What is the difference?

PSYCHIATRIST These are medically trained Doctors who have chosen to specialise in treating mental disorders. The only ones qualified to prescribe medication. Some psychiatrists have undergone extra training in therapy and offer similar things to psychologists or psychotherapists.

PSYCHOLOGIST Anyone who has obtained a Psychology degree is entitled to call themselves a Psychologist. However, there are many different kinds of Psychologist, and the people who are qualified to offer therapy are usually called Clinical Psychologists or Counselling Psychologists. These people undergo an extra 3 year training which usually qualifies them up to a Doctorate level. This can be a little confusing as they are Doctors of Psychology, not medicine. They are usually trained in a variety of different therapies and are in a good position to assess you for the type of therapy you might need, and often are able to provide it.

While there is considerable overlap between the services offered by Psychologists and Psychiatrists, there are some differences in training and services.

Similarities

Both Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatrists can provide psychotherapy and counselling services.

Both Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatrists are trained to diagnose neuropsychological disorders and dysfunctions plus psychotic, neurotic and personality disorders and dysfunctions. Both professionals are granted the right to make such diagnoses by law while other health care providers cannot.

Both Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatrists help people maintain and enhance their physical, intellectual, emotional, social and interpersonal functioning.

Differences

Psychologists have earned a doctoral level degree (Ph.D., Psy.D., or D.Ed.) in Psychology, after having obtained a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree in Psychology. This amounts to at least nine years of university education and training in psychology. Psychiatrists have a general medical degree first (4 years at the undergraduate level) and then advanced training in psychiatry (usually 4 years residency after the M.D. degree).

Psychologists can do psychological testing with well-researched tests. Psychiatrists typically do not do psychological testing.

Psychiatrists can prescribe medication.

A Psychiatrist is a Medical Doctor and can prescribe drugs.

A Psycologist is usually a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) and cannot prescribe drugs.

The psychiatrist seeks the medical reasons for imbalances in human psyche and the psychologist looks for environmental reasons.

A psychiatrist has a medical degree

A psychologist has a degree in psychology, but is not a doctor

A psychiatrist has to have a medical degree (M.D.) and can prescribe medicine. A psychologist does not, but has to be a PhD and licensed in most states.

Psychiatrists are MD's or DO's who have specialized in disease states of the mind. They can prescribe medication along with doing therapy sessions. Psychologists cannot prescribe, but can do therapy sessions.

Psychiatrist can perscribe medicine and make more money.

ones a doctor

Not really sure!!

I know the both shrink your head!!!