Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist
A Psychiatrist is a medically-trained practitioner who completes the requirements for a M.D. and who typically uses medicine to target physiological change as a first-line of treatment for behavioral/psychological problems. Training involves 4-years of medical school followed by 3-4 year residency. The majority of training involves assessment, diagnosis, and treatment using a biological medical model conceptualization of behavior. Some psychiatrists also conduct scientific research and/or work primarily in academia.
A Psychologist is an academically-trained practitioner/researcher who completes the requirements for a Ph.D. or Psy.D. and who typically uses psychotherapuetic methods of treatment. Training involves 5-6 years of graduate school followed by 1-year residency/internship. The majority of training involves assessment, diagnosis, and treatment using a biopsychosocial conceptualization of behavior. Licensed psychologists typically do not have prescription privileges, however, limited privileges are available in several states. Some psychologists conduct scientific research and/or work primarily in academia.
Listen to 1470 WBKV AM on Friday mornings at 9am for Legal Talk with the Vanden Heuvel & Dineen, S.C. Law Firm. Call the station at 262-338-8622 or email your questions to questions@vhdlaw.com