Differences between psychology, psychiatry and psychotherapy
This page explains the significant differences between roles in psychology, psychiatry and psychotherapy.
Staff working in these roles tend to deal with different types of problems, although there is also considerable overlap in their work.
Below is a brief description of each of the different areas.
Psychology is the study of people: how they think, how they act, react and interact. It’s concerned with all aspects of behaviour and the thoughts, feelings and motivation underlying such behaviour.
Psychology is a discipline that is firstly concerned with the normal functioning of the mind and has explored areas such as learning, remembering and the normal psychological development of children. It has been one of the fastest growing university subjects and is increasingly available in schools and colleges.
Psychologists are not usually medically qualified and only a small proportion of people studying psychology degrees will go on to work with patients.
Psychologists can specialise in a number of areas, such as mental health and educational and occupational psychology. In healthcare, psychologists specialise in clinical, counselling, forensic or health psychology.
Psychological therapy roles
There are also roles using psychology for other staff, including assistant psychologists, psychological wellbeing practitioners and high intensity therapists
Psychiatry is the study of mental health problems and their diagnosis, management and prevention. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have qualified in psychiatry. They often combine a broad general caseload alongside an area of special expertise and research.
Psychotherapy is conducted with individuals, groups, couples and families. Psychotherapists help people to overcome stress, emotional and relationship problems or troublesome habits.
There are many different approaches in psychotherapy, or talking therapies, which include:
- cognitive behavioural therapies
- psychoanalytic therapies
- psychodynamic therapies
- systemic and family psychotherapy
- arts and play therapies
- humanistic and integrative psychotherapies
- hypno-psychotherapy
- experiential constructivist therapies
A psychotherapist may be a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional, who has had further specialist training in psychotherapy. Increasingly, there are a number of psychotherapists who do not have backgrounds in the above fields, but who have undertaken in-depth training in this area.
Medical psychotherapists are fully-qualified doctors who have qualified in psychiatry and then undertaken a three or four-year specialist training in psychotherapy. Their role is in the psychotherapeutic treatment of patients with psychiatric illnesses.
Psychologists and psychiatrists seem like similar professionals, but they actually perform quite different functions related to mental health. Many people debate which position is “better.” However, “better” is a relative term. In order to understand which might be better for certain things, we need to look at the differences between the two.
While both psychologists and psychiatrists work with people to resolve mental, emotional and behavioral issues, they each approach methodology and practice in different ways. For starters, psychiatrists are doctors with medical degrees; psychologists hold doctorate degrees from non-medical institutions. The following outlines some other major differences to help determine which position might be better for certain situations.
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Training Requirements
Both psychologists and psychiatrists will spend many years in school followed by years of residency programs and internships. A psychologist completes one of two doctoral degrees, either a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) or a Ph.D. in Psychology, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. While some school psychologists might earn a master’s degree, most psychologists must hold a doctorate in order to practice in their field, particularly if they want to practice a subspecialty like clinical or forensic psychology.
Psychiatrists, according to the Bureau, must complete medical school and earn a medical degree. In fact the Bureau recognizes psychiatry under the same classification as Physicians and Surgeons in its Occupational Outlook Handbook. As such, psychiatrists must complete the same educational and training requirements that doctors and surgeons complete.
Job Outlook & Salary
According to the Bureau, psychologists and psychiatrists share similar occupational outlooks. Over the next decade, both are projected to increase on a faster basis that other occupations, with psychologists at 22% and psychiatrists at 24%. The salary changes drastically between the two occupations. In 2010, the average salary for a psychologist was $68,640, whereas psychiatrists, under the blanket salary of physicians and surgeons, earned equal to or more than $166,400 in 2010. Because they are medical doctors, psychiatrists earn more money on average than psychologists.
Benefits
Both positions offer benefits to both patients and practitioners, and determining which one is “better” still depends largely on how you look at the question. Do you want to know which would make a better career or which one you should seek for personal help?
In terms of a career, becoming a psychiatrist offers a better salary, but psychologists might be more employable simply because of the subspecialties they enter. The Bureau estimated that in 2010, over 100,000 jobs were available in psychology. Because they list psychiatrists under physicians and surgeons, the number of jobs was over 600,000 in 2010, but this number includes the entire category of physicians and surgeons.
If you need mental help for yourself or a friend, then choosing which professional is “better” becomes more difficult and depends on the severity of the situation. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication in addition to offering therapy, whereas most psychologists can only provide non-medical therapy. Determining which professional is better depends on a variety of factors because each offers something valuable to those they serve.
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Understand the key differences between psychology and psychiatry programs and figure out which career path works best for you!
Despite their similar names, psychology and psychiatry serve different purposes. Psychology, the study of the mind and behavior, encompasses working with patients in the role of counselor or therapist, with the goal of using psychotherapy to help patients cope with mental illness and trauma. Psychiatry, the study of treating mental illness or abnormal behavior, takes a more clinical, medicinal approach to working with clients dealing with these issues. Psychologists generally work closely with clients to identify and work through personal issues and develop healthy coping mechanisms for emotional problems while psychiatrists focus on identifying medicinal or pharmacologic treatments for mental illness or abnormal behaviors.
Although both of these professions require good people skills and a desire to help others, training for them differs. Typically, both professions require a doctorate; however, students may pursue some careers in counseling with a specialized master’s degree. This guide introduces each profession and explains how to begin a career in both fields.
Main Differences Between a Psychologist and Psychiatrist
Although psychiatry and psychology share some qualities, each field serves different purposes when it comes to the treatment and diagnosis of mental illness and patient care. A career in psychology would best suit someone interested in talking through a patient’s personal issues. A career in psychiatry would best suit someone with an interest in the clinical side of treating mental issues and with an inclination toward the scientific and medical aspects of diagnosis and treatment. Keep reading to learn more about skills and education each career requires.
Skill Sets
Psychiatrists often possess a strong background in medicine and human biology and how each contributes to mental illness and abnormal behaviors. Psychologists generally have stronger skills in communication and an understanding how brain processes can affect a person’s emotional wellbeing. The table below outlines common skills for both professions.
Psychologist Skill SetPsychiatrist Skill SetFocus on treating emotional and mental sufferingFocus on medication managementEmphasize supporting people through traumaHave a basic foundation in medicineFocus on identifying and using psychotherapy to work through problemsFocus on identifying and medically treating disordersWork with individuals and groupsWork with patients individually
Education
The academic paths that psychiatrists and psychologists take differ greatly. For example, psychiatry involves a stronger emphasis on medicine, biology, and pharmacology; psychology generally emphasizes psychotherapy and human behavior. The table below outlines requirements for each degree path and highlights similarities and differences.
Psychologist Program RequirementsPsychiatrist Program RequirementsMust complete around 2,000 clinical hours in an internshipMust complete around 2,000 clinic hours in a residencyMay earn Psy.D. or Ph.D.May pursue a medical degree or Ph.D.Coursework emphasizes human development and behaviorCoursework emphasizes medicine and human biology and anatomyExamine and analyze current research in the fieldParticipate in hands-on labs in pathology and pharmacologyComplete a formal dissertation research projectConduct and present formal scholarship in the field
Patient Care
The ability to prescribe medications marks one of the primary differences between psychiatrists and psychologists. As a result of their extensive medical training, psychiatrists have the authority to write prescriptions to treat patients. When psychiatrists meet with patients, they generally work towards managing dosages of medication, weighing the benefits of trying new dosages or new medications, and monitoring the patient’s progress and symptoms while on medication. Unlike with a psychologist, patients generally don’t engage in talk therapy with their psychiatrist. These medical doctors take a clinical approach to treating mental illness and abnormal behavior.
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.
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Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.
Job Outlook for Psychologists vs. Psychiatrists
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. Fortunately, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects significant growth in both fields (14% for psychologists and 13% for psychiatrists).
Psychologist
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. California employs the most psychologists and offers the highest mean wage for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists at $108,350, much higher than the national median salary of $79,010. The BLS projects jobs in psychology to grow 14% in the coming years.
Psychiatrist
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.D. or Psy.D. Psychiatrists go through the same process to earn licensure and certification as other medical doctors, entering a residency following the completion of medical school. Their extensive medical training qualifies psychiatrists to prescribe medications, treating patients for mental disorders and illnesses in a clinical way.
Psychiatrists work daily with patients on an individual basis to identify behavioral issues and disorders and determine the best course of medical treatment. They may also work alongside psychologists to implement appropriate treatment plans that may include psychotherapy in tandem with medication.
Psychiatrists work in hospitals, private practices, psychiatric facilities, and government facilities. Commonly, psychiatrists take a patient’s medical history and work in collaboration with their other medical providers to identify ongoing issues, diagnose mental illness and disorders, and create and implement treatment plans without interfering with any other medications or treatments the patient requires.
A psychiatrist’s earning potential varies based on location, industry, and experience level. According to the BLS, the majority of psychiatrists work in physicians’ offices or private practices, substance abuse and psychiatric facilities, and general hospitals. Hawaii, Connecticut, and Maine offer the highest mean salaries for psychiatrists, with the national median pay averaging around $220,380.
Education, Training, and Certification Requirements
Key differences between psychologists and psychiatrists lie within their training, certifications, and education. To enter either job field, students must pursue education past the bachelor’s degree. Often students begin studying psychiatry or psychology in their undergraduate years, pursuing necessary prerequisites for graduate or medical school admissions. Some psychology graduate programs exist for students with bachelor’s degrees in other areas; however, for psychiatrists, admission to medical school usually requires specific course prerequisites and an admissions exam.
Psychiatrists must hold a medical degree and a license to practice. After earning a bachelor’s, psychiatry students then enter medical school to earn their M.D., followed by a residency period. Residencies last around four years and entail formal practice as a physician under the supervision of licensed psychiatrists and other medical doctors.
During residency, psychiatrists generally complete the designated number of required supervised practice hours as outlined by the state licensing board. Exact requirements for earning licensure through the state board may vary from state to state, so candidates should check with their state board for guidelines. Upon completing residency and meeting licensure requirements, psychiatrists can apply for licensure and begin practice.
Psychologists must meet different requirements in order to earn licensure and practice. Again, after earning a bachelor’s, psychology students enter graduate school rather than medical school. Typically, students earn their MS in psychology and then their Psy.D. or Ph.D., but some combined master’s and doctoral programs exist to streamline the process.
While in graduate school but following coursework, students sometimes complete required supervised clinical hours and training prior to graduation. Some states require additional postdoctoral supervised clinical hours. Upon meeting degree and licensure requirements set by the state board, students may earn licensure and begin practice in psychology. Most state boards require psychologists to complete continuing education throughout their career to maintain licensure.
Want to Learn More?
Now that you know more about what it takes to become a psychologist and a psychiatrist, you might wonder what careers graduates with these degrees ultimately pursue. Fortunately, both psychologists and psychiatrists qualify for a variety of career paths and work in many industries and environments. The sections below offer further information on careers in psychology.
Careers in Psychology
Psychologists work in all kinds of settings, not just in private practices. Many psychologists go on to work for large organizations as organizational psychologists, and others even work for the federal government as forensic psychologists. Learn more about the exciting and rewarding careers available to psychologists here.
Psychology Programs
Earning your degree in psychology serves as the first step to beginning a career in the field. Choosing the right program means considering factors like on-campus or online formats and available concentrations. Use this page to kickstart your search for the best psychology programs.
