WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PSYCHOLOGIST AND A PSYCHIATRIST?

Psychologists and Psychiatrists are often confused. While both study the brain, emotions, feelings, and thoughts, there are considerable differences between them. Psychologists focus extensively on psychotherapy and treating emotional and mental health issues. They help people develop skills to cope with difficulties, including stress and relationship difficulties, as well as mental health issues. It takes a minimum of six years of study to become a registered Psychologist. In contrast, Psychiatrists are medical doctors and can prescribe medications. Because of this, Psychiatrists tend to look after people with severe mental illness and spend much of their time with patients on medication management.