What is difference between a psychologist and psychiatrist

Feeling like a mess but pretending to be fine? That’s almost every other person you come across. 

It’s only normal for you to feel emotionally exhausted when things get rough and tough. Trust me, no individual is living an emotionally balanced life. Mental health can get really challenging, considering today’s dynamic world that we are all a part of. However, what is important is to look up to someone with whom we can be open about our internal battles and become vulnerable. Constantly maintaining a strong exterior personality when you are breaking inside, can shatter you to a million pieces. Discussing our problems and finding their solutions is the key to finding happiness. Surely, the first people you would turn to are your near and dear ones, however, when situations become difficult to manage, you may seek professional help.  

For someone struggling with a mental health issue like depression or anxiety, decision making can appear too challenging. Not only is the road to finding an expert tough, the search on its own can appear tricky.  

Psychologists and psychiatrists tend to work in similar settings; and may even share practice or exchange referrals. Yet, they differ in terms of their approach to diagnosis and treatment plans for their respective patients.  

Most of them work in healthcare settings, such as private hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation programs, schools and several more. When you look for mental health professionals, the different job titles may add to your confusion. Although you may have heard them before, you may not be clear about what they mean. The biggest confusion remains between a psychologist and psychiatrist. This blog will break down these points for you. So, if you are looking to build a career in this arena or simply curious about learning more about the world around you, you’re in the right place! 

What Makes a psychologist? Exploring Their Duties and Expertise 

When you hear the word “Psychologist”, your mind instantly creates an image of a ‘talk session’. It is true that psychologists are involved in a series of talk sessions with one person, however, their key focus goes far beyond that.  

Psychologists are expert professionals having years of experience in exploring the mind and behavior of both humans and animals.  

They are responsible for the following: 

• Solving problems with the use of their knowledge and research in psychology, like treating mental illnesses. 

• Acting as social scientists who investigate human behavior through extensive research and exploring fascinating insights about human behavior and interaction.  

• Teaching at esteemed colleges or universities.  

The Role of Psychiatrists: What You Need to Know! 

Psychiatrists are special doctors for treating mental health issues. They usually get involved with individuals who feel scared, see or hear things that are not there, feel worried almost all the time, or feel sad or hopeless.  

A psychiatrist also talks to his/her patient to understand what they are going through and accordingly prescribes medication or therapy in case of severe problems, which may help them feel better.  

Psychiatrists also carry the expertise to diagnose and provide effective medication for a range of challenging mental illnesses like schizophrenia, depression, borderline personality disorder, and bipolar disorder.  

Is a psychologist and psychiatrist the same? 

In a generic sense of the term, Psychology refers to the scientific study of the human mind and behavior. Individuals practicing psychology are called psychologists and study how humans think, behave and feel in diverse social settings. Certainly, they are human behavior experts.  

In contrast however, Psychiatry refers to a branch of medicine focusing on the treatment of mental illnesses, emotional imbalances, and abnormal behavior. They look at biological, neurological, and biochemical abnormalities to effectively diagnose mental illnesses and prescribe suitable medications for treatment.  

The basic point of difference lies in their approach, areas of work and educational pathways.  

Here are 4 differences between psychologists and psychiatrists: 

Difference between psychologists’ and psychiatrists’ salary  

As psychologists do not complete medical school, psychiatrists tend to earn more money as they earn a medical doctorate degree. However, according to the Bureau, both the professionals share a similar outlook in terms of occupation. These profiles are projected to increase on a faster basis over the next decade, with psychologists at 22% and psychiatrists at 24%.  

Both the positions offer a good range of benefits to patients as well as practitioners. Thus, looking at the “better” option entirely depends on how you view the question. While psychologists are more employable due to the subspecialities that they may enter, psychiatry is also a rewarding career choice.  

When you need mental help for yourself or a close friend, remember that choosing the right professional depends on the severity of the situation, as each offer something valuable to those they serve.