A member asked:

How do i find what's the difference between a psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist?

11 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

Drug prescription: Psychologists usually do not prescribe medications, depending on the state regulations. Psychiatrists can provide psychotherapy like psychologists and in addition may be able to prescribe medications.

Answered 7/5/2015

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Medical vs psych: A psychiatrist has a medical degree and a physician license. Some practice psychotherapy but many only prescribe medication. A psychologist holds a doctoral degree (psyd, phd, edd) from a graduate school (not a medical school). Psychologists are licensed to conduct psychological services but do not prescribe meds.

Answered 6/27/2015

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Therapy vs meds: Speaking very generally, most psychologists hold either a PhD or a PsyD degree (I hold both) and practice psychotherapy. Psychiatrists hold either an MD or a DO degree, and they prescribe psychotropic medications, and generally do not do all that much therapy these days, but years ago psychiatrists would do both.

Answered 2/25/2015

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