Psychiatrists vs Psychologists

A little thread

Psychiatrists are medical doctors, psychologists are not.

Psychiatrists prescribe medication, psychologists can't.

Psychiatrists diagnose illness, manage treatment and provide a range of therapies for complex and serious mental illness. Psychologists focus on providing psychotherapy (talk therapy) to help patients.

Both psychiatrists and psychologists understand how the brain works, emotions, feelings and thoughts. Both can treat mental illness with psychological treatments (talking therapies).

Psychiatrists are medical doctors, they prescribe medications, & they spend much of their time with patients on medication management as a course of treatment.
Psychologists focus on psychotherapy & treating emotional & mental suffering in clients with behavioral intervention.

Psychologists are also qualified to conduct psychological testing, which is critical in assessing a person’s mental state and determining the most effective course of treatment.

Differences aside, psychologists and psychiatrists share a common goal: helping people feel better.