Samantha
Is becoming a psychiatrist difficult compared to becoming a psychologist?
I am interested in becoming a psychiatrist. #college #psychology #psychiatry
9 answers
Deyadira (Deya) Baez-Sierra, MD, FAPA
Deyadira (Deya)’s Answer
A career as a psychiatrist is long because you need to complete a Bachelors degree of your choice that comply with all the Pre- medical requisites or you could do a 3 year Pre-medical degree. Then, you go to medical school for 4 years. After graduation you have to apply for a residency in psychiatry. Psychiatry Residency training program duration is 4 years. Psychiatrist are trained to prescribe medication and to do therapy.
Psychologists are trained to do therapy and to use diagnostic assessments tools. They are not physicians , so they don’t prescribe medication or can’t do medical procedures .They have doctoral degrees like PhD or a PsyD . But you don’t need a doctoral degree to provide therapy. For example social workers and licensed professional counselor.
Deyadira (Deya) recommends the following next steps:
Leigh Dooley
Leigh’s Answer
To answer the question it is important to understand that although the names sound similar they are really different professions. Psychiatrists are physicians [have a medical doctorate (MD) or doctor of osteopathy DO]. Psychiatrists attend medical school and complete post medical school training for 4 years (general psychiatry) and can do a fellowship afterward to specialize (child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, consult liasion psychiatry, etc). Psychiatrists prescribe medications to treat mental health conditions and may also do psychotherapy. Psychologists have a PhD or PsyD. PhD programs tend to be research oriented and PsyD programs tend to be more clinically focused. Psychologists provide treatment by performing psychotherapy. Psychologists may also do neuropsychological testing. Organizational psychologists may work in corporate america providing consultation and analysis to improve workplace teams and processes. So, both of the programs are challenging (in different ways). A strong science background, particularly in biology, chemistry and physiology are necessary for medical school (psychiatrists). Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills are helpful for both professions, but even more so for psychologists.
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Embarking on the journey to become a psychiatrist is often seen as a more formidable endeavor than becoming a psychologist.
1. Academic Prerequisites:
Psychiatrist: The journey to becoming a psychiatrist involves completing medical school and then pursuing a specialization in psychiatry during residency training. This journey usually involves about 4 years of undergraduate studies, another 4 years in medical school, and an additional 4 years of residency training.
Psychologist: For those aiming to become psychologists, the typical path involves earning a doctoral degree in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), which requires around 4-6 years of graduate study after obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
2. Licensure and Certification:
Psychiatrist: As medical doctors, psychiatrists must obtain a license to practice medicine and secure board certification in psychiatry.
Psychologist: Psychologists also need a license to practice, but unlike psychiatrists, they don't need board certification.
3. Professional Responsibilities:
Psychiatrist: As trained medical doctors, psychiatrists have the authority to prescribe medication, administer medical treatments, and provide therapy for mental health disorders.
Psychologist: Psychologists primarily concentrate on psychotherapy and psychological testing, and in most states, they are not authorized to prescribe medication.
4. Career Prospects and Compensation:
Psychiatrist: Psychiatrists, due to their extensive training, generally earn more than psychologists. The career outlook for psychiatrists is promising, given the growing demand for mental health services.
Psychologist: While psychologists also have favorable career prospects, their earning potential is typically less than that of psychiatrists.
In summary, both professions demand a strong commitment to aiding individuals with mental health concerns, but becoming a psychiatrist usually requires more in terms of education, training, and professional responsibilities than becoming a psychologist.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
American Psychiatric Association (APA): The APA offers valuable information on the academic prerequisites, licensure process, and professional responsibilities for psychiatrists.
American Psychological Association (APA): The APA provides insights into the academic journey, licensure requirements, and career prospects for psychologists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers data on career prospects, salary details, and a general comparison between psychiatrists and psychologists in the healthcare sector.
May God bless you, Samantha!
JC.
Ash Miller
Ash’s Answer
Hey Samantha! Sounds as if you are thinking of helping people. You should be commended for wanting to serve others. I agree with everything the first respondent said. I'll add that they are both challenging and rewarding careers. The training, pay, and eventual work are different. Psychologists can provide "psychological testing" and psychiatrists do not. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication, order tests, admit patients to hospital, perform procedures such as ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) in addition to therapy. Psychologists, in most states, are generally limited to therapy and testing. Psychiatrists on average make more money that psychologists. Psychiatrists generally have longer training. I wish you SO much success in deciding what you would like to do for your career! I'm a child psychiatrist and I LOVE my job. It's fun to help guide young people. I work with psychologists and clinical social workers in addition to other physicians such as myself (psychiatrists are considered physicians and psychologists are not as they didn't go to medical school).
Karen Abdool
Karen’s Answer
Helen Schleimer
Helen’s Answer
Helen recommends the following next steps:
Ilyse Rosenberg
Ilyse’s Answer
Ilyse recommends the following next steps:
Tanya A. Royster, MD
Tanya A.’s Answer
I don't think it is more difficult. It's just different. You have to be open to a more broad area of study because as a psychiatrist you get to study the entire human body! You are going to learn pediatrics, surgery, ob/gyn and more! You are going to meet amazing people and do amazing things. I think there's nothing better. I say go for it!
