What’s the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist? Are psychologists and psychotherapists the same?
All of the different titles can be confusing and it can be difficult to know what the differences between professionals are. When you don’t know the differences between them, it can be hard to know which type of mental health professional will best suit your needs.
We have put together a brief guide to help outline the different types of professionals and what their roles are.
A mental health professional who is trained to a postgraduate level (master’s or doctorate) and specialises in the assessment, treatment, and study of psychological processes related to mental health. A psychologist is trained to engage with a wide variety of difficulties that an individual may be experiencing and is skilled in a variety of methods of intervention and assessment.
A medical doctor specialising in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and study of mental health difficulties. Psychiatrists will prescribe medications in the treatment they provide, with some being trained in and providing psychotherapy or counselling as well.