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- Word comparison: psychologist vs. psychiatrist
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.
noun
a specialist in psychology.
Philosophy., an adherent to or advocate of psychologism.
adjective
Also psychologistic. of or relating to psychologism.
noun
a physician who practices psychiatry.