How to Compare Clinical Psychologists to Other Psychologists
The clinical psychologist is one of many experts in the field of psychology. Clinical psychology and psychiatry focus on helping individuals, while social psychologists place their emphasis on understanding how groups of people function together.
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Clinical Psychology
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The practicing clinical psychologist has a PhD from an accredited institution of higher learning, and is required to complete a residency-training program under a practicing clinician. Residency takes two to three years to complete, depending on the state of residence. Clinical psychologists use different therapeutic models to help individuals and small groups cope with various mental and behavioral maladies such as depression, abuse recovery and traumatic life events such as divorce. A clinical psychologist cannot prescribe medications.
Psychiatry
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Unlike a clinical psychologist, who has a PhD, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has received specialized education in a residency-training program. This training occurs after completion of medical studies. Psychiatrists diagnose psychological disorders including schizophrenia and severe depression, and prescribe treatment and therapy regimens for patients. They are allowed to prescribe medications.
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Social Psychology
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Psychologists who are interested in the way groups of people form their norms and mores are social psychologists. Fully trained social psychologists obtain PhDs and focus their studies on research. Their careers take place in the academic setting as professors and researchers, and the private setting, where they work in fields such as advertising and marketing.
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