What's the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?!
Question: They differ primarily in education. A psychologist has a Ph.D in in clinical psychology - focuses on cognitive/behavioral therapy. While a psychiatrist on the other hand has a doctoral degree in medicine - with a specialization in psychological disorders. In general, the psychiatrist will treat disorders by means of pharmaceuticals, and the psychologist will treat disorders through discussion and cognitive reasoning.
Answers: They differ primarily in education. A psychologist has a Ph.D in in clinical psychology - focuses on cognitive/behavioral therapy. While a psychiatrist on the other hand has a doctoral degree in medicine - with a specialization in psychological disorders. In general, the psychiatrist will treat disorders by means of pharmaceuticals, and the psychologist will treat disorders through discussion and cognitive reasoning.
A Psychiatrist ( Medical Doctor)is more schooled and he can prescribe drugs where a Psychologist(PHD) can not prescribe drugs. About referrals...Do you belong to an HMO? If yes, then you will need a referal from your Primary Physician.
In the U.S., licensed psychologists hold a doctorate in their field, while licensed psychiatrists hold a medical degree with a specialty in psychiatry. Psychiatrists are physicians who have earned an M.D. or a D.O. professional degree, whereas psychologists have earned a doctor's degree Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D. Psychiatrists generally spend shorter periods of contact time with clients/patients, and the principal method of treatment is psychopharmacology. [1] Conversely, clinical and counseling psychologists generally rely upon psychological assessment and the use of psychotherapy to relieve psychological distress. It is not uncommon for people suffering from mental illness to combine these services to maximize their impact. Many psychologists conduct research-based, standardized cognitive and projective testing to guide the diagnosis of intellectual disabilities, behavioral/mood disorders, and personality disorders; these test results also inform treatment approaches. Administration and interpretation of the majority of these standardized test instruments require specialized Doctoral level training in psychology.
If I remember correctly, a psychiatrist can prescribe medication. A psychologist on the other hand cannot. And to answer your other question, it most likely depends on your health insurance plan.
Psychologist deals with the mind and the psychiatrist deals with the problems of a family.
The main difference between a Psychologist is that he has a PHD only and can not prescribe medicines. A Psychiatrist on the other hand has an MD to his name and can prescribe meds. To see either one, you do need a referral from your Primary Dr.
a Psychiatrist is a licenced M.D. and can prescribe drugs most insurence will require a refferal,but that is not difficult to get.
drugs.