What's the difference between the difference is between a psychiatrist, a psychologist and a therapist/psychotherapist?
As a psychotherapist, I get asked that question a lot! Clients know what they want/need but often don't know where to get it?
A psychiatrist is an MD who has completed medical school and has specialized in psychiatry. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication and although is well versed in psychiatry is not trained as a therapist. Psychiatrists are trained from the theoretical perspective of pathology – which says a patient is sick and this what I can give them to feel better. (So if you need medication - start here.)
A psychologist has their PhD in clinical psychology or a related field, is called a doctor but is not a medical doctor. A psychologist has been trained in research and testing as well as the therapist model.. A psychologist cannot prescribe medication but can do extensive psychological testing as well as psychotherapy.
(So, if you want psychological testing and/or therapy - start here.)
A therapist/psychotherapist has a masters degree in clinical psychology or a related field but does not have their PhD. A therapist cannot prescribe medication but can do psychological testing, except for projective testing, but most therapist choose not to do testing and instead focus on the therapy side of things. A psychotherapists goes by several different names as well...therapist, mental health counselor, a behavioral health counselor as well as social worker (LMSW). (So if you want therapy/counseling - start here.)
Therapists and Psychologists are trained from the health model – meaning that people are healthy they just need to remove the barriers that are keeping them from accessing their potential or best self. Although, both professionals recognize the need for medication, therapists and psychologist focus on therapy as a first step and usually recommend a psychiatrist/medication as an adjunct for therapy. On the flip side, generally Psychiatrist realize the benefits of therapy and recommend therapy as an add on for medication.
Although, the above professionals have different degrees and areas of expertise, they are all under the umbrella of Mental Health.
Take care of you & have a good day intentionally.
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