What is the difference between psychologists and psychiatrists?
The terms “psychologist” and “psychiatrist” are often confused and incorrectly used interchangeably. While both professionals provide clinical services to individuals there are notable distinctions in education and practice. Clinical psychologists have a bachelor’s and doctorate degree (Ph.D., Psy.D. or Ed.D.) from a graduate school focusing on psychopathology, human development, psychological assessment, and treatment. Psychologists must also have completed a one year, full-time internship and another post-doctoral supervised year in order to qualify for licensure. Psychiatrists have a bachelor’s degree and a medical degree (M.D. or D.O.) with continued residential training in mental health, and sometimes complete additional training in a specialty area. Many people commonly associate psychologists with providing psychotherapy and psychiatrists are commonly thought to prescribe medications to individuals with a mental disorder. There are exceptions to this perception since some psychi
