Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist: What’s the Difference?

man in houston searching for an adhd doctor near me

Most people get confused between psychologists and psychiatrists. They are not sure whom to visit to get their problems treated and the terms sound so similar!😆

One of the biggest differences between psychiatrists and psychologists is that psychologists cannot prescribe medications to their patients in most US states.

What is a Psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors, which means they have the distinguishment as an M.D.  Psychiatry is a branch of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health disorders.

Psychiatrists recieve a bachelors degree and then four additional years of education in medical school.  After medical school, they spend a minimum of four additional years of specialized training in residency. 

They have received a minimum of 12 years after graduating high school to become a treating psychiatrist for a variety of issues such as Adult ADHD, anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.

What is a Psychologist?

Psychologists are individuals with an advanced degree, typically a masters degree or Ph.D. or a PsyD in the subject but are not medical doctors and cannot medically diagnose or prescribe medications. They study the way that thoughts, emotions, behaviors and other factors that give individuals insights into themselves, their actions, and other people.

What Is The Difference Between A Psychiatrist and A Psychologist?

Both psychiatrists and psychologists provide services for people who have been diagnosed or struggling with mental health issues or certain types of physical illnesses that have symptoms with emotional origins.

 Psychologists generally don’t have any type of formal medical training, but still are licensed professionals that typically use talk therapy and often are counselors or therapists. They will primarily use talk therapy with specific techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.  They help individuals better understand their symptoms and manage them over a series of sessions.

A Psychiatrist specializes in  understanding and diagnosing mental health issues and treating with the appropriate types of medications.  They use one-on-one evaluations, detailed clinical history and lab tests to diagnose a patient’s condition. 

  

 

When Should I See A Psychologist vs. A Psychiatrist?

Most people tend to get confused about seeing a psychologist or a psychiatrist to treat their mental health problems. Let us look at instances when you should meet a psychologist and when you should meet a psychiatrist:

Psychologist Psychiatrist
You want to talk to someone about an issue and want to work one-on-one with them to find a solution. You want options of the correct  psychiatric medication to treat your condition.
Your problem is focused on relationships or how you interpret certain triggers or stressors that cause you to react in a specific way. You are experiencing  psychiatric  symptoms that interfere with your everyday life.

If you feel you are suffering from Adult ADD, Adult ADHD, depression, anxiety or  your symptoms impact your everyday life, visit Aura MD. We are a top-rated psychiatric practice in Houston specializing in treating mental health conditions.

Our experienced team will help you deal with your condition and develop a comprehensive plan to treat you.

If you are searching for a “psychiatrist near me” or “adhd doctor in houston” you are at the right place. Contact Aura MD in Houston to request a consultation today!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top

New Patient Appointment Request

Welcome to Aura MD! 

Dr. Ashley Toutounchi and her board certified team are excited to help you start on the path to mental wellness.