What is the Difference Between Psychologists and Psychiatrists?

The two professions — psychologist and psychiatrist — can be easily confused with each other. However, though they share many commonalities, there are a couple of caveats that set them apart; for instance, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has specialist training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental problems, while on the contrary, a psychologist is not. Let’s look at some more points to understand what is the difference between psychologist and psychiatrist.

Psychologists and Psychiatrists- What is the difference?

It's not unusual for people to be confused between psychologists and psychiatrists. In fact, the two fields are often lumped together as "mental health professionals." The reality is that psychologists and psychiatrists have very different backgrounds, training, and methodologies.

• Psychiatrists are medical doctors (M.D. or D.O.) who have completed medical school and a psychiatric residency. They can assess both mental and physical aspects of psychological problems and are licensed to prescribe medication.
• Psychologists have doctoral degrees (Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D.). Most are trained in either clinical psychology, counseling psychology, or school psychology, but some may also specialize in areas such as neuropsychology or industrial/organizational psychology. Psychologists do not prescribe medication; some states allow them to perform certain medical procedures related to psychological treatment, such as hypnosis or psychotherapy, under supervision by a physician.
• In some states, psychologists may work in collaboration with psychiatrists to prescribe certain medications for treating mental health problems. Some states require psychologists who prescribe to complete a postdoctoral master's degree program in psychopharmacology or a related area of study.

What is the Approach to Treatment?

The approach to treatment is different for psychologists and psychiatrists as well. Psychologists focus on psychotherapies such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which is based on the concept that our thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and actions are interlinked, and that negative thoughts and feelings can trap us in a vicious cycle. Psychologists help people change behaviors by changing their thoughts using CBT or other types of therapy. Psychiatrists use medication to treat many mental health conditions in addition to psychotherapy and other treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Should you consult a psychologist or psychiatrist?

If you've got a mental health problem and are considering consulting with a professional to help you with it, you might be wondering whether to see a psychiatrist or a psychologist. When deciding whether to see a psychiatrist or psychologist, consider the following basics about the two kinds of professionals-

• Both kinds of professionals can diagnose mental illnesses and prescribe treatment. Psychiatrists are trained to use medication as well as other treatments, while psychologists generally cannot prescribe medications. If you think you might want medication to treat your condition, you'll likely want to see a psychiatrist.
• However, if you're not sure whether medication is right for you or just want to try other treatments first, seeing a psychologist can be an excellent way to get started on addressing your mental health concerns. Psychologists can offer therapy and counseling, which can be very effective for many people with different kinds of mental illnesses.

Final Words

There are some things that you can control. There is always a solution to a difficult situation, and finding it will make you feel better. If you want to know more about the type of psychologist or psychiatrist to consult, we would highly recommend you to connect with Healthy Minds. As a private practice in Irving, TX area, Healthy Minds will assist you with all your psychological assessments and needs. Contact us today to take the first step toward healthy mental health.