The fields of psychology and psychiatry are intertwined and focus on the human mind, behaviours, and actions. Many people confuse the roles of a psychologist and a psychiatrist. There are some key differences between the two, mostly in terms of the level of treatment offered and the education criteria.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PSYCHOLOGIST AND A PSYCHIATRIST
The main difference between the two roles is the level and type of qualifications and the medical authority. Simply put, psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe patients medication and offer specialized types of treatments. On the other hand, psychologists are mental health specialists who possess a doctorate degree but are not medical doctors and, therefore cannot offer medication to patients.
Psychologists, often referred to as therapists offer counselling and therapy services with some focused approaches. While psychiatrists treat and manage a range of mental health conditions. Both can work together for patients with a serious mental health disorder such as an addiction.
Psychologist
There are two applied fields when it comes to psychology: clinical psychology and counseling psychology. A counseling psychologist helps patients dealing with emotional, social, professional, educational, and health-related issues. Whereas, a clinical psychologist works with patients suffering from mental health conditions.
Psychologists offer therapy and counselling in a series of sessions, depending on the patient’s condition. These help them get better with time while checking the patient’s progress and seeing if any changes are needed in the treatment plan.
Psychologists may offer individual therapy sessions both in person or online. Or they may work with an institute or clinic. Psychologists may also work with organizations or educational institutes which focus on improving the mental well-being of individuals and boosting productivity and motivation. Psychological approaches and theories include cognitive, behavioural, humanistic and integrative.
Places where a psychologist can work
Depending on the particular role, a psychologist might work in a clinic setting or hospital, a private practice, a school, a university, a company or private organization, a rehab center, a prison, research facilities and laboratories or others.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are doctors who complete a medical degree and have the requirements of a doctor. They can prescribe medications to patients dealing with a range of mental health disorders. Additionally, they can do specialized training and become board-certified. There are different specialties including child and adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, clinical psychiatry, and correctional psychiatry.
Places where a psychiatrist can work
A psychiatrist may work at a hospital, or clinic, own a private practice, work at research & mental health centers, military hospitals and administrative or as an administrator in a mental health facility.