What Is the Difference Between Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Social Workers?
Professionals who provide psychotherapy include psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, licensed professional clinical counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, pastoral counselors and psychiatric nurse practitioners. Of that group, psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers are the most common. All of these professionals are trained to offer psychotherapy, but there are differences in their education and training.
Psychologists attend graduate school in psychology. The American Psychological Association recognizes the doctoral degree as the minimum educational requirement for psychologists; these degrees include the PhD (doctor of philosophy), PsyD (doctor of psychology), or EdD (doctor of education). Some states allow people with master’s degrees in psychology to use the term “psychologist.” Graduate training focuses on all aspects of human behavior, with an emphasis on research and scientific methods. Training for the PhD, PsyD, and EdD typically includes four to six years of academic preparation, followed by one to two years of full-time supervised work with patients and licensing examinations. Psychologists in some states can prescribe psychiatric medications with additional training, although this is not the case in most states.
Psychiatrists attend medical school and earn an MD (doctor of medicine) or DO (doctor of osteopathic medicine) degree. They can go on for additional, specialized training in psychiatry during a residency (an additional three to four years). Training for psychiatrists focuses primarily on biological aspects of mental illness. Because of their medical training, psychiatrists can prescribe medications, and their work with clients may include talk therapy combined with medications.
Social workers attend graduate school in social work, earning an MSW (master of social work) or LCSW (licensed clinical social worker) degree. Training typically includes two years of coursework and practical experience working at agencies in the community. Social workers are trained to perform psychotherapy, with a particular emphasis on connecting people with the community and support services available there.
Summary of Education and Training
Psychologist
Degree: MA, PhD, PsyD, EdD
Training: Graduate courses in human behavior, development, personality, research, statistics, psychotherapy, assessment, ethics. Two years for master’s degree, four to six years for doctoral degree, followed by one to two years of full-time internship.
Can prescribe medications: In certain states with additional training.
Psychiatrist
Degree: MD, DO
Training: Medical school with broad focus on biological functioning (four years) followed by specialized residency about mental illness and its treatment, with a focus on medications (three to four years).
Can prescribe medications: Yes.
Social Worker
Degree: MSW, LCSW
Training: Graduate courses on human behavior, psychotherapy, community resources. Two years of graduate training, followed by two to three years of supervised clinical work.
Can prescribe medications: No.
Therapists within each profession typically specialize in working with certain types of people. Some have special skills working with different age groups (e.g., children, adolescents, older adults). Others address certain issues (e.g., drug or alcohol abuse, eating disorders, depression). All these professionals must have a license to practice, granted by the state. All of these professionals, if they choose, have the ability to accept reimbursement from insurance companies.
Psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers can all offer psychotherapy. Credentials (e.g., MD, PhD or MSW) tell you the therapist has completed a basic course of study and has been granted a degree by an academic institution. A license tells you the therapist has passed an examination administered by the state. But that tells you little about how good the therapist is. It’s important to interview potential therapists and learn about their credentials, experience and approach to psychotherapy and then judge for yourself how comfortable you feel with the person.
Source: APA Div. 12 (Society of Clinical Psychology)