What is the difference between a psychologist and psychiatrist?

You have probably heard about psychologists and psychiatrists on television, movies, radio, and the internet. While these professions can be easily confused with each other, there are important differences between the two. This article will give a brief overview on what psychologists and psychiatrists are, the differences between psychologists and psychiatrists, and how to become a psychologist or psychiatrist in Australia.

What are psychologists and psychiatrists?

A psychologist is a professional that is trained in the science of how people think, feel, behave, and learn. On the other hand, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in the field of psychiatry, a branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and study of mental disorders. Psychologist and psychiatrists have an in-depth understanding of the brain, and the processes involved in thoughts, emotions, and feelings. Both professions can also treat mental illness with psychotherapy (also known as psychological therapy or talking treatment).

While there are some similarities between psychologists and psychiatrists, there are also major differences in terms of education and training, the conditions that are treated, treatments provided, and the process of getting an appointment. These differences are detailed below.

Differences between psychologists and psychiatrists

There are four main differences between psychologists and psychiatrists.

1. Education and training

To be a psychologist in Australia, you must have a minimum of six years of university level education along with supervised practice. Psychologists can also hold a doctoral level qualification, such as a Doctor of Psychology degree or a PhD in Clinical Psychology. If a psychologist holds a doctoral level qualification, they can refer to themselves as "Dr", however they are not medical doctors.

To become a psychiatrist in Australia, you must first complete a medical degree which typically spans four to six years. Upon completing medical school, doctors then spend one- or two-years training as a general doctor before completing at least five years training in the field of psychiatry to become a psychiatrist.

2. Conditions treated

Psychologists focus on people with conditions and mental health problems that be effectively addressed using psychological treatments. This may include anxiety, depression, behavioural problems, and learning difficulties. Psychologists can also conduct tests that examine intellectual, cognitive, and psychological functioning.

Psychiatrists treat individuals with complex psychiatric illness that require medical and psychological intervention. People with severe mental illness such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation, and bipolar disorder are usually seen by a psychiatrist.

3. Treatments provided

In Australia, psychologists provide a range of psychological treatments (psychotherapy) such as cognitive behavioural therapy (also known as CBT), graduated exposure therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy (also known as ACT). Cognitive behavioural therapy is a short-term focused approach to changing unhelpful thoughts, habits, and behaviours, and replacing them with healthier ones. Graduated exposure therapy involves patients being gradually exposed to their feared object or situation in a safe context. Conversely, in acceptance and commitment therapy, patients are encouraged to accept their negative emotions and thoughts instead of fighting against them. A key feature of all psychotherapy includes a focus on talking.

Psychiatrists in Australia provide a range of treatments which can include psychotherapy, prescription of medication, general medical care, monitoring of the effects of psychiatric and non-psychiatric medication along with overall physical health, and use of brain stimulation procedures such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). These treatment approaches will be tailored to the specific conditions and problems that the patient is experiencing.

4. Getting an appointment

To see a psychologist in Australia, a referral from General Practitioner (GP) is not required, but it is often recommended. A GP can write up a mental health care plan which will enable you access to a limited number of Medicare funded (Government funded) psychology sessions. If you choose to see a private psychologist without a GP referral, you may be out of pocket for all the costs. Community health centres and local council services may provide psychology sessions for low or no charge. To find if these services are available, contact your local community health centre or council.

To see a psychiatrist in Australia, you will need a referral from your GP. Psychiatrists in Australia set their own fees, so patients may be out of pocket for some of the cost. Some psychiatrists will bulk bill sessions at their discretion (where Medicare covers the cost and the patient does not have to pay for their session). Generally, there is no cost associated with seeing a psychiatrist at a public hospital.

How to become a psychologist or psychiatrist in Australia

Becoming a psychologist

To become a psychologist in Australia, you must have a minimum of six years of university education and supervised training.

For more information about pathways into psychology in Australia, please click here.

Becoming a psychiatrist

The journey to becoming a psychiatrist in Australia is longer and more complex. First, you will have to gain entrance into an undergraduate or graduate medical program. Medical school will typically span four to six years. After completing medical school, you will have to do a one-year medical internship followed by a psychiatry fellowship program which is a minimum of five years.

For more information about pathways into medicine and psychiatry in Australia, please see the following summaries from the Australian Medical Association and The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.

Australian Medical Association: Becoming a Doctor

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists: Becoming a Psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand

Key points to remember

- Psychologists and psychiatrists are different professionals.

- Psychiatrists are medical doctors that can prescribe medication in addition to delivering psychotherapy. Psychologists are not medical doctors, they cannot prescribe medication, and they focus on providing psychotherapy.

- Psychologists and psychiatrists receive different types of education and training.

- Your General Practitioner can help you decide whether you should see a psychologist or psychiatrist.