Many people use psychologists and psychiatrists interchangeably. However, these are two distinct professions that, although similar, are also vastly different. This video offers a brief overview of the differences between psychologists and psychiatrists.
A psychologist is someone who, even if they have pursued a doctorate degree, is not a medical doctor. Psychology is the study of human behavior and thought processes.
Although this does have a number of applications, including but not limited to, psychological evaluation, psychologists are not required to have a medical degree.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors. In order to be a psychiatrist, someone has to have pursued and achieved the title of Doctor of Medicine — an M.D. Psychiatry is a specialization within the medical field. Psychiatrists have the ability to psychologically evaluate, perform psychiatric treatment, and prescribe medication. Psychiatrists have and maintain a medical certification.
Although psychologists and psychiatrists work in similar professions, they are not the same. There are various ways someone can become a psychologist, but there’s only one way a psychiatrist is considered psychiatrist.
For a better understanding of how psychology and psychiatry are different, watch this video.
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