What group validates the competence of a psychiatrist or psychologist?

Different groups: Psychiatrists are physicians (went through medical school - md or do) and maintain their license to practice and prescribe meds with their state's medical board. Board certification in psychiatry is through the american board of psychiatry and neurology. Psychologists go through graduate training (phd or psyd) and are licensed by the state's board of psychology. They can't prescribe meds.

Licensing board: Usually each state has its own department of professional regulations that is responsible for the issue of license in a given profession. Depending on a state, a professional is required to take a continuing education classes to keep the license. However, many professionals are taking classes without the requirement to keep current on treatment trends and techniques.

Competence: In many states, a board examination exists to assess readiness for independent practice. There can be other professional bodies that administer their own examinations prior to independent practice as well.

Competence: For us md's, it is the american boards of psychiatry & neurology.

State licensing: In addition to completing medical school and doctoral programs, both psychologists and psychiatrists must be licensed in the state in which they wish to practice. Also the American Psychiatric Association, and the American Psychological Association validate these professions to preserve the public trust.