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Understanding Psychologists and Psychiatrists
If you are wondering: “How long does it take to become a psychiatrist or a psychologist?”, how to distinguish between these two professions, and who an individual in need of therapeutic guidance should talk to about their challenges, you need to understand the specifics of professional obligations these categories of specialists are meant to carry out.
In this guide, we will analyze the difference between psychiatrist and psychologist, explain how to pursue a career in counseling, psychotherapy, and psychiatry, and explore what psychologists and psychiatrists can help their patients with.
Key Differences Between Psychologists and Psychiatrists
Psychologist vs. psychiatrist – how to understand the difference between them? Do not confuse these two professions despite their similarities – a psychiatrist and a psychologist know how the human brain works, what emotions and behaviors a person may deal with, and what therapy is necessary for the individual to feel better. Here is a list of the main differences between the two:
- A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with a university degree – similar to a regular physician. A psychologist is not required to go through such a rigorous educational process – they may even have a PhD but their training and supervised training are limited in comparison to a psychiatrist.
- While a psychologist is able to offer guidance through talking therapy, there is much more a psychiatrist can do – they can prescribe medication, check the physical health of the patient to see how they react to prescribed drugs, and stimulate nerve cells of the brain in addition to other types of treatment.
- Since talking therapy is the main instrument of a psychologist, they are able to help people with behavioral issues, anxiety, and depression. If your problem is more complex, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, seek the advice of a psychiatrist instead.
The Role of a Psychologist in Mental Health Care
What is a psychologist? The significance of a mental health professional whose mission is to help individuals cope with stress, navigate their emotions to prevent negative thought patterns from ruining their relationships with other people, and build their self-esteem and resilience cannot be overstated. If you feel like life has been too hard for you lately and you are frustrated with the reactions you have to various people, events, and circumstances beyond your control, one or two therapy sessions with a psychologist can show you what you can do to improve your life.
Can a Psychologist Diagnose Mental Illness?
An individual with an advanced psychology degree is able to diagnose a mental health disorder as well as treat it implementing diverse therapy modalities. When you talk to a psychologist about your issues and manifestations of a mental illness that require a more thorough treatment, they will refer you to a psychiatrist after sharing their professional opinion on how you can deal with your symptoms while you are waiting for your appointment and living without prescription drugs that will lessen the impact of the condition on your life.
How to Become a Psychologist?
Depending on how quickly you learn and what your professional objectives are, the path towards a career of a psychologist may last from eight to twelve years – here is what you can expect:
| What to Do | Description |
| Get a Bachelor’s Degree and a Graduate Degree | Obtain an undergraduate degree in psychology. You may also need to undergo a master’s degree program if you need an extra psychology degree |
| Complete an Internship Program and a Residency Program | For about two or three years, you are supposed to work closely with an experienced psychologist at a mental health institution to learn from them |
Obtain Licenses and Certifications | In accordance with the laws of your state, you will have to get the documentation that allows you to practice psychology and confirms you have the credentials to do so |
The Role of a Psychiatrist in Mental Health Care
The most common psychiatrist definition describes the representatives of this profession as trained medical doctors whose specialty is the treatment of mental health conditions. Psychiatrists are expected to attend a medical school for four years and spend just as much time as residents learning the basics of a medical profession which allows them to deal with the mental issues of patients as well as know what kind of medication can be prescribed to a person without harming them mentally or physically.
Can a Psychiatrist Diagnose Mental Illness?
The office of the psychiatrist is the best place to go if you are wondering whether you have a mental illness or not – not only can they tell you what diagnosis you have after years of struggles, they can also start treatment without giving you an extra referral to a different specialist since they are able to prescribe medication to let you handle your symptoms without further delay.
How to Become a Psychiatrist?
It may take you up to twelve years to become a licensed psychiatrist. Let us take a look at the steps you should take to join the ranks of psychiatrists:
| What to Do | Description |
| Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree | A psychiatrist is supposed to have a psychology, biology, or biochemistry degree – this will become a solid foundation for their future career |
Attend Medical School | For four years you will have to study in an educational institution to get the training you need – apply to a university of your choice and study both in a classroom and in a hospital |
Build Your Resume | Even if you cannot work full-time, you can volunteer – get in touch with organizations that provide psychiatric services to people in need and local clinics that may be willing to teach you the basics of the profession through practice |
| Undergo Residency Training | After you graduate from medical school, you will have to work with real people with real mental health illnesses under the supervision of experienced psychiatrists |
Get the License and Certification | You will need to pass an examination to be able to practice the profession – the requirements differ from region to region but you will have to confirm you have the knowledge required to work in the field |
Choosing the Right Mental Health Professional for Your Needs
Psychologist vs. psychiatrist – who should I see first? Here is how you can make an informed choice:
- If you are dealing with overwhelming emotions and experiencing problems in relationships with family, friends, or colleagues, you should talk about these issues with a psychologist.
- People who suspect the presence of a mental health disorder characterized by psychosis or similar manifestations that do not let them function normally and focus on their daily obligations can go straight to a psychiatrist.
- In case you worked with a psychiatrist in the past due to the diagnosis you have had for a while, and you want to adjust the medication you were prescribed because your symptoms became more severe, you can once again seek the guidance of a psychiatrist.
Get the Support You Need With Treat Mental Health
Whether you are bothered by a mood disorder that does not let you enjoy your life or you suspect there might be a mental health diagnosis whose manifestations may get worse with time, we advise you to seek professional guidance. Mental health doctors at Treat Mental Health are at your service – reach out to us to schedule an appointment, and we will figure out what form of therapy and level of mental health care you need.
FAQ
Is it better to see a psychologist or psychiatrist?
This depends on your current mental state – while you may be inclined to talk to a psychiatrist since they are authorized to prescribe medication, attending a therapy session where you and a psychologist figure out your next step might be the best solution.
What can a psychologist do that a psychiatrist cannot do?
A psychologist can be more flexible in their therapeutic approach – they think outside the box more often than a psychiatrist who may be too focused on finding the right prescription medication instead of telling the patient about the benefits of talking therapy. Additionally, psychologists have more work opportunities – while psychiatrists typically work in hospitals, a psychologist can run a private practice or work in an educational setting.
Can a psychologist diagnose mental illness?
Even if the patient requires the guidance of a psychiatrist, a psychologist is trained to recognize the signs of a mental illness and provide the person with a formal diagnosis before choosing a treatment program for them.
Who is more qualified, a psychologist or a psychiatrist?
Based on the fact that psychiatrists have to graduate from a medical school and successfully complete a residency program, there is a belief that they are more qualified than psychologists. Still, both professions are valid and require years of education and practice – these specialists earn their credentials to help other people.
Can a psychiatrist provide therapy?
A psychiatrist can guide a patient during a therapy session but in most cases, they will recommend an individual in need of traditional talk therapy to discuss their emotional problems with a psychologist or counselor who may specialize in a particular therapeutic approach.
