What's the difference between a psychologist, psychiatrist, and therapist?
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Psychologists have doctoral degrees and do therapy/testing, psychiatrists are medical doctors who prescribe medication, and therapist is a general term for various mental health providers.
These terms can be confusing. A psychologist typically has a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology and provides Psychotherapy, psychological testing, and assessment. They cannot prescribe Psychiatric medication in most states. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health and can prescribe Psychiatric medication, though many focus primarily on Psychiatric medication management rather than talk Psychotherapy. 'Therapist' is a general term that can include psychologists, licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), licensed professional counselors (LPCs), and marriage and family therapists (MFTs). The most important factor is finding someone who is licensed, experienced with your concerns, and feels like a good fit for you.