It is not uncommon for the casual observer — and patients, especially — to pose the question, “What is the difference between a psychologist and psychiatrist?” They are each scholars of psychology and can both be client-facing professions. They practice psychotherapy, obtain doctorates, are both trained to identify mental issues and disorders, and thrive on helping others.
It’s no surprise the differences between psychologist and psychiatrist are less obvious — even if they are, in fact, quite substantial. Let’s explore the subtle and not-so-subtle differences between psychologists and psychiatrists, what their vocations entail, and understand more about the path to practice each of these disciplines.
Table of Contents
- What is Psychiatry?
- What is Psychology?
- Psychologist vs Psychiatrist: How to Choose?
- High Demand and Competitive Salaries
- The Key Differences in Education: Psychology vs. Psychiatry
What is Psychiatry?
Without question, the major difference between psychologist vs psychiatrist is the educational background required for each. Plainly put, a psychiatrist must have a medical degree.
Psychiatrists undergo the same medical school experience required of any other type of practicing doctor. That academic experience is then followed up with four years of a residency program that students apply to and are matched with on the third Monday of March, as is standard practice in medicine. Psychiatrists also must be licensed as physicians—again, much like any other doctor.
Notably, this licensure is why a psychiatrist can prescribe medications, such as antidepressants or benzodiazepines, to a client without the consultation of a primary care doctor, while psychologists cannot. (While this is a general rule, there are, however, exceptions to this under some state laws.) This equips psychiatrists with a heftier toolbox when aiding their patients.
Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists can provide a more seamless, comprehensive standard of care to clients. They combine therapy with medication in a way that applies their experience in clinical psychology and draws from their experiences as psychiatry residents. They focus on biology and medicine in their education and specifically study the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness during their residencies, working with inpatients and outpatients, children, emergency cases, and more.
Because of this, they are able to better target their treatment, closely monitor the relationship between physical and mental health conditions, and order tests, should they need to. Genealogy and other biological factors may be taken into consideration during diagnosis and treatment. Psychiatrists are also authorized to oversee electroconvulsive therapy, used in severe cases of depression and bipolar disorder.
What Does a Psychiatrist Do?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health disorders. They conduct thorough evaluations, which include both medical and psychological aspects, to fully understand a patient’s condition. Psychiatrists often manage complex cases involving severe mental illnesses and are uniquely qualified to prescribe medication.
Their training allows them to integrate various treatment modalities, such as pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and other medical interventions, to provide comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs.
What is Psychology?
A psychologist is well-versed in the cognitive behaviors of people and the therapeutic interventions used to treat clients struggling with their mental health. Similar to psychiatrists, they study the inner workings of the brain and processing of emotions but may apply these skills more broadly.
Clinical psychologists, for example, also diagnose and treat patients but use psychotherapy (sometimes referred to as “talk therapy”) and cognitive behavioral therapy as their primary tools. They may also have jobs that are not typically held by psychiatrists, such as a career in social work or in a clinical counseling setting.
Psychologists tend to work in consultation with psychiatrists and physicians when diagnosing a patient and recommending medication, which means patient interactions with a psychologist necessitate a licensed doctor if they are recommended a prescription.
Psychologists may also find themselves intensely involved in research. They pose questions about social interactions, decision-making processes, brain activity, and more. They take on roles as educators, research team leaders, and consultants. Moreover, they may branch out into specialties ranging from child psychology to forensic psychology and other types of therapy. This is another key difference of how psychologists and psychiatrists are different in practice. If this interests you, learn more about how to become a therapist here. Where these branching paths take psychologists is generally determined by the decisions they make during their academic lives.
What Does a Psychologist Do?
Psychologists focus on understanding human behavior and mental processes through research, assessment, and therapeutic interventions. They utilize a variety of techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, to help individuals cope with emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. Psychologists conduct psychological testing and provide counseling to individuals, groups, and families.
Their work often involves helping clients develop strategies for managing stress, improving communication, and enhancing overall well-being. Unlike psychiatrists, psychologists typically do not prescribe medication, but they collaborate with other healthcare professionals to support holistic patient care.
Psychologist vs Psychiatrist: How to Choose?
Fundamentally, people who weigh the choice between the two professions are deciding what element of psychology to focus on — that is, the biological basis of behavior or the therapeutic elements of treatment. There are also time and financial investments to consider, as a psychiatrist can spend as much as 11 years in training.
Qualifications for a psychologist are varied, but they often begin with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. A psychologist can obtain a Ph.D. or PsyD, choosing a specialty in clinical or counseling psychology and deciding whether they want their focus to be in research. A PsyD will place emphasis on practice; a PhD candidate will have more balance between practice and research. Some opt to work toward an EdS, which can be applied toward practicing psychology in school settings.
Aspiring psychologists must then pass a national exam and fulfill licensing requirements that vary by state. It is recommended that psychology students know the details of a state’s licensing requirements at the outset of their education.
High Demand and Competitive Salaries
The fields of psychiatry and psychology both offer promising career opportunities with strong earning potential and job growth.
Psychiatrists
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), psychiatrists earn a mean annual wage of $256,930 nationally, and their job growth outlook is 4 percent as of May 2023.
Psychologists
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) reports that a psychologist’s median pay in May 2023 was $92,740 per year, with an above-average job growth outlook of 6 percent from 2022 to 2032.
Ultimately, there is much more that psychiatrists and psychologists share in common than makes them differ. These are compassionate, observant, analytical, strong communicators who earnestly want to improve the lives of others and passionately believe in resilience. They combat depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders on a daily basis.
Along with all this, they constantly work against the public stigmas that sometimes can be associated with mental health. These are practitioners and healers, yes, but also fierce advocates.
The Key Differences in Education: Psychology vs. Psychiatry
National University’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program lays the groundwork for careers in both psychiatry and psychology. This program covers essential psychological theories and concepts while also emphasizing the importance of statistical analysis and data interpretation—skills vital for both fields. Students are prepared for further graduate and doctoral education, which is necessary for licensure.
NU’s program empowers students to pursue licensure as psychiatrists or psychologists, both of which offer fulfilling careers that make a significant impact. Contact our admissions team today to learn more about enrolling in National University’s Psychology program.