Psychologist or Psychiatrist - What is the Difference?

Both of these occupations provide treatments for mental health problems. However, the type of treatments they deliver and the methods of diagnosis they use are very different. Their training pathways are also different. The My Health Career website provides the following information about the differences:

Psychologists

Complete a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Psychology at a university with honours in Psychology. These degrees generally include substantial practical experience in a clinic to help people with everyday problems such as stress and relationship difficulties.

Complete a clinical Masters or a Doctorate to become Clinical Psychologists, who have additional experience in a hospital or community mental health service environment. This enables them to specialise in treating people with a mental illness.

Total training to become a psychologist generally takes six to eight years and includes extensive training in psychotherapy and research methodology.

Psychiatrists

Complete a medical degree at university which covers human anatomy, biochemistry and physiology, functions of the body’s organs, including the central nervous system and the effects of all drugs.

Undertake specialist training in Psychiatry, focusing on psychiatric and psychological treatments and social and other health impacts in addition to their biological knowledge.

Total training generally takes a minimum of 12 years.