Can you be a psychologist and a psychiatrist

Psychologists approach a holistic approach to treating patients. They emphasize the study of human behavior and socioemotional development rather than the biological aspects of behavior.

They work with patients in a therapeutic role, acting as counselors to help patients work through difficult issues through methods like talk therapy.

Psychologists work with patients to create treatment plans, which may include a referral to a psychiatrist if they feel medication could supplement treatment and further alleviate symptoms. Psychologists also utilize tests used to diagnose patients and understand the breadth of a patient's issues and symptoms.

Generally, both psychologists and psychiatrists can make a comfortable living working in various industries and environments. However, according to data from PayScale , psychiatrists have the potential to earn significantly more than psychologists.

When considering psychology or psychiatry, the day-to-day work of each professional differs greatly. Contrary to popular belief, psychologists do more than sit and listen to clients during talk therapy. While earning their degree, many psychology students participate in research studies concerning human behavior and different types of brain functions.

Once licensed and in the field, some psychologists continue working on research committees either in place of or in addition to working with patients individually.

Commonly, psychologists work one-on-one or in small groups with clients and patients, using talk and psychotherapy to address, work through, and cope with emotional distress or mental illness. Psychologists work in all kinds of environments, including private practices, hospitals, and universities. Some even work for large corporations as organizational psychologists, or within government agencies in roles like forensic psychology.

Psychologists at universities or schools may work in counseling centers or student health facilities alongside medical doctors. As licensed psychologists must hold a doctorate, some choose to teach in postsecondary institutions as professors in psychology. According to the BLS, most employed psychologists work in clinical or counseling practices. What a practicing psychologist can earn varies based on geographic location, industry, and experience.

Psychiatry classifies as a medical science, requiring a medical degree to practice. Those pursuing careers in psychiatry enter medical school after earning a bachelor's degree whereas psychologists pursue a Ph.

CBT aims to help people in therapy learn and practice specific techniques to work through unwanted emotions and negative thought patterns. But plenty of other types of therapy exist. Psychologists can specialize in a range of approaches:. Psychologists working with children might also assess their thinking skills and academic capabilities and offer approaches uniquely suited for children, like play therapy.

A psychologist can diagnose mental health conditions through interviews and the observations they make in therapy. If they believe medication might improve your symptoms, they might refer you to a psychiatrist while continuing to provide therapy.

Psychologists can also prescribe medication if they work in the military, Indian Health Service, or Guam. Psychiatrists and psychologists also have different educational backgrounds and training requirements. It takes 4 to 6 years to earn one of these degrees. They also need to pass an exam to get licensed in their state before they can provide therapy. To prescribe medication in the states mentioned above, psychologists also need to complete training in clinical psychopharmacology and pass an exam.

They may also need to complete additional practice hours. Many choose careers in education, research, or law and corporate settings rather than clinical settings. You might also prefer to consult a psychologist if you want to treat your symptoms with therapy rather than a combination of therapy and medication. Just know they might recommend connecting with a psychiatrist if they believe your symptoms may not improve with therapy alone. A psychiatrist may be a better choice if you have more complex mental health concerns that might require medication, including:.

Keep in mind that mental health professionals might recommend a combination of therapy and medication to treat symptoms of many common mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.

They can offer a referral or connect you with resources to find the right therapist. Get more tips on finding the right psychiatrist.

If you have insurance, you might start by asking your primary care doctor for a referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist. Some mental health professionals use a sliding fee scale to allow clients to pay what they can afford. They first do a medical degree at university. Next they spend at least 1 or 2 years training as a general doctor. They then complete at least 5 years training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.

Psychologists have at least 6 years of university training and supervised experience. They may also hold a Masters or Doctorate level qualification in psychology. Psychiatrists can provide a wide range of treatments, according to the particular problem and what will work best. These include:. Psychiatrists tend to treat people who need their medical, psychological and social needs considered. Someone who has attempted suicide or has suicidal thoughts will usually be seen by a psychiatrist.

Psychologists are more likely to see people with conditions that can be helped effectively with psychological treatments. This might include behavioural problems, learning difficulties, depression and anxiety. As with all medical specialists, to see a psychiatrist you need a referral from your GP family doctor.

There are around psychiatrists working across Australia and New Zealand, while there are about 27, registered psychologists. Psychiatrists and psychologists often work together. They may determine whether a criminal has the mental facilities to stand trial. The basic difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist is that a psychiatrist is a licensed medical doctor and a psychologist is not. In addition, a psychiatrist is educated at medical school and receives an M.

A psychologist is educated at a college or university and receives a doctoral-level degree in psychology. However, both professions treat mental ailments and require a state license to practice. Most states do not allow psychologists to prescribe medications. However, this is gradually changing. A few states allow psychologists with advanced medical training to prescribe medications.