The main difference between Psychiatrists and Psychologists (also known as Clinical Psychologists) is that Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health after completing medical school and psychologists are not. Psychiatrists study mental disorders from a perspective of internal bodily chemistry and physiology. Thus, it follows that Psychiatrists are qualified to prescribe medication but psychologists are not.
Treatment of any mental disorder involves medication as well as therapy. Psychologists focus on the therapy aspect of the treatment. They provide extensive psychotherapy and help the patient (referred to as a “client”) deal with their illness in daily life by suggesting behavioral and mental changes. Some psychologists with specific training are also qualified to provide psychometric training to assess one’s mental state and suggest the most suitable course of treatment. Psychologists work to help people understand the nature of difficulties clients may be dealing with, develop insight and skills to minimize and manage the impact of problems, and may coordinate with other health service providers, including physicians. The psychologist works to help the client from a behavioural perspective.
Another chief function of psychologists is that in addition to performing direct clinical psychotherapy, psychologists may work as behavioural scientists, in human resource management- in corporates, marketing and in clinical research.
The main difference between Psychiatrists and Psychologists (also known as Clinical Psychologists) is that Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health after completing medical school and psychologists are not. Psychiatrists study mental disorders from a perspective of internal bodily chemistry and physiology. Thus, it follows that Psychiatrists are qualified to prescribe medication but psychologists are not.
Treatment of any mental disorder involves medication as well as therapy. Psychologists focus on the therapy aspect of the treatment. They provide extensive psychotherapy and help the patient (referred to as a “client”) deal with their illness in daily life by suggesting behavioral and mental changes. Some psychologists with specific training are also qualified to provide psychometric training to assess one’s mental state and suggest the most suitable course of treatment. Psychologists work to help people understand the nature of difficulties clients may be dealing with, develop insight and skills to minimize and manage the impact of problems, and may coordinate with other health service providers, including physicians. The psychologist works to help the client from a behavioural perspective.
Another chief function of psychologists is that in addition to performing direct clinical psychotherapy, psychologists may work as behavioural scientists, in human resource management- in corporates, marketing and in clinical research.