What Is the Difference Between a Psychiatrist & Psychologist?
It is common for people to confuse the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist. The two professions have similar educational requirements, but they have distinct differences even though they come from the same school of study.
Other People Are Reading
-
Education
-
Like a psychologist, a psychiatrist must study the human mind and behavior. To work as a psychologist, you must have a bachelor's and a master's degree in psychology. According to certain state regulations, you might also have to take a licensing exam to practice psychology legally. Students pursuing degrees in psychiatry must have, in addition to a bachelor's and a master's in psychology, as many as seven years of medical training. Psychiatrists are required to take many of the same classes taken by a student striving to be a medical doctor.
Salary
-
As of 2009, the yearly income potential for a psychologist is about $64,000. The income potential for a psychiatrist starts around $150,000 because they are able to prescribe drugs and conduct physical examinations.
-
Job Description
-
A psychiatrist, a physician who specializes in psychiatry, provides counseling, diagnoses mental illnesses and prescribes medication to help patients cope with mental illness. A psychologist treats mental illnesses by using certain counseling techniques such as solution-focused therapy, behavioral therapy and hypnosis.
Specialization
-
Both titles have different fields of specialization. While a psychiatrist may work in a hospital and specialize in neuropsychiatry, a psychologist may operate a private practice focusing on child psychology.
Job Security
-
The demand for mental health professionals has increased during the past 50 years. Because of increased layoffs and 50 percent of marriages ending in divorce, more people are turning to professionals for help.
-
