A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health issues. This type of doctor will evaluate your physical and psychological history to determine the underlying causes of your mental illness. They can also prescribe medicine and order tests. If you have a mental health condition, a psychiatrist can help you overcome the symptoms and return to a more normal life.
Is a Psychiatrist a Real Doctor?
The primary difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist is the type of training a doctor has. A psychiatrist has a medical degree and extra training in psychiatry. While a psychologist may not be able to prescribe medication, they can treat mental disorders using different types of psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, is a type of psychotherapy that involves helping patients change their thought processes and behaviors.
Psychologists have doctoral degrees in psychology and/or education. They have special training in diagnosing mental disorders and are able to provides individual psychiatrist to help patients. They may be trained in cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and other forms of therapy. They are also licensed by state licensing boards.
To practice medicine, a psychiatrist must pass a state board exam. In addition, he or she must pass a background check. Then, he or she must complete a psychiatric residency where they learn about mental health conditions in a hospital setting. After residency, psychiatrists can choose to be board-certified or complete a fellowship in a certain field.