Psychiatrist or Psychologist❓

What’s the difference?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor 🩺(completed medical school and residency) with special training in management of patients with mental illnesses or disorders.A psychiatrist is able to prescribe medications and other medical treatments as well as conduct psychotherapy.

Psychologists usually have advanced degrees, 🎓 most commonly in clinical psychology, and often have extensive training in research or clinical practice. Psychologists treat mental disorders with psychotherapy and some specialize in psychological testing and evaluation and counselling.

A psychologist cannot prescribe medication.

In some clinics they may work together as a team, sharing specific aspects like psychological tests by the psychologist and mental state, diagnosis and treatment with medications by the psychiatrist.