General
Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist — We Explain The Differences
September 5, 2022
Medically Reviewed by Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Tan Sheng Neng
MMED (Psych), MBBS, MCI, FAMSSeptember 5, 2022
Confused when choosing the best mental health professional to help with your condition? The terms psychiatrist and psychologist have been utilised interchangeably, causing confusion among many.
Although both professions focus on behaviour and mental health, their educational backgrounds and professional training, and the support they offer differ.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are mental health professionals with medical degrees (MBBS) and a residency program in psychiatry (Master of Medicine, Psychiatry). In general, psychiatrists train medically for 11 years.Psychiatrists are specialist doctors focused on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health problems. They incorporate biology and medical science when determining the cause of mental health conditions, and have extensive knowledge about the different functions and systems of the human body.
Following medical school, psychiatrists enter into a four-year residency training program where they specialise in learning how to diagnose, and apply treatment modalities for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions. After their residency, psychiatrists may opt to continue training and sub-specialize.
Psychiatrists also have psychotherapy training, including cognitive behavioural therapy and psychoanalysis, and primarily work in healthcare settings, such as mental health clinics and hospitals. They specialise in the following:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Addiction Psychiatry
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- Pain Management
- Clinical Neurophysiology
- Brain Injury Medicine
- Sleep Medicine
Psychologists
A psychologist may have a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. psychology degree.
Although there are many career pathways in psychology, including those in practice and research, applied psychology is among the most prevalent professions.
Psychology professionals focus on the environmental and psychological elements that affect one’s well-being. When working with patients to deal with stressors, behavioural issues, and other difficulties, they work utilize coping mechanisms and employ different intervention strategies.
Psychologists generally possess the following knowledge and skills:
- Student counselling and therapy
- Psychology
- Special education
- Individualised education programs
- Couples counselling and therapy
- Mental health
- Behavioural health
- Clinical psychology
- Treatment planning
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Conclusion
Psychologists and psychiatrists frequently work together collaboratively. Both do evaluations to identify psychological health issues. Patients often benefit from combination treatments of both therapy and medication when undergoing treatment.
Psychologists occasionally send patients to psychiatrists if they think medicine would be beneficial. Sometimes psychiatric professionals will refer patients to psychologists for psychotherapy. Generally, psychiatrists and psychologists freely consult if they are on the same treatment team in a hospital environment.
