What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
When beginning your mental health or substance use journey, all the new terms, acronyms, and levels of care can be overwhelming. For some folks, all this new information can even become a barrier to accessing much-needed care.
At AllHealth Network, we are committed to dismantling barriers to care no matter what they might be.Â
Let’s start by explaining the differences between two commonly confused mental health providers you are likely to encounter on your journey to wellness.Â
Understanding the Role of a Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a doctor (MD; medical doctor, or DO; doctor of osteopathy) who has earned a medical degree from an accredited university, and completed four years of psychiatry residency. All practicing psychiatrists are licensed to work in their respective states and are board-certified by the American Academy of Psychiatry and Neurology.
The role of a psychiatrist is to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders. When diagnosing someone with a mental health disorder, psychiatrists determine if a patient is experiencing symptoms due to a physical ailment, a physical and a mental ailment, or solely a mental illness.
Based on this diagnosis, a psychiatrist may prescribe medication, suggest therapy, or recommend another method proven to treat whatever a patient may be experiencing.
Unlike a psychologist, a psychiatrist can prescribe medication and is concerned with a patient’s medical and mental health.
Other medical professionals in the mental health field include nurses and psychiatric nurse practitioners, both of whom work with psychiatrists to provide care.Â
How Psychologists Support Mental Health
There are two kinds of psychologists, clinical psychologists and counseling psychologists. A clinical psychologist is trained to treat and diagnose individuals experiencing mental health or substance use disorders. Counseling psychologists tend to help those dealing with trauma, grief, self-esteem issues, relationship problems, and more.Â
While terms like “therapist” or “counselor” are more general, “psychologist” is a specific and protected title that requires a doctoral degree, clinical training, and state licensure.
Unlike psychiatrists, psychologists do not prescribe medication. Instead, psychologists use talk therapies to unpack thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are causing distress.Â
Another key job of a psychologist is to perform assessments for ADHD, learning disabilities, eating disorders, addictions, and more. The psychologists at the AllHealth Network Assessment Center are able to provide such assessments among others.
Key Takeaways: Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist
To summarize, psychiatrists and psychologists differ in their education, treatment methods, licensure requirements, and overall approach to care.
If you’re unsure which provider is right for you or if you are seeking diagnostic clarity, the AllHealth Network Assessment Center offers comprehensive psychological evaluations to support accurate diagnosis and personalized care planning.
Reach out today to learn how we can support your journey to mental wellness.
