- Author
- Abi Talbot
- Published
- 17th December, 2025
When seeking support for mental health, many people ask the same important question: what is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist? Although both professionals work in mental health and wellbeing, their roles, training, and approaches to treatment are quite different.
Understanding these differences can help you make informed decisions about your care, whether you’re seeking therapy, a diagnosis, or medical treatment. In this article, we’ll clearly explain what does a psychologist do, what a psychiatrist does, and how to decide which professional is right for you.
What Does a Psychologist Do?
A psychologist is a trained mental health professional who focuses on understanding thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Psychologists typically work with individuals to help them manage emotional difficulties, mental health challenges, and life stressors through talking therapies and evidence-based psychological interventions.
Key Responsibilities of a Psychologist
Psychologists commonly:
- Assess emotional, behavioural, and psychological difficulties
- Provide therapy such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), counselling, or trauma-informed therapy
- Help people manage anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship issues
- Support individuals with behavioural challenges or learning difficulties
- Conduct psychological assessments and reports
Psychologists do not prescribe medication. Their work is centred on therapeutic techniques that help people develop coping strategies, gain insight, and improve overall wellbeing.
Training and Qualifications
To become a psychologist, an individual must complete:
- A psychology degree
- Postgraduate training (such as a doctorate or master’s degree)
- Supervised clinical practice
- Registration with a professional regulatory body
This extensive training ensures psychologists are highly skilled in understanding human behaviour and delivering effective therapy.
What Does a Psychiatrist Do?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in mental health. Because of their medical background, psychiatrists are qualified to diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication as part of treatment.
Key Responsibilities of a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists typically:
- Diagnose complex mental health conditions
- Prescribe and manage medication
- Monitor the physical and mental effects of treatment
- Support people with severe or long-term mental health conditions
- Work closely with psychologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals
Psychiatrists often support individuals with conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, and complex anxiety disorders.
Training and Qualifications
Psychiatrists complete:
- A medical degree
- Foundation medical training
- Several years of specialist training in psychiatry
- Ongoing professional development
This medical training allows psychiatrists to consider both physical and psychological factors when diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.
The Difference Between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist
The difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist can be broken down into several key areas:
1. Medical Training
- Psychologist: Not a medical doctor; trained in psychological theory and therapy
- Psychiatrist: A qualified medical doctor with specialist mental health training
2. Treatment Approach
- Psychologist: Uses therapy and behavioural interventions
- Psychiatrist: Uses medication, medical assessments, and treatment plans
3. Prescribing Medication
- Psychologist: Cannot prescribe medication
- Psychiatrist: Can prescribe and manage medication
4. Types of Support
- Psychologist: Ideal for therapy, emotional support, and coping strategies
- Psychiatrist: Best suited for medical diagnosis and medication management
Many people benefit from seeing both a psychologist and a psychiatrist, as they often work together to provide holistic care.
Psychologist vs Psychiatrist: Which One Do You Need?
Deciding whether to see a psychologist or psychiatrist depends on your individual needs.
You may benefit from seeing a psychologist if:
- You want talking therapy or counselling
- You’re experiencing stress, anxiety, or low mood
- You want help managing behaviour or emotional challenges
- You’re seeking long-term coping strategies
You may need a psychiatrist if:
- You require a formal mental health diagnosis
- Medication may be part of your treatment
- Your symptoms are severe or complex
- Your GP has recommended specialist medical support
In many cases, people start with a psychologist and are referred to a psychiatrist if medical treatment is required.
Working Together: A Collaborative Approach
It’s important to note that psychologists and psychiatrists often work as part of a wider mental health team. This collaborative approach ensures individuals receive the right support at the right time.
For example:
- A psychiatrist may diagnose a condition and prescribe medication
- A psychologist may provide therapy alongside medical treatment
- Progress is reviewed jointly to ensure the best outcomes
This combined approach is widely recognised as best practice in modern mental health care.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist can guide you to make confident decisions about your mental health support. While both professionals play vital roles, they offer different types of expertise.
A psychologist focuses on therapy, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing, while a psychiatrist provides medical diagnosis and medication management. Neither is “better” than the other — the right choice depends on your individual circumstances.
If you’re unsure where to start, speaking to your GP or a mental health professional can help guide you towards the most appropriate support.
If you are looking for a new role as a Psychologist or Psychiatrist, get in touch with us to see how we can help!