What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) who go through all the general training of any physician and then specialize in psychiatry as opposed to internal medicine, surgery, or some other aspect of medicine. As a practical matter they can prescribe medications that may be very helpful in treating mental or emotional problems. These days they are less likely to conduct extensive “talk therapy” than was the case originally. Psychologists receive extensive training in psychological testing (educational, vocational, personality, emotional, and other forms) and in conducting various forms of “talk therapy”. They are not medical doctors and, at this time, do not prescribe medications. Therefore, most maintain a close relationship with one or more physicians or psychiatrists with whom they work closely to help those individuals in need of medications as well as talk therapy.
A psychologist is someone who has studied for at least six years at a tertiary level, in the area of psychology. They cannot prescribe drugs. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor that has completed further training in psychiatry. They are able to prescribe drugs and generally utilise medication within their treatment.
Psychologists have a Ph.D. (doctor of philosophy) degree that requires four to six years of graduate study. Licensing requirements in Michigan require one full year of predoctoral internship and two full years of postdoctoral fellowship, as well as completion of a dissertation and competency on a written national exam. Psychologists differ from Psychiatrists in that Psychologists can administer and interpret Psychological testing. Psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in the treatment of psychological disorders. They attend medical school for four years to earn an M.D. (doctor of medicine) degree. Then they receive training in psychiatry during a residency of three or four years. Psychiatrists differ from Psychologists in that Psychiatrists can prescribe medications.
A psychiatrist has attended medical school and completed a residency in psychiatry. A psychologist, on the other hand, has usually completed 4 years of graduate school and an internship in psychology. Although both are experts in emotional and behavioral issues, they approach problems from different viewpoints. The psychiatrist, being a medical doctor, often sees emotional difficulties from a physiological perspective and typically prescribes medications for problems such as depression and anxiety. The psychologist, as a behavioral scientist, understands the problem from an emotional/family background and uses approaches such as therapy, counseling or hypnosis. For certain problems, the two individuals may work together using both counseling and medications.
