Whats the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
A psychiatrist has an MD degree (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) and has chosen to specialize in the branch of medicine that focuses on mental health issues. A psychiatrist treats patients by talking with them as well as by prescribing medication (if needed). Psychologists have one of these degrees: PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), PsyD (Doctor of Psychology), or EdD (Doctor of Education). A psychologist treats patients by talking with them but does not prescribe medication. (If medication is needed, a psychologist will refer the patient to an MD such as a psychiatrist, a family physician, or another type of MD.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are equally qualified to give an opinion on an individual’s psychiatric/mental status, treatment regimen, disability status, and back-to-work prognosis. The primary difference between them is not one of credentials but of function: The psychiatrist is licensed to treat mentally ill patients medically (i.e., prescribe psychotropic and other prescription drugs) and admit them to a mental health facility or hospital; the psychologist is licensed to treat mentally ill patients with psychotherapy and related therapeutic regimens, but may not in New York and some other states, admit the patient to a hospital.
