What is the difference between Psychologist and Psychiatrist?

Both Psychologist and Psychiatrist are doctors.

The terms 'Psychologist' and 'Psychiatrist' are often confused with each other. So how is one different from the other?

Who is Psychologist?
Psychologist deals with the study of mind and behavior of humans. In general, psychology means, the study of how we feel, how we think and how we behave.

Who is Psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a physician who is specialised in psychiatry. He/She specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.

Educational difference:
People who have a spealised doctoral level MD in Psychology are called psychologists. These candidates get training in psychology and then pursue Ph.D in psychology. Psychologists go through five to seven years of academic graduate study, culminating in a doctorate degree. A psychologist must have the license to open clinical practises.

A psychiatrist has a degree in medicine, after which they go on for training in mental health, typically at a hospital's psychiatric department.. There are a number of specializations you can choose to practice in such as general psychiatry, child psychiatry, psychoanalyst, forensic psychiatry and a host of other options.

Treatment difference:
Psychologist will treat the patients through counselling. They don't have medical training and cannot prescribe any medication to the patients. These doctors will take more than 40 to 60 minutes to treat the patients. They will test the mental status of the patients and educate them about the brain-body relationship.

Psychiatrists are physicians that have specific training in diagnosing the patients. These can prescribe medicines to the patients. A psychiatrist is concerned with the patients' well-being. These doctors will take 15 minutes to treat the patients.

When you choose a career as a Psychologist or Psychologist, you should know that both require extensive formal training, supervision, and knowledge in their declared area of expertise.