Psychiatry and psychology can sometimes be confused. This isn’t surprising, as both professions specialize in working with patients to treat mental health challenges. They also both undergo rigorous training and adhere to a strict code of ethics. Not to mention, the words ‘psychologist’ and ‘psychiatrist’ look and sound similar.
However, psychiatrists and psychologists are two distinct professions, with different responsibilities, areas of expertise, and approaches to mental health treatment.
Below, we’ll explore the main differences between psychiatry and psychology, including when it might be best for a patient to visit one versus the other. We’ll also explore the difference between the typical career paths of a psychologist compared to a psychiatrist.
What’s the Difference Between Psychology and Psychiatry?
As mentioned above, both psychiatrists and psychologists work with patients suffering from mental illness. But there are several fundamental core differences:
Psychologist: An Overview
- Therapeutic approach: A psychologist provides an emotional and behavioral approach to mental health treatment. They may offer individual or group therapy or utilize techniques such as talk therapy or art therapy.
- Addresses specific challenges: Psychologists work with their patients to address specific challenges. These may include anxiety, depression or eating disorders.
- Teaches coping skills: Treatment plans formed by psychologists often include equipping patients with coping skills to overcome challenges. For example, a psychologist may work with a patient to develop their own mindfulness practice or offer techniques for setting relationship boundaries.
- Incorporates environment: Psychologists take their patients’ environment and background into account when devising a treatment plan, working to treat the patient as a whole. Psychologists typically offer a holistic approach to mental health treatment. When necessary, they refer patients to psychologists or doctors to prescribe medication.
Psychiatrist: An Overview
- Medical approach: As medical doctors who hold advanced degrees, Psychiatrists have the training to understand the biological, psychological and social dimensions of mental illness and substance use disorders.
- Offers diagnosis and evaluation: Psychiatrists offer medical evaluation and diagnosis as part of their mental health treatment plans.
- Prescribes medication: Where appropriate, a psychiatrist may prescribe medication to treat patients.
- Conducts research: To advance the field, both psychologists and psychiatrists may perform academic research on the biological aspects of mental health diagnosis and treatment.
Psychological vs. Psychiatric Training and Practices
Both psychiatrists and psychologists must earn advanced degrees to practice their profession. However, education requirements and career outcomes differ. Here are the key differences in educational backgrounds and career trajectories of both professions:
Psychologists
Educational Requirements and Skills
Generally, psychologists receive a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field, followed by a master’s in psychology, and eventually a PhD. Coursework and training tend to be research-based. Some states do allow psychologists to practice and obtain a license with only a master’s degree.
Psychology undergraduate and postgraduate programs focus on teaching, building and refining skillsets in the following areas:
- Mental health support
- Mindfulness practice
- Special education
- Emotional and behavioral health
- Psychotherapy
Psychologist Career Paths
Psychologists may work as counselors, therapists, or school psychologists. While psychologists can become therapists, not all therapists have formal psychology training. Psychologists may work in either inpatient or outpatient settings, including privately run clinics or school settings.
Psychiatrists
Educational Requirements and Skills
Because psychiatrists are licensed physicians, they have more intensive career requirements and specialized training, including earning a medical degree. Their education equips them with an advanced understanding of physiology, anatomy and neurology with a focus on how these fields pertain to mental health.
Psychiatrists must successfully complete an undergraduate degree and a medical degree to obtain a license to practice. During their education, psychiatrists typically acquire advanced skills in the following areas:
Psychiatry
- Mental health conditions
- Medication management
- Primary care
- Mental health evaluation and diagnosis
- Geriatrics
- Addiction treatment
Psychiatrist Career Paths
Many psychiatrists go on to build careers in hospitals, private practice, nursing homes or emergency rooms. They may also work as researchers, exploring the connections and links between biological systems and mental health.
When Should I Visit a Psychologist vs. a Psychiatrist?
Whether you should visit a psychologist or psychiatrist is up to you, your mental health issue, and what you hope to take away from treatment.
If you would like to discuss a specific issue, believe your issue is rooted in relationship challenges, or struggle with feelings of being stuck, directionless, or hopeless, a talk therapy approach with a psychologist may be the best route forward.
If you are interested in pursuing medical treatment to help alleviate symptoms of a mental health condition, you’ll likely find working with a psychiatrist most helpful. A psychiatrist is also good for those whose daily life and routine has been significantly disrupted by their mental health condition.
If you’re looking for urgent assistance with a mental health issue, or feel in crisis, please visit our resources page.
Psychiatrists vs. Psychologists: A Dual Approach
Often, patients benefit from visiting both psychiatrists and psychologists, and the two professions work closely together in many settings. It’s not uncommon for psychiatrists and psychologists to incorporate both approaches into their treatment plans.
For example, a psychologist will refer a patient to a psychiatrist if they believe medication would be helpful. Similarly, a psychiatrist may recommend psychotherapy as a complementary course of treatment.
Shifting Gears in Mental Health Treatment
Remember, if you do end up working with a mental health professional who isn’t the right fit for you, you can always change course. No two providers offer exactly the same approach, and it can take time, and some trial and error, to find the best possible fit.
For many, location can be a significant barrier to mental health care. Americans who live in rural areas often can face significant hurdles when attempting to access either psychiatric or psychological mental health treatment. At Frontier Psychiatry, we strive to combat this issue by offering telehealth psychiatric services, eliminating geographical boundaries to mental health care.
We invite you to contact us and get started on the right path for you.
