Title: The Difference Between Psychology vs Psychiatry
Headings: Treating Mental Illness: The Difference Between Psychology vs. Psychiatry
Treating Mental Illness: The Difference Between Psychology vs. Psychiatry
Education Requirements for Psychologists and Psychiatrists
Becoming a Psychiatrist or Psychologist
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Content: After making a diagnosis, psychiatrists prescribe medication. Because they are medical doctors, psychiatrists may work in tandem with primary care physicians or other specialists. In fact, patients are oftentimes referred to psychiatrists by their primary care provider. Psychiatrists can also evaluate underlying medical conditions that may contribute to mental illnesses. The two professions often work together to coordinate care, with psychiatrists providing medical treatment and psychologists meeting with patients on a weekly or biweekly basis for counseling. Usually, psychiatrists are tasked with treating more serious cases of mental illness like major depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. As physicians, psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication. And while some states such as New Mexico and Louisiana allow psychologists to prescribe a limited number of medications, most states do not. The two professions often work together to coordinate care, with psychiatrists providing medical treatment and psychologists meeting with patients on a weekly or biweekly basis for counseling. Based on therapy outcomes, psychologists may recommend their patient be seen by a psychiatrist to receive medication, while psychiatrists may refer their patients to psychologists to complete therapy.