Though many psychologists hold doctorate degrees, they are not medical doctors, and most cannot prescribe medications.
Rather, they solely provide psychotherapy, which may involvecognitiveandbehavioralinterventions orpsychodynamicorpsychoanalyticapproaches.
Other states require another year or two of supervised practice before granting full licensure.
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Informal titles, such as “counselor” or “therapist,” are often used as well.
The PhD degree option tends to be more research-oriented.
The PsyD degree option, on the other hand, tends to be more practice-oriented.
Students who pursue this degree option spend more time learning about and practicing clinical approaches and treatment methods.
After finishing their medical training, psychiatrists also complete an additional four years of residency training in mental health.
This residency often involves working in the psychiatric unit of a hospital.
However, there has been a recent push to grant prescribing powers to psychologists.
Do They Offer Different Treatments?
While the two professions are distinct, psychologists and psychiatrists both play important roles in mental health treatment.
Very often, they work in collaboration with one another to provide the best possible treatment for an individual.
Their doctor may then refer them to a psychologist for further evaluation.
Research suggests that people have different preferences about whether they want psychotherapy alone or in combination with medication.
Should You See a Psychologist or a Psychiatrist?
So is it better to see a psychologist or a psychiatrist?
Finding a mental health professional that is a good fit is not always a straightforward task.
Psychologists also face similar demands.
Job Outlook for Psychologists vs.
The median annual salary for psychiatrists in May 2023 was considerably higher at $256,930.
Challenges for mental health care providers.J Leg Med.
2021;17(1):112-115. doi:10.1016/j.nurpra.2020.09.001
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
(2024c, August 29).Home.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Physicians and surgeons.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Psychologists.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
