To become a Psychologist/Psychiatrist ?

Question

Do you have to attend medical school first ? or Will having a Bachelors and a Masters in Psychology allow someone to be a practicing Psychologist ?

Answer 1

To become a Psychologist, you don't need a doctorate. To be a Psychiatrist, you do.  Psychiatrists can prescribe medication, therefore they need a PhD.

Answer 2

a psychologist doesn't need a medical degree because he or she doesn't write prescriptions. on the other hand, a psychologist needs a medical degree because they write prescriptions.  

Answer 3

You have to go to medical school to become a psychiatrist.

You do not have to go to medical school to become a psychologist.  The level of education depends on what you mean by a psychologist.  In many states, you need to get a PhD in order to work as a therapist.  In other states, a MSW or Masters in Clinical Psychology may be enough.  Those with a master's degree may be required to work under the guidance of someone with a PhD or MD.

A BS in Psychology would not be enough to be a clinical psychologist.

Answer 4

Psychologist:

Usually the person will have a PhD. I'm not sure but in some states you may be able to practice with a masters. This one you don't need to go to grad school. Bare minimum, BA and MA in psychology.

Psychiatrist:

A medical doctor trained in psychiatry. This one you need medical school.    

Answer 5

The main difference between psychologists and psychiatrists is that psychiatrists have the authority to prescribe medicine.  You therefore can't be a psychiatrist without your doctorate.  Psychology on the other hand shouldn't need a full doctorate, though you don't get the fun "PhD" following your name, ha.  Our school psychologist just has her masters and she makes good money both here and in another clinic.