Psychology vs. Psychiatry? What should I major in?
I heard that psychology involves more with talking with clients directly, and often for non-severe issues like daily stress, teenage angst problems, etc etc
while a job as psychiatrist is prescribing medicine
is that true? dude I don’t want to just prescribe medicine or just talk with people. I want to do both. I heard psychiatrists also hold therapist session but I don’t know. I don’t know the difference between the two, google is not helping me lol
What’s psychologist vs. psychiatrist vs. therapist? Which one is more "competent" and likely to do tasks that all three do? Who gets paid the most (THIS IS IMPORTANT)?
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December 9th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) that has additional training in behavioral issues.
A psychologist is a mental health provider with an advanced degree but not in medicine.
"Therapist" is a generic term that can apply to all sorts of providers - including psychologists and psychiatrists. A therapist provides therapy (direct care with patients). Other things these folks might do that isn’t therapy include research, teaching, or writing.
There are also counselors - you’ve met some of those in HS doing school counseling. They are neither psychologists or psychiatrists but do some of the same sorts of work. There are way more types than just school counselors and some earn really good money. But not as much as a typical psychiatrist.
The psychiatrist generally earns more than the others. This is because he/she is also a physician and practices at a higher level. A psychologist usually needs a PhD and a counselor usually needs a master’s degree (in counseling - usually 60 hours which takes about 2-3 years after the bachelor’s)
Who really gets paid the most varies though. These are professionals and many start their own practice. A good psychologist in NYC or San Fran will tend to earn more than a bad psychiatrist in East Podunk.
Counselor - http://www.bls.gov/OCO/ocos067.htm
Psychologist - http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos056.htm
Psychiatrist - http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos074.htm
Mental Health Nurse - http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm
December 9th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
you can’t major in Psychiatry, you need to go to medical school.
December 9th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Psychiatry is more medical and psychology is emotional. Medicines mask while exploring heals.
