Choosing Your Mental Health Partner: Psychologist or Psychiatrist?

- Goutami M

Trainee

A misconception many people have is that psychologists and psychiatrists are different terms for the same profession. As a BA psychology student, I have come across several people asking me whether I would be a psychiatrist in the future. While it may seem harmless on the surface, this question depicts the ignorance and stigma surrounding mental health among the common people.

So, what really is the difference? Don't they both study psychology?

Psychology is a vast field. It ranges from biology-related topics to trauma, behavior patterns, and the like. So, although both professions require studying psychology, their specializations and the vastness of various topics will differ depending on the course.

In India, psychiatrists need to do an M. B. B. S (medical) degree and later specialize in psychology to become a psychiatrist. A psychologist needs to have a BA or B.Sc degree with psychology as a major.

Psychiatrists majorly look at biological, neurological, and biochemical abnormalities while diagnosing or treating mental illnesses.

A lot of people do switch to Psychology or counseling after doing a degree in other fields like BBA or B. Tech. While it is okay to re-discover your interests, it becomes necessary to make sure you take the necessary training required to practice in a sensitive field like Psychology.

Prescribing medications: -

Another important difference between the two is that psychiatrists can prescribe medications for various mental health issues and disorders, while psychologists cannot. This has much to do with the medical degree that psychiatrists pursue.

Psychologists can, however, diagnose disorders. They conduct a series of tests that seem apt and provide a diagnosis to the client. Psychiatrists also have the authority to provide a diagnosis along with medication.

Psychologists often attempt to use therapy as their primary mode of treatment, while it is medicine for psychiatrists. The majority of the cases, however, would need psychologists and psychiatrists to work hand-in-hand depending on the complexity and nature of the disorder or problem.

When to consult a psychiatrist, and when to consult a psychologist: -

If you are facing mental health issues like stress, or anxiety, or want to try group therapy, couple therapy, etc., then a psychologist is a better option. A one-on-one session can give you the space to talk about what you're going through.

On the other hand, if you're facing severe mental health problems that hinder your day-to-day activities, you can consult a psychiatrist. You can also do this if you are looking for medications to relieve symptoms related to mental health disorders.

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Generally, both have a basic knowledge of each other's areas of expertise, having often worked together. They will be able to suggest a psychiatrist or psychologist when necessary.

Which field of expertise to pursue if one wants to do psychology?

If the biology aspect of psychology intrigues you more, and you want to learn in extensive detail about the neurological system, various disorders, etc., then psychiatry would be more apt.

If you want to conduct therapy sessions, talk to clients personally, are interested in theories of psychology, and different modes of treatment, and also prefer to pursue another subject along with Psychology, like Literature, Journalism, Communication studies, and the like, then doing a bachelor of arts degree in Psychology would be suitable.

Other major differences: -

Another difference is that psychology has different branches one can pursue after graduation, ranging from clinical psychology, social psychology, criminal psychology, health psychology, educational psychology, and many more.

Psychiatry, on the other hand, does not provide so many options.

Lastly, the differences between these two fields are subject to geographical differences. The laws and practices differ from one country to another. For example, psychologists can prescribe medicines in states like New Mexico, Louisiana, and a few others.