FAQS – What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?

Psychologists and psychiatrists have approximately the same number of years of formal training. The basic difference is the kind of training they have received.

Psychiatrists have a degree in medicine and have then taken specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of emotional and behavioural problems. They are also able to prescribe medication.

Psychologists have graduate training in psychology and specialize in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of human emotion, thought and behaviour. Although they may have training in the use of medication to treat mental illness they are not licensed to prescribe medication.

Psychologists are the only professionals qualified to use certain kinds of psychological tests to assess intelligence, psychopathology, and brain dysfunction.