What's the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

A common question that I get is what is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist? And for that matter, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, counselor and therapist? Below I will break down the terms in their basic framework...

Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor. They went to medical school and during their residency and specialized in psychiatric treatment. They have the ability to prescribe medication. Historically they would have done both traditional talk therapy as well as prescribe medication. In more recent years it has been more economical for them to focus on medication management and other non-prescribing practitioners do the "talk" therapy.  Their credentials after their name are usually either MD or DO

*This is not always true about psychiatrists. Occasionally you will find one that books a traditional 50-55 minute hour session.

Psychologist: A psychologist has completed 4-6 years of education after their undergraduate degree. During their education they specialize in research and teaching as well. Psychologists can perform psychological testing (for ADD, IQ tests, personality testing, etc) as well as do a variety of individual, group, family, and marital counseling. Often they specialize in an age group, demographic, mental health/behavioral health concern, teaching, research or a combination of the above. If they do traditional mental health therapy, it is typically in a 45-60 minute session format in private practice, hospital setting, community mental health center, or physician's office. The credentials after their name are usually either PhD or PsyD

Therapist/Counselor: These terms in the field are typically used interchangeably. People who identify themselves as a therapist or counselor typically have a masters degree in counseling, social work, or social administration. After graduate school they are required to have around 2 years of supervised training doing therapy/counseling and developing their skills. There are lots of varying credentials that could be after their name but the common ones are LISW, LISW-S, LPC, LPCC, LPCC-S, LICDC, IMFT, IMFT-S. (The "S" at the end of the credential indicates that they are licensed by their state board to provide supervision for licensure to clinicians wanting to get the next level credential.)

The most important thing when finding a therapist/counselor is to ask their area of specialty. They have advanced training in certain areas and you want to make sure you are seeing a providers who has expertise in the area you are seeing therapy for. 

Nurse Practitioner: Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have sought out advanced, graduate level training. They have the privilege and authority to prescribe medication. In the state of Ohio, nurse practitioners also chose a speciality and become board certified in that area after advanced training. Credentials include NP (nurse practitioner,) BC (board certified,) CNS (clinical nurse specialist,) CNP (certified nurse practitioner,) PMHCNS-BC (psychiatric mental health clinical nurse specialist- board certified)

*This is not an extensive list but used to give you an idea of what all the letters after their name could mean.