What is the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist, and a psychotherapist?
A psychiatrist has a medical degree (M.D.), a license to practice medicine, and has additional training in psycho-affective medicine. Psychiatrists prescribe medication for treating disorders. Due to managed care, most psychiatrists no longer practice traditional talk therapy because the reimbursement rates from insurance companies are lower. There are, however, some psychiatrists who practice talk therapy as well as medication management. A psychologist has a doctorate (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology and has a license that designates her or him as a clinical psychologist. Psychologists provide testing for various purposes as well as practicing talk therapy. In some states, psychologists are licensed to prescribe medicine as well. This is not currently the case in Texas. A psychotherapist has at least a master’s degree (M.A., M.S., M.Ed., or M.S.W.), although some psychotherapists also have doctorates. The difference between a psychotherapist and a psychologist is the license and some
