and thepatient base is nearly the same these two professions are distinct and it's important to know their roles and functions beforebeginning treatment.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of mental illnesses and disorders. Like any medical doctor, a psychiatrist must complete four years of medical school followed by a year-long internship; thepsychiatrist must then complete at least three years of psychiatric residency training. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication andwill often monitor the person's mental health status in relation to other diseases.
A psychologist may have a doctoral degree in psychology, but is not a medical doctor. A psychologist must earn a master's or PhD inpsychology, studying the way the brain and the mind work. Psychologists may choose different fields of work, such as research oreven professional fields like business, but clinical psychologists are the psychologists who see patients. A clinical psychologistis licensed to perform psychotherapy and counseling, but cannot prescribe medication for psychological illnesses.
The doctor at her clinic provides psychotherapy in a comforting, welcoming atmosphere and with a very careful eye on medicationsand how they affect her patients. Having quality mental health care depends heavily on the therapist and the kind of treatment, andunderstanding your needs can help ease the recovery process.
