Differences Among Mental Health Professionals

There is a lot of misinformation and confusion associated with the mental health field. Movies, television, and other media only add to the problem. Such sources frequently confuse job titles such as Psychiatrist , Psychologist and Counselor.

In this article, I will clearly explain the differences among the major professions in the mental health area.

Psychiatrist- A psychiatrist is a Medical Doctor (MD). Psychiatrists must complete medical school, residency/internship, as well as additional training in mental health, focusing on diagnosing mental disorders and psycho-pharmacology (the "doling out of meds," so to speak). Often thought of as the "highest" of the mental health professionals, psychiatrists are actually not as well-trained in "talk therapy."

Most psychiatrists primarily assess and diagnose, prescribe and manage medication for mental illnesses. Psychiatrists also frequently refer patients to other mental health professionals such as counselors or psychologists.

Psychologist- A Psychologist is almost always a mental health profession who holds a doctorate degree in the psychology field. The only exception is school psychology, where one can hold a Master's degree and practice. Psychologists who provide direct patient services (psychotherapy) are usually Clinical or Counseling psychologists. In addition to the doctorate degree, Psychologists must complete a supervised internship upon graduation. Psychologists generally have the most training in actual mental health/psychology.

Psychologists offer psychotherapy services in a wide range of areas. Some areas which psychologists frequently work are mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders; past traumas such as abuse or other tragedy, and much more. Psychologists tend to deal more with more severe mental illnesses and complex/chronic personal problems.