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psychologist vs. psychiatrist

psychologist vs. psychiatrist: What’s the difference?

A psychologist is, generally, someone educated to study mental activities. Psychologists may perform research, or work as therapists, or do both. Someone who is called a psychiatrist is usually a medical doctor—one who specializes in diagnosing and treating patients with mental disorders. As doctors, psychiatrists have the ability to prescribe medication.

[sahy-kol-uh-jist] / saɪˈkɒl ə dʒɪst /

noun

  1. a specialist in psychology.

  2. Philosophy. an adherent to or advocate of psychologism.

adjective

  1. Also psychologistic. of or relating to psychologism.

[si-kahy-uh-trist, sahy-] / sɪˈkaɪ ə trɪst, saɪ- /

noun

  1. a physician who practices psychiatry.