Psychologists and psychiatrists both treat mental health conditions through psychotherapy but have different educational backgrounds. Psychologists complete a PhD or PsyD after undergraduate studies, while psychiatrists earn an MD through medical school and residency training. The main difference is that only psychiatrists can prescribe medication, so psychologists refer patients needing medication to psychiatrists.

1. PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY
Doctors of the Brain
Overview Education
Many people don’t really know the difference The level of education is also different between a psychologist and a
between a psychologist and a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist.
purpose of this presentation is to introduce
the difference and similarities of the two A psychologist completes an undergraduate degree and then attends
careers. graduate school. A minimum requirement to be a professional is a
PhD or a Psy.D and it typically requires four to five years to finish
Both psychologists and psychiatrists can treat schooling.
the same type of people (whether it is a
phobia or schizophrenia); both can perform A psychiatrist on the other hand takes a different approach. Since a
psychotherapy and conduct research. psychiatrist is a physician, she/he is required to attend medical school
after completing an undergraduate degree. The first two years of
A major difference between a psychologist medical school are spent taking science courses and being in labs. The
and psychiatrist is the type of education they next two years are used working with patients under supervision and
obtain. A psychologist is not a medical doctor becoming familiar with the psychiatry field. Upon completion of
and therefore cannot prescribe medication. If medical school, an internship or residency is required. Once the
the psychologist decides his/her patient’s internship is completed, the student is allowed to take the United
needs medication then he/she will refer him States Medical Exam. After passing the exam, the student will be able
to a psychiatrist. The main type treatment of a to obtain a license and practice.
psychologist performs is psychotherapy. They
also administer and evaluate psychological
exams. A psychiatrist is more likely to work
with people who have severe mental
disorders.
Erica Rodriguez
UNLV Libraries Peer Research Coaches
4505 S. Maryland Pkwy, Box 457014
For more information on the on the two careers
Las Vegas, NV 89154‐7014 visit the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics at
Phone 702.895.2118 Fax 702.895.2284 <http://www.bls.gov> and the Nevada Career
library.coaches@unlv.edu Information System <http://nvcis.intocareers.org>
Spring 2010