Psychologists often hear of confusion by the public (and sometimes even other healthcare professionals) as to what a psychologist is exactly. This confusion is certainly understandable given such factors as the similarity in the names between the psychologist and psychiatrist, and the considerable overlap in services with other groups of mental health providers. This page aims to help clarify some of the distinctions through a question and answer format. Links for further study are provided throughout this page.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist? This is one of the most common questions asked of psychologists at social gatherings. Here is a brief synopsis:

PSYCHOLOGISTS:

• Attend three to five years of graduate school with intensive training in psychological theory, therapy, research, and diagnostic testing

• Have a PhD, a PsyD, an EdD, an MA, or an MS degree in psychology (in Vermont)

• Are trained to provide psychotherapy

• Are trained in psychological testing (e.g., the MMPI and the Rorschach inkblot tests)

• Do not prescribe usually, but do often collaborate with primary care providers (though this is slowly changing as some Louisiana, New Mexico, Guam, and Department of Defense psychologists with additional training do prescribe)
  

PSYCHIATRISTS:

• Are essentially medical doctors who then specialize in mental health treatment during a residency

• Have an MD or DO degree

• Are also trained to provide psychotherapy

• Are trained to prescribe psychiatric medications
  

Which one should I see? That is completely up to you. People tend to see psychologists for psychotherapy and psychiatrists for medication. Research suggests that many mild to moderate mental health conditions can be treated as effectively by psychotherapy as by medication. How interesting to learn that brain chemical changes can be made by talk therapy! More complex or severe conditions may require the combination of both psychotherapy and medication. Psychologists often will team up with your primary care provider if medication treatment would be helpful in addition to psychotherapy. Click here for our member psychologist referral list.

Are there different types of psychologists? Yes. There are psychologists that specialize in different age groups, couples, families, specific problem types, and in evaluations. Additionally, psychologists may be trained in different "schools" or types of psychotherapy running the range from the more formalized, manual-driven treatments (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy) to the more traditional treatments that derived from Freudian and similar schools (e.g., psychodynamic).

There are also mental health counselors, clinical social workers, and substance abuse counselors. What distinguishes a psychologist from these other mental health professionals? While there is admittedly a fair amount in overlap in the problems treated and the treatments provided, psychologists typically have two unique qualities that they bring to the therapy room. First, the psychologist's additional training in evaluation, whether formal testing is used or not, offers a unique vantage point for treatment - especially when faced with complex or difficult to resolve situations. Second, psychologists generally have training and expertise in the interaction between mind and body when understanding and treating problems. This can allow for a more wholistic approach.

What are the two types of licensed psychologists in Vermont? In Vermont, a licensed, practicing psychologist with her or his master degree is licensed as a psychologist-master and a psychologist with her or his doctoral degree is licensed as a psychologist-doctorate.

Are there other types of psychologists as well? Yes. Lest one should gain the impression that all psychologists see patients, there are other kinds of psychologists as well. There are psychologists who work in teaching, research, or industrial/organizational settings. These psychologists may or may not be licensed. There are also school psychologists. School psychologists may be either Department of Education credentialed or Board of Psychology credentialed. 

Disclaimer

This page contains off-site links. The purpose of the links is to provide additional information and resources that may be of benefit to the visitor with insurance concerns. However, VPA is not responsible for the content of the off-site links and does not attest to the accuracy of the information contained therein. The content of off-site links does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the VPA. VPA privacy protections do not extend to external links that are not managed by us.

MJM 07/10/09  Rev: 01/20/10