What Is the Difference Between Psychiatry and Psychology?
Unless you have previous experience in the field of mental health, you may not understand the difference between psychiatry and psychology.
Both professions seek to help people with psychological issues.
However, if you are seeking treatment it is important to understand what separates a psychiatrist from a psychologist.
Psychiatry vs.
Psychology The education required to become a psychiatrist or a psychologist is different and dictates what types of services they can provide.
A psychiatrist must obtain a bachelors degree, then complete four years of medical school to attain a M.
D.
or D.
O.
degree.
Medical school is followed by four years of residency training in psychiatry, most often in a hospital's psychiatric unit.
Just as a neurologist has specialized training in order to diagnose neurological problems, so does a psychiatrist have specialized training in order to diagnose mental disorders.
A psychologist, on the other hand, may pursue different degrees.
Required schooling ranges from five to seven years.
There are those psychologists that focus strictly on scientific research and there are those that focus on working with individuals, families and groups, providing counseling services.
Some psychologists administer and interpret psychological tests to determine what type of treatment a person will require.
Although not permitted to prescribe medications, the psychologist works with a psychiatrist if it is believed medication is necessary.
Psychiatrists and Psychologists Work Together Although the professions are different, psychiatrists and psychologist often work together.
For the well-being of the patient, both professions often require the services of the other.
For example, a psychologist is not permitted to prescribe medications.
If the psychologist believes medication is warranted he or she will consult with a psychiatrist.
Conversely, if a psychiatrist has prescribed medication but feels the patient could benefit from counseling, he or she will refer the patient to a psychologist.
Both professions seek to help people with psychological issues.
However, if you are seeking treatment it is important to understand what separates a psychiatrist from a psychologist.
Psychiatry vs.
Psychology The education required to become a psychiatrist or a psychologist is different and dictates what types of services they can provide.
A psychiatrist must obtain a bachelors degree, then complete four years of medical school to attain a M.
D.
or D.
O.
degree.
Medical school is followed by four years of residency training in psychiatry, most often in a hospital's psychiatric unit.
Just as a neurologist has specialized training in order to diagnose neurological problems, so does a psychiatrist have specialized training in order to diagnose mental disorders.
A psychologist, on the other hand, may pursue different degrees.
Required schooling ranges from five to seven years.
There are those psychologists that focus strictly on scientific research and there are those that focus on working with individuals, families and groups, providing counseling services.
Some psychologists administer and interpret psychological tests to determine what type of treatment a person will require.
Although not permitted to prescribe medications, the psychologist works with a psychiatrist if it is believed medication is necessary.
Psychiatrists and Psychologists Work Together Although the professions are different, psychiatrists and psychologist often work together.
For the well-being of the patient, both professions often require the services of the other.
For example, a psychologist is not permitted to prescribe medications.
If the psychologist believes medication is warranted he or she will consult with a psychiatrist.
Conversely, if a psychiatrist has prescribed medication but feels the patient could benefit from counseling, he or she will refer the patient to a psychologist.
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