The Crazy World We Live In! Blog

Welcome to 2007! Many of you, [including my husband!] have asked about the difference between a psychologist, psychotherapist, and a psychiatrist. So today, here's a brief way of making those distinctions....

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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PSYCHOTHERAPIST, PSYCHOLOGIST AND PSYCHIATRIST:
A PSYCHOTHERAPIST is someone who has received a MASTERS in Family Therapy from an accredited grad school. They are licensed by the state that they choose to practice in. They are well-versed particularly in family therapy. Their license is state bound, that is, they cannot practice in another state without re-qualifying.

A PSYCHOLOGIST has studied and received a DOCTORAL DEGREE from an accredited university. That degree is either a PhD or PsyD. The difference in whether it is one or the other depends on the amount of research lab work done and other factors. PSYD tends to be more clinically oriented whereas PHD tends to be more trained in research. However, this is still a very recent distinction. The major fact is that these folks have both a MASTERS as well as a DOCTORAL degree in psychology.

A PSYCHIATRIST is a MEDICAL DOCTOR and has prescription privileges. The minimum amount of training is simply going to medical school although many psychiatrists have advanced training in therapy as well as specializations. Generally however, psychiatrists prescribe and often work together w/ a psychologist or psychotherapist.

Finally, it is IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER that a degree DOES NOT GUARANTEE COMPETENCY. Many Masters' level therapists far exceed Doctoral graduates in their level of skill and expertise. So don't go by the degree, but rather the education the person received, the kind of resumes they have, whether they are recommended by someone you know and respect, and lastly and MOST IMPORTANTLY, can you establish a good rapport with this person.

In a future entry, I'll outline how to pick a therapist in greater detail.