What is the Difference Between a Psychiatrist & a Psychologist

A. Psychiatrist:

1. A Psychiatrist is a medical doctorwho specializes in mental health after completing his basic MBBS.
2. He/She holds a MD or Diploma degree in Psychiatry and can have further specializations in sub-speciality viz; Addiction Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Geriatric Psychiatry, General Adult Psychiatry etc and can also have affiliations and fellowship in various organizations and psychiatric societies.
3. Psychiatrists can provide a wide range of treatments, according to the particular problem and what will work best. These include:

1. Medication: Psychotropic Medication
2. General medical care, including checking your physical health and the effects of psychotropic medication.
3. Psychological treatments like; Supportive Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Behaviour Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, etc
4. Brain stimulation therapies such as Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) etc

B.Psychologist:

1. Psychologists have a masters (MPhil) or a doctoral degree in an area of psychology, the study of the mind and human behaviour.
2. Clinical psychologists have special training in the diagnosis and psychological management of mental illness.
3. They’re not medical doctors.
4. They can’t prescribe medications.
5. They are trained in Psychodiagnostics and Psychotherapy.
6. Clinical Psychologists focus on providing psychological treatment to the client.
7. They are also trained in specialized forms of Psychotherapy (CBT, Gestalt Therapy, Mindfulness based therapy etc)

Psychiatrists and psychologists work together in hospitals as part of mental health teams.