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Psychiatrists undergo longer training, including medical school and residency, which is typically 8 years or more post-undergraduate. Psychologists have doctoral training, which is usually around 5-7 years post-undergraduate, but does not include medical training.

Psychologists often use cognitive-behavioral and other psychotherapy methods. Psychiatrists may use psychotherapy as well but are also equipped to manage treatment using medication and other medical interventions.

Both psychologists and psychiatrists are trained to diagnose mental disorders, but psychologists will often do so through psychological testing, while psychiatrists might emphasize the biological aspects and use medical diagnostic tools.

In psychology, psychotherapy is primarily delivered by psychologists who focus on behavioral interventions. In psychiatry, it may be used alongside medication and may be performed by psychiatrists who have medical training.

Psychologists typically hold a PhD or PsyD in psychology, focusing on psychological assessment and research. Psychiatrists are medical doctors with an MD or DO, specializing in mental health and capable of prescribing medication.

Only psychiatrists, as medical doctors, can prescribe medication in most jurisdictions, whereas psychologists focus on therapeutic interventions without the use of medication.

Psychiatrists, as medical doctors, often have more authority in hospital settings and can order medical tests and treatments. Psychologists typically focus on delivering psychotherapy and assessments within the hospital.

Psychiatrists have a broader scope of practice that includes general medical care and the biological aspects of mental health. Psychologists have a scope of practice limited to behavioral health, therapy, and assessment.

Psychologists often contribute to psychological research, developing theories and therapies. Psychiatrists may conduct research as well, but it often has a stronger focus on the biological aspects of mental health and the development of pharmaceutical treatments.

Psychiatrists can provide immediate medical interventions during a mental health crisis, including medication management. Psychologists would focus on crisis counseling and stabilization without the use of medication.

Psychiatrists might engage in translational research that applies findings from basic science to clinical applications, including drug development. Psychologists may also engage in translational research, but it often focuses on behavioral interventions and psychological theories.

Psychology emphasizes the psychosocial aspects of mental health, exploring thoughts, behaviors, and environmental factors. Psychiatry incorporates these considerations but also attends to the biological and neurological underpinnings of mental health disorders.

Emergency Psychiatry often involves the evaluation and treatment of acute psychiatric conditions, requiring medical interventions that a psychiatrist can provide, such as emergency medication administration. Psychologists provide crisis counseling and assessment in such settings but cannot administer medications.

Psychiatrists can manage inpatient care included medical stabilization and pharmacotherapy. Psychologists provide psychological assessment and therapy but do not manage the medical aspects of inpatient care.

Psychiatrists can specialize in areas like child psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, or addiction medicine that require additional medical training. Psychologists can also have subspecialties like neuropsychology or forensic psychology based on their research and practice focus.

Psychologists, especially neuropsychologists, specialize in administering and interpreting neuropsychological tests, while psychiatrists may utilize these tests but do not typically administer them.

Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry is a subspecialty within psychiatry dealing with the interface of physical and mental health, often requiring the psychiatrist to work on medical/surgical floors. While psychologists also work in integrated settings, their focus is more on providing psychological insight rather than medical management.

Psychiatrists may affect public health by developing medical policies or interventions that align with their medical expertise. Psychologists contribute to public health by designing and implementing programs that promote mental health and disease prevention from a behavioral standpoint.

Child and adolescent psychiatrists are medically trained to address psychiatric conditions in this age group with medication and therapy. Child psychologists focus on developmental issues, behavioral therapy, and psychological assessments without prescribing medication.