*Health issues>>>Mental Health issues

Whats the difference between psychologists, psychotherapists and psychiatrists?

Issue
Which is the best mental health doctor to speak to. I know psychiatrists perscribe medication and the other two do not. A freind of mine goes to a psychotherapist and I attended a session. It was similar to a psychologist. Another friend goes to a psychologist? So which is better to help with life problems?

Best Tip

This is an impossible question. The "real" difference is in the degree that the doctor/therapist possesses. A psychiatrist is an MD or DO and can prescribe medications. Medications without counselling are a waste, though, so a good psyschiatrist will offer counselling or work closely with another therapist. A psychiatrist is generally a Ph.D. and a psychotherapist is generally an M.S.W. or a nurse with any number of various degrees. Either one would have specialty training in psychiatric counselling.

Some argue that the non-MD's are better, because they are forced to get to the root of the problem by virtue of the fact that they can NOT prescribe medications. Just a thought.

Others
A psychologist is what you might prefer and need.
Psychiatrist: medical doctor
Psychologist: Ph.D.
Psychotherapist: someone certified to conduct therapy, but they usually just have a master's degree.
I've been wondering this same thing for years. I went to a psychotherapist about 8 years ago. It was just like a session with a psychiatrist. I'm not sure of the difference,
i think where you need to be is in the psychiatric ward of your nearest hospital!
general knowledge
Psychologist is the general name for any person who practices the study of the mind. They could talk to clients, or be research psychologists, or professors of phychology. Psychotherapists and psychiatrists are two different groups of practicing psychologists. (But I honestly couldn't tell you the difference)