What’s the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
This is perhaps the most common question I get when I tell people what I do for a living. It’s also a question I get from clients at times.
Whilst both Psychologists and Psychiatrists are both mental health professionals, there are important differences between the two.
Psychologist
A Psychologist is someone who has completed studies and training in psychology, that is, the study of the human mind and behaviour.
They have first completed 4 years of university study. If a Psychologist has a specific term before this title (such as ‘Clinical’, ‘Forensic’, ‘Educational’, ‘Organisational’) then they have completed specialist training in a specific area of Psychology. This involves a 2 year Masters degree and then a 2 year program following graduation in which Psychologists work and are supervised as they gain further specialised experience.
Psychologists cannot prescribe medication. They have the capacity to assess and diagnose mental health presentations, and they offer ‘talk’ or behavioural therapy as treatment. You do not need a GP referral to see a Psychologist – you can book and pay privately (that is, not receiving a Medicare rebate), however many people choose to seek a GP referral to see a rebate.
What are the different types of Psychologists?
- General Psychologist – have completed 4 years of undergraduate study (a Bachelors) and have not further specialised, although they may have gained many years of experience in an area of psychology
- Clinical Psychologist – have completed at least a 2 year postgraduate degree (Masters or PhD) to specialise in clinical psychology, which is the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of disorders
- Forensic Psychologist –have completed at least a 2 year postgraduate degree (Masters or PhD) to specialise in forensic psychology, which is
- Organisational Psychologist – have completed at least a 2 year postgraduate degree (Masters or PhD) to specialise in organisational psychology, which is concerned with matters of
Psychiatrist
A Psychiatrist is a specialist medical Doctor. They have completed university studies in medicine, then completed their intern and resident years in a hospital. They then complete specialist training in Psychiatry (whilst practising as a Doctor) in order to gain the extra title of ‘Psychiatrist’. This extra specialisation takes approximately 5 years, and involves rotations within various settings, examinations and assessments.
Psychiatrists, therefore, can prescribe medication. They have a holistic understanding of health and the human body. They can expertly assess and diagnose your symptoms, in the context of your health and functioning, and then prescribe medications (if necessary) to treat your diagnosis. Psychiatrists also have training in psychotherapy, and may do ‘talk therapy’ with clients as well as provide medication management.
Do I need to see a Psychiatrist?
Not everyone who experiences mental health concerns will want to or need to see a psychiatrist. Your GP will be able to discuss this with you, and refer you to a Psychiatrist if necessary. You will need a GP referral to see a Psychiatrist, in general. Your Psychologist may also suggest you see a Psychiatrist however, you will require a GP referral.
Whilst GPs can prescribe and manage a range of psychiatric medication, you may need to see see a psychiatrist if:
- You are prescribed a restricted form of medication (such as medication used to treat ADHD)
o Psychiatrists have the ability to prescribe specialist medications that are highly controlled and can’t be prescribed by GPs
- You have not responded to medication trialled so far
o Psychiatrists, given their expertise, may be able to help better manage your diagnosis with prescriptions for different medications that your GP is unfamiliar with. There are many ‘first line’ medications that may be trialled by you GP, but if these don’t seem to be assisting, then it may be time to see a Psychiatrist
- You would like a second (or third…) opinion
o Mental health is often very complex! Like in any profession, sometimes different people will have different opinions. It is important that clients know they are entitled to seek other opinions. Perhaps your GP or Psychologist has discussed a particular diagnosis with you, you may want to receive clarification from a Psychiatrist.
- You have multiple diagnoses and/or other health conditions
o Given their medical training, Psychiatrists are well placed to be able to manage complex psychiatric conditions, and/or people with comorbid health conditions.
(Note: This blog is specific to Australia. Whilst this explanation generally holds true internationally, registration and training requirements do vary.)
