What’s the Difference Between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?

What Are Psychologists and Psychiatrists?

Psychologists and psychiatrists are both members of the mental health treatment team. Their roles can overlap, though they each add value in distinct ways. They differ in their scopes of practice, their training, and the treatments they provide.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors and offer a biologic approach, including lab testing, imaging, and medications. They often also provide therapy and are trained to work with those who suffer from chronic or severe mental illness.

Psychologists offer a behavioral and cognitive approach to mental health and are trained in psychological testing and therapy.

Multiple resources are available to help you choose the best mental health clinician for you. Selecting the provider whose practice and training aligns with your mental health concerns will help you get your needs met.

Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist: Education and Training

Psychologists hold a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology and do not attend medical school. Their study and training focus on therapy and formalized assessments used to differentiate disorders, identify personality traits, and evaluate responses to treatment.

Their training does not include medical school, so they are not trained or licensed to prescribe medications. In a few states, psychologists can complete additional training to prescribe some psychiatric medications. This does not include the management of medical disorders that may initially appear to be psychiatric.

The licensing requirements for psychologists vary by state. They can include passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and meeting state-specific requirements for supervised clinical experience.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) who have completed four years of medical school and an additional four years of clinical psychiatric residency training. Psychiatrists may undergo additional years of fellowship training to provide more specialized care. As physicians, psychiatrists are trained to diagnose and address health concerns in all parts of the human body. Their medical school training makes them the best equipped to identify and address medical reasons for mental health symptoms.

Psychiatrists must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA) to obtain a medical license. They are licensed by the medical board in the state where they practice and obtain board certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).

Psychiatrists’ primary function is diagnosing mental health disorders and related medical concerns. They utilize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to identify disorders affecting mood, anxiety, cognition, identity, and personality. Psychologists use the DSM-5-TR to diagnose and then use psychological testing to further clarify diagnoses if necessary.

Both psychologists and psychiatrists must adhere to state-specific licensure regulations. Telemedicine has led to both professions expanding their availability with intra-state licensure. The American Psychological Association has been developing the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) to facilitate the practice of telepsychology across state lines. Physicians, including psychiatrists, may obtain multiple state licensures using the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which streamlines the licensure process across participating states.

How They Work Together

Psychiatrists and psychologists collaborate by offering complementary aspects of mental health care. As physicians, psychiatrists approach mental health concerns with a medical examination for diagnosis and have a more biological approach to care, including medication management. A psychologist’s focus includes psychological assessment and therapy.

Psychiatrists in specialty areas may prescribe medication, monitor lab results, order and interpret brain scans and imaging studies, and perform medical procedures. Psychologists focus on nonmedical approaches such as evidence-based therapies, including cognitive-based therapy. These two approaches can complement one another best to provide a whole-person approach to mental health care.

How Do I Know Whether to See a Psychiatrist or Psychologist?

Both psychiatrists and psychologists offer evaluations and visits that involve hearing your story and current mental health concerns. The focus of the assessments may differ because the psychiatrist’s medical background includes a review of physical complaints and medication use. Follow-up visits can vary if you see a psychiatrist primarily for medication and a psychologist for therapy.

The choice between seeing a psychiatrist and a psychologist often depends on the severity of symptoms.

When To See A Psychiatrist

Because psychiatrists have a medical background, those with severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are better served to see a medical doctor who is comfortable prescribing and managing complex medications. Those with severe or recurrent symptoms of depression or anxiety may also require a more thorough evaluation and treatment approach provided within the psychiatrist’s medical scope of practice.

When To See A Psychologist

Those experiencing stress-related disorders or mild to moderate depression or anxiety are often best served by engaging in therapy as is provided by psychologists. Psychologists can also offer support and care for those experiencing sleeping and eating disorders.

Some patients benefit from a collaborative approach, with a psychiatrist managing medication and a psychologist offering more intensive evidence-based therapy. Discussing your needs with your primary care doctor can be a helpful first step when in doubt.

How to Find a Qualified Psychologist or Psychiatrist

A national survey found that most individuals rely on internet searches and family, friends, and physicians when looking for mental health providers. A few reliable resources should be considered when looking for a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist. These include:

• Primary care provider — A primary care doctor often has a referral list of well-qualified psychiatrists and psychologists who can best address your needs.
• Professional directories — The American Psychiatric Association and American Psychology Association have online websites with directories that provide licensed and board-certified psychiatrists and psychologists.
• Insurance in-network lists — It may be beneficial to consult your insurance carrier’s list of available psychiatrists and psychologists. When deciding, you’ll want to contact the provider directly to verify that they do accept your insurance.
• Local mental health organizations — Local mental health organizations are another resource that can be relied upon when navigating the mental health system and deciding how to best meet one’s needs.
• Personal preferences — Finding a psychiatrist or psychologist who offers services that align with your current needs and beliefs is most important. You can do this by reaching out to those you know and allowing yourself time to find the best match for your current needs.

Psychiatrists and psychologists are both valuable members of your mental health team who can play a part in managing your mental health care. There are multiple resources you can consider when deciding what provider type would best serve you.

Ultimately, picking the right mental health professional is a personal decision that is best made after considering your needs.