Psychology Vs Psychiatry: Comparing Two Mental Health Approaches

Psychology and psychiatry are both concerned with how the mind works, and they share many principles and practices. This commonality often makes differentiating between the two difficult. Some people may assume the two fields are one and the same, which results in the common habit of using the terms interchangeably.

However, while psychology and psychiatry are similar and often work in tandem to provide the best patient care, they do have several key differences. Below, explore a comparison between psychology and psychiatry to see how these differences affect an individual's evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.

What's the difference between psychology and psychiatry?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA),one in five adults in the U.S. lives with a mental health condition. The fields of psychology and psychiatry are both integral to the evaluation and treatment of these challenges. There are a number of differences between psychologists and psychiatrists, as well as differences in their respective evaluations.

The most notable difference between the two is that psychiatrists are medical doctors who can treat patients with medical procedures, prescription medications, in addition to providing therapy. The right psychotherapeutic approach for any individual can depend on their condition, the severity of the psychological condition, personal preferences, and geographical area.

*Medication is prescribed only when clinically appropriate and is not guaranteed. Pricing, availability, insurance coverage, and copays vary by plan, location, and provider availability are not guaranteed.

There are also a number of similarities between psychologists and psychiatrists. Both specialists work to help individuals overcome mental and emotional obstacles to living happy and healthy lives, and they often work together to achieve this goal.

What is psychology?

The American Psychological Association (APA) defines psychology as "the scientific study of individuals' behavior and mental processes." Psychology focuses on behavior, mental processes, and how people think, feel, and interact.

What is psychiatry?

The American Psychiatric Association defines psychiatry as being "focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders." In other words, psychiatry is a medical science that also considers the social and biological makeup of individuals.

Similarities and differences

Below are some similarities and differences between psychology and psychiatry:

• Both fields require a doctorate, though psychiatrists complete a medical degree.
• Both fields involve intensive study and training
• Both professionals have some overlap of diagnostic tools
• Psychologists usually have experience in an array of talk therapies
• In most states, only psychiatrists can prescribe medication
• Psychiatrists can use physical treatments, such as electroconvulsive therapy
• Psychiatrists often handle the most severe mental health cases

Education and training

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have received the distinction of Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.). Psychologists, on the other hand, have completed a doctoral degree that entitles them to be addressed as "doctor" and have received either a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology ora Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree.

Psychiatrist education path

Psychiatrists complete the same medical school education as all other medical doctors. They learn all about the different systems in the body, including various illnesses that can affect these systems and how these illnesses can be identified and treated. They take courses in anatomy, behavioral science, biochemistry, neuroscience, and psychiatry, among many other areas. They complete clinical rotations across multiple medical specialties.

To specialize in psychiatry, doctors also spend at least four years focusing on psychiatry in residency training. During residency, they train in various medical settings with patients of all age ranges, gaining exposure to the diversity of psychological conditions that patients face. Upon completion of their residency, many opt to apply for certification with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Psychologist education path

Psychologists follow a different route. They must first complete doctoral studies, typically earning a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. Following doctoral training, psychologists typically complete supervised clinical training, such as an internship and postdoctoral supervised experience, depending on the jurisdiction.

Licensure requirements for psychologists vary by state and often include additional supervised experience and examinations. In summary, when it comes to education and training, the main difference between the two is the focus of their studies. However, psychology and psychiatry are concerned with why people think and behave the way they do.

Psychological vs psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis methods

A mental health professional must conduct a thorough evaluation before treating a patient. There may be a vast difference in the way that psychologists and psychiatrists diagnose patients’ mental health challenges, mainly because of the differences in their education and training. Based on their studies, Psychiatrists may place greater emphasis on medical and biological contributors, while psychologists may place greater emphasis on psychological, behavioral, and social factors

The differences in a psychiatric and psychological evaluation are particularly evident in the diagnostic tools each professional can utilize. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can draw upon diagnostic tests, including medical laboratory tests and computerized tomography (CT) scans. A psychiatrist can also perform a physical exam as part of a comprehensive evaluation. In order to specifically identify a psychological condition, psychiatrists rely on the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Within this manual are descriptions of the various mental disorders and the criteria used to evaluate each condition.

Both use a variety of tests and assessments for psychological evaluation. Psychologists, however, usually receive extensive training in administering and interpreting these tests. Psychologists also use the DSM-5 in their work. Typically, both types of evaluations involve an interview with the patient. A psychologist or psychiatrist may ask the individual about their medical history, day-to-day life, and family history—as well as the symptoms that caused them to seek psychological treatment. A psychology or psychiatry professional may also speak to other people in the patient’s life with their permission, including their partner or other family members.

Treatment options in psychology and psychiatry

Below are some of the most common treatment options. Often, psychiatrists and psychologists work together to create a treatment plan.

Medication

As trained medical doctors, psychiatrists are legally authorized to prescribe psychiatric medication when clinically appropriate. Much of the work they do with patients centers on evaluating biological, psychological, and social factors and overseeing medication management when it is part of the care plan. Their medical training means that psychiatrists may also take other factors into consideration. Through physical evaluation and possible tests, they try to eliminate other possible causes for a patient's condition before recommending medication or another form of treatment.

In most states, psychologists who believe a patient may benefit from medication or a medication review must refer the patient to a psychiatrist or another prescribing medical professional. However, there are currently states where psychologists have prescribing powers for certain psychiatric medications. Many common emotional and mental health conditions may improve with a combination of psychotherapy and medication, when clinically appropriate. However, some people choose not to or cannot take medication.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, which is also known as talk therapy, involves talking with patients about the concerns they're facing and helping them to:

• Identify circumstances in their lives (such as divorce or the death of a loved one) that are contributing to their mental health concerns.
• Become aware of any behaviors or emotions that are contributing to their condition.
• Make use of behavior modification techniques.
• Develop healthy coping strategies and appropriate problem-solving techniques.

It's not uncommon for a psychiatrist to refer patients to a psychologist so they may benefit from the other's specific area of psychotherapy expertise.

Types of talk therapy psychologists utilize to support patients

Below are some of the types of talk therapy that a therapist might use.

Psychoanalysis

Psychoanalysis focuses on helping clients discover, examine, and learn to cope with repressed thoughts and emotions that may be buried deep in their unconscious minds. It's an in-depth method that has been effective for certain patients dealing with depression, personality disorders, persistent relationship issues, emotional challenges, and trauma, as well as self-destructive behavior patterns.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)seeks to change how clients behave in difficult situations by changing their thought patterns. This approach is often used to treat current problems individuals face, such as anxiety, stress, anger, and eating disorders. Due to its effectiveness in many studies, CBT is considered the most widely used type of talk therapy.

Physical treatment options

As medical doctors, psychiatrists are trained in diverse physical treatments that can be used with patients. However, these are most often reserved for severe cases of mental illness, and some treatments are known for being controversial. Below are some of these potential treatments:

• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): Also known as electroconvulsive therapy, ECT involves the use of electrical currents to the brain to induce small seizures to treat severe depression, catatonia, and mania.
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): This treatment entails the noninvasive use of a magnetic field generator to stimulate certain areas of the brain. TMS has been used effectively in those whose severe depression does not respond to medication.
• Deep brain stimulation (DBS): In this treatment, a neurostimulator (i.e., a brain pacemaker) is implanted in the patient's brain. Electrical impulses are then used to treat select severe, treatment resistant cases, such as OCD.
• Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS): This is another treatment where electrical stimulation is applied to the brain to treat depression that has not improved with prior treatment.
• Light therapy: This relatively new technique is used commonly to treat seasonal depression.

Psychological or psychiatric: Which mental health therapy is right for you?

When you're trying to decide between using psychiatry and psychology to treat a mental health concern, there are two important factors to keep in mind: 1) the severity and type of mental health condition, and 2) the approach with which you’re most comfortable.

Severity and type of mental health illness

Psychiatrists are often involved in the treatment of more complex or severe mental health conditions. These conditions can include psychotic disorders, severe depression, and bipolar disorder, as well as conditions that are physically disabling for the patient. Individuals who are suicidal, whether they're having suicidal thoughts or have attempted suicide, may also be treated by a psychiatrist instead of a psychologist. However, in the case of behavioral problems, milder anxiety or depression symptoms, phobias, behavioral concerns, or learning-related challenges, this skills of a psychologist may be more appropriate. Often, individuals visit both a psychiatrist and a psychologist separately, as therapy and medication combined can be a helpful approach for severe mental illness.

Psychological vs psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis methods that suit you

The difference in how psychologists and psychiatrists approach treatment means that some people may be more comfortable with one than the other. For instance, people who are cautious about the side effects of medication or about taking medication in general may gravitate toward the services of a psychologist. Also, treatment by a psychotherapist is usually more time-intensive because it often requires weekly sessions, which are normally longer than those with a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists generally see individuals for shorter sessions on a weekly or monthly schedule to focus on medication management.

Online therapy with mental health professionals

Many people struggle to find therapy due to their geographic location and ability to pay. In these cases, online therapy may be an option, and pricing can be the same or lower than in-person therapy. Face-to-face therapy typically costs $100-200 per session, while BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week (billed weekly or every four weeks). Further, some BetterHelp therapists accept insurance from select carriers—depending on provider availability and location.

If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health challenge, you don’t have to face it alone. Your course of treatment may involve working with a psychologist, a psychiatrist, or both. If you're interested in talk therapy, consider a service like BetterHelp. BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services through UpLift as an additional care option alongside therapy. Psychiatry services may include medication management when clinically appropriate and based on a licensed psychiatric provider’s evaluation. Medication availability and coverage may vary by member location, clinical appropriateness, and individual pharmacy/insurance benefits. Prescribing decisions are made by the treating clinicians. We do not guarantee that any specific medication will be prescribed or covered by a member’s insurance plan. If you'd like to learn more about getting started with psychiatry, you can visit this page. Research has found that online therapy can be an effective treatment in most cases, and it offers the convenience of being able to talk with a therapist from the comfort of your home in a format that you prefer. You can connect with a licensed therapist via phone or video chat, in addition to contacting them in between sessions via in-app messaging.