What's the difference between a psychiatrist and psychologist?Or are they the same?

Question

What's the difference between a psychiatrist and psychologist?Or are they the same?

Answer 1

check medical dictonary

Answer 2

A psychiatrist is an M.D. who further specializes in psychiatry rather than gynecology or sports medicine or neurosurgery, etc.

A psychologist has a degree in psychology, which is a social science.  In order to practice independently, a Ph.D. is usually required.

Answer 3

a psychiatrist = a medical doctor who works with psychological cases and can prescribe medication

a psychologist = a 'counselor' who does not have a medical degree, but has a degree in psychology - cannot prescribe medicines without specific pharmacology training

Answer 4

a pyschiatrist can prescibe medications

a psychologist can't

a psychiatrist has a background in general medicine as they graduate from medical school

a pyschologist has a doctorate degree in pyschology and their educational background is in mental health

Answer 5

Coral made a very good point. It used to be that only Psychiatrist could prescribe meds but now some Psychologists can as well. It's true, specialized training is required in addition to the graduate studies in psychology but some Psychologists in my area are pursuing the required coursework and some have finished it.

The difference still remains in that one is a medical doctor with a focus in psychology (Psychiatrist) while the other is a doctor of psychology with some having a focus in medicine (Psychologist). Good call Coral!

Answer 6

Psychiatristis are doctors and can prescribe medication.

Answer 7

A  psychologist can not write prescriptions

Answer 8

A psychiatrist is an M.D.  A psychologist is a PhD.