What’s the Difference Between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?

When you’re looking for mental health support, knowing where to start isn’t always as simple as typing a question into a search bar. You’ll likely come across many different professionals offering care, including psychiatrists and psychologists.

And, while both are experts in mental health, their training, roles, and treatment approaches are different. 

At NYC Psychiatric Associates in New York City, New York, our psychiatrists and mental health specialists break down the differences between these two professions so you can make an informed choice for your care.

What is a psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a doctor who has completed medical school and a psychiatric residency program. Because they’re physicians, psychiatrists can diagnose and treat mental health conditions and prescribe medications when appropriate.

Psychiatrists also manage a full range of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They’re also trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques and can recommend or provide therapy based on diagnosis and needs.

In some cases, a psychiatrist may refer you to another specialist for ongoing psychotherapy.

What is a psychologist?

A psychologist holds a doctoral degree (PhD) in psychology. Their training includes graduate coursework, clinical internships, and supervised  clinical practice. Although psychologists are doctors of psychology, they don’t attend medical school and aren’t medical physicians, so they can’t diagnose or prescribe medications.

Psychologists administer psychological tests and evaluations that provide insight into cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. 

While they don’t have the same clinical powers as a psychiatrist for diagnosing, they can develop and deliver evidence-based therapeutic treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other talk-therapy approaches.

Key differences between a psychiatrist and psychologist

Both psychiatrists and psychologists support individuals who are struggling with mental health challenges. However, their foundational training and their primary treatment approaches differ.

Training

Psychiatrists are medical doctors with advanced training in psychiatry, while psychologists earn a doctoral degree and then do clinical training. 

Diagnosis

Psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions and medical conditions that might contribute to symptoms. Psychologists perform testing and clinical assessments to clarify concerns and guide therapy. 

Treatment

Psychiatrists can prescribe medications and may offer therapy, while psychologists focus more on talk therapy and behavioral interventions. 

What to expect

The specifics of your visit with a psychiatrist and psychologist may vary. However, you may spend more time in ongoing therapeutic sessions with a psychologist, while an appointment with a psychiatrist may be shorter and focus more on evaluation and medication management.

Who’s right for you?

There’s no right choice. Whether you should see a psychiatrist or psychologist may depend on your symptoms, needs, and goals. Many people may even benefit from both providers.

For example, our team may recommend an initial consultation with a psychiatrist for a psychiatric evaluation, followed by ongoing psychotherapy with a psychologist. Our psychiatrists also provide medication management.

Not all people with mental health conditions need medication, but for those who do, it can lessen the severity of symptoms and improve responses to therapeutic interventions. 

If you need mental health support but don’t know where to start, we can help. Our team of psychiatrists can diagnose and create a treatment plan that helps you feel better. 

Contact our New York City office, located in Manhattan’s Murray Hill neighborhood, by calling or booking an appointment online.