Training of a Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a physician (MD) who pursued additional education and training in psychiatry after receiving a medical degree, with many of those individuals achieving board certification in neurology and psychiatry. The orientation of a psychiatrist is typically more biological, the training in psychotherapy is often minimal, and they do not receive training in psychological assessment. A psychiatrist is licensed as a physician, not as a psychiatrist.

Training of a Psychologist

A psychologist holds a doctoral degree (Ph.D. Psy.D. or Ed.D.), has completed an approved internship in health service and a postdoctoral year of supervised experience at a more advanced level. The orientation of a psychologist is more often on the relationship between the body and the mind, a more wholistic approach, with specialized expertise in psychotherapy and testing. However, all psychologists are required to be grounded in the biological basis of behavior, with some psychologists taking a specialty in this area in the doctoral program and in subsequent educational opportunities. A psychologist is licensed as a psychologist or a clinical psychologist and often is credentialed after licensure in health service provision by the National Register.