What's the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Answer by  CindyCroft (55)

A psychologist does not have a medical degree but a psychiatrist does have a medical degree. A psychiatrist can dispense medications but a psychologist cannot.

Answer by  CarolynOsborne (2804)

A psychologist is a person who has a Ph. D. in psychology. This person is called "doctor" but is not a medical doctor. A psychiatrist is a person who has trained as a medical doctor and has additionally trained as a specialist in psychiatry. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication because he/she is a medical doctor. A psychologist cannot prescribe medication.

Answer by  Mable (3008)

A psychologist is fully trained and licensed, often holding a doctoral degree in psychology. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with a specialization. Thus the psychiatrist can prescribe medicines and is qualified to consider problems from a medical direction.