Psychologist and psychiatrist: how they differ from each other

SSPDaily tells about the main differences between a psychologist and a psychiatrist. Find out what kind of education they have, their approach to treatment, and how they affect a person's mental health.

Education

Psychiatrists are doctors who have graduated from medical school and received specialized training in psychiatry. They are medical doctors and are licensed to diagnose and treat mental disorders. Meanwhile, a psychologist is a specialist with a degree in psychology who studies human behavior and mental processes.

Approach to treatment

Psychiatrists are authorized to prescribe medications and can offer a wider range of treatment options, including medications, psychotherapy, and holistic approaches. Psychologists, on the other hand, mainly focus on talk therapy and behavior change methods.

Collaboration

Medical professionals such as family doctors or neurologists may often collaborate with a psychiatrist to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to treating their patients. Psychologists may also collaborate with psychiatrists in cases that require medication, but their primary role is to provide therapy.

Cost.

In terms of cost, psychologists tend to have lower fees than psychiatrists. This is because they do not have a medical degree and can offer therapeutic services at a lower price. At the same time, psychiatrists who are doctors often have a higher price because they can prescribe medications and offer a wider range of treatment options.