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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 ]
    [ si-kahy-uh-trist, sahy- ]
    noun
    1. a physician who practices psychiatry.

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