What is the difference between a psychiatrist and other types of therapists?
A psychiatrist is a licensed physician who has completed medical school just like a family doctor, surgeon or other medical doctor. In addition, a psychiatrist completes four years of specialized training after medical school focusing on psychiatry but also including other medical disciplines such as neurology and internal medicine. A psychiatrist also receives extensive training in psychotherapy during residency training. As a physician with a special expertise in the use of medications that can affect mood and other mental health issues, a psychiatrist can write prescriptions while other types of mental health providers cannot.
