Confused between Psychiatrist vs Psychologist? Get detailed insights on job opportunities, key differences, qualifications and much more among the Psychiatrist and a Psychologist.
The difference between Psychiatrist vs Psychologist is that a psychologist is not a medical professional; a psychiatrist is a physician with a focus on psychiatry. Psychiatrists get training in the identification, management, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioural illnesses.
At the same time, psychologists are licensed medical practitioners with expertise in human behaviour. In addition to working in private practice, psychiatrists are employed by hospitals, clinics, and community mental health agencies. Psychologists, on the other hand, are employed by corporations, private offices, courts, jails, hospitals, and community health agencies. Keep reading the article to know other key differences between Psychiatrist vs Psychologist.
Who is a Psychiatrist?
Before jumping on what are the differences between Psychiatrist vs Psychologist? Let us understand who are psychiatrists. A psychiatrist pursues education to become a doctor of medicine (MD) by specializing in mental health.
They must practice in a hospital under the supervision of experienced physicians. Psychiatrists are required to renew their qualifications for practice within a certain time period.
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Who is a Psychologist?
Before checking out the difference between Psychiatrist vs Psychologist, let us have a look at who is a Psychologist? A psychologist is a qualified mental health specialist who assists individuals in learning appropriate coping mechanisms for mental health issues.
They can support those going through difficult times in life or those dealing with specific conditions like depression or anxiety.
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Difference Between Psychiatrist vs Psychologist
The difference between Psychiatrist vs Psychologist on parameters like educational key areas, job responsibility are tabulated below for better understanding.
| Parameters | Psychiatrists | Psychologists |
| Academic Qualification | Psychiatrists are medical doctors. They need to complete the Doctor of Medicine (MD) Degree to become a Psychiatrist. | Psychologists specialises with training in mental health. They need to finish their psychology undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. In order to become a licensed clinical psychologist, they must also do a Ph.D. |
| Can they prescribe medications? | Medication can be prescribed by psychiatrists to address mental health conditions. | Medication prescriptions cannot be written by psychologists. They employ therapy and associated techniques to address mental health illnesses. |
| Key Areas | Treatment of mental health conditions. | Assist mental health concerns, including relationship difficulties, stress, and mental health disorders. |
| Duties and Responsibilities | Psychiatrists typically treat mental diseases ranging from moderate to severe. | Psychologists work with people who have behavioural and developmental problems in addition to treating mental diseases. |
Also Read: How To Become a Psychologist In India
Qualifications of a Psychiatrist vs Psychologist
The qualification of a Psychiatrist vs Psychologist differs. Check out the details below to know the difference between them.
A Psychiatrist needs to complete the 10+2 from a science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as their mandatory subjects. They must have pursued an MBBS degree in their graduation followed by MD (Doctorate in Medicine) or diploma in psychiatric medicine to become a Psychiatrist in India.
On the other hand, to become a Pyschologist, candidates must get a cumulative score of at least 55% in class 12th. Then, enrol in undergraduate or graduate psychology programs. These colleges offer admissions based on entrance exams like the NEET, CUET, and IPU CET. Still, some universities also offer admission to students based on merit.
Also Read: Unlock Mysteries of the Mind with a B.Sc. in Psychology and Behaviour
What does a Psychiatrist vs Psychologist do?
One of the key difference between a Psychiatrist vs Psychologist is their duties and responsibilities. Below mentioned are the roles and responsibilities of a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist.
Job Role of a Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist takes care of individuals with mental health issues and promotes improved mental health services in the community. These tasks may include:
- Evaluation, diagnosis, and/or prescription medication.
- "Talk therapy," or conversing and listening with patients.
- Offering professional advice on mental health matters.
A primary distinction between psychiatrists vs psychologists is that, as medical professionals, psychiatrists are authorized to directly prescribe any medications that their patients may require for the treatment of mental illnesses.
Job Role of a Psychologist
The goal of a psychologist is to enable those with mental health issues to lead fulfilling and self-assured lives. A psychologist's responsibilities may include:
- Evaluation and treatment
- Research and instruction
- Psychological evaluation
- Collaborating with institutions or organizations to enhance their systems
Also Read: List of Psychology Courses in India 2024
Salary of a Psychiatrist vs Psychologist
In between a Psychiatrist vs Psychologist, a psychologist receives less payout compared to a Psychiatrist. The pay is determined by the institution from which the student has studied and work experience.
| Level of Psychiatrists | Annual Average Salary Package |
| Entry Level | INR 9.07 LPA |
| Mid Level | INR 10 LPA |
| Experienced | INR 12 LPA |
The pay scale for psychologists according to their specialization is listed below.
| Job Roles | Annual Average Salary Package |
| Career Counselor | INR 5.3 LPA |
| Clinical psychologists | INR 6.8 LPA |
| Industrial or Organizational Psychologist | INR 7.2 LPA |
| Neuropsychologists | INR 7.5 LPA |
| Lecturer | INR 5.5 LPA |
Also Read: How to Become a Psycho Oncologist in India?
Which one to Choose? Psychiatrist or Psychologist
After knowing the key difference Psychiatrist vs Psychologist, the professional routes of both have their advantages and disadvantages. The decision between them comes down to their personal objectives and interests. The range of practice, average pay, and educational requirements are some of the differentiating elements.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are equally qualified to treat mental disorders in their respective fields. Together, they may effectively improve a person's mental health because neither of them is superior to the other; they are both specialists in their fields.
