Psychology and psychiatry are two very distinct professions. However, it is very common for these two disciplines to be confused due to their overlapping nature and a unifying focus on mental health.
In the article below, we clear up the distinctions between psychiatrists and psychologists. We begin by analyzing the job responsibilities of each profession, showing possible overlaps and, of course, the unique focus.
From there, we cover the education process and skills considerations necessary to enter both disciplines, before moving on to licensing requirements, annual average salaries, and job outlook, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Finally, readers will also discover the major considerations to keep in mind when choosing between a career in psychology or psychiatry.
Comparing Job Responsibilities
The job responsibilities of psychiatrists and psychologists share some similarities and also have significant differences. Generally, the core responsibilities of a psychiatrist are to diagnose mental illness through medical and psychological evaluations.
Critically, they may then prescribe and manage psychiatric medications, including antipsychotics, stabilizers, and antidepressants.
On the other hand, while the main focus of a psychologist is to make psychological assessments and facilitate behavior modification through therapy, these professionals are not able to prescribe and manage psychiatric medications. Those who do so are only allowed in certain states under very strict conditions.
They may help their clients develop coping strategies and even work in a clinical or organizational setting to boost mental health. However, only psychiatrists are allowed to prescribe medication, monitor side effects, adjust doses, and, of course, treat severe mental health disorders.
It is also worth mentioning that psychiatrists can perform psychotherapy, but they don’t do so as much as psychologists. It is also possible for a psychiatrist and a psychologist to work together in certain scenarios.
Comparing the Education Process
The following are the key steps necessary to attain the right level of education to become a psychiatrist and psychologist, respectively:
Psychiatrist Education
The process of becoming a psychiatrist typically requires 8 to 12 years of education and practical experience. To enter the profession, candidates typically complete a 4-year pre-med program to obtain a bachelor’s degree. They can also enroll in biology or related programs during their undergraduate years.
Afterwards, graduates go on to earn a Doctor of Medicine or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. This can be achieved by completing medical school, which takes an additional 4 years.
Afterwards, experience through supervised medical and psychiatric training is necessary. This is typically achieved by participating in a residency, which usually lasts for 4 years.
Finally, candidates may go through an optional fellowship to begin working in a specialty area. This can be child psychiatry or forensic psychiatry, for example.
Most psychiatry fellowships can be completed within one to two years.
Psychologist Education
As for psychologists, the education process usually lasts between 5 and 10 years. The journey begins with candidates completing a bachelor’s degree program in around 4 years and pursuing a graduate degree (which can either be a doctor of philosophy or a doctor of psychology program).
Critically, it is worth keeping in mind that, unlike psychiatrists, psychologists do not attend a medical school.
Topics covered across psychology programs include patient assessment, statistical analysis, research methods, therapy techniques, therapeutic strategies, developmental psychology, behavioral psychology, and theories of personality, among others.
A 1-year supervised clinical internship helps candidates build real-world experience. Like psychiatrists, psychologists can also specialize in several areas, including addiction psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, forensic psychology, and clinical psychology, among others.
Comparing Licensing Requirements
Both psychologists and psychiatrists require a license before they can practice professionally. The following are the licensing steps and requirements for each discipline:
Psychiatrists
To be licensed as a psychiatrist, candidates must have completed medical school and a residency in psychiatry. They are also expected to pass medical licensing examinations.
These include the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE) for MDs and the COMLEX-USA (Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination) for DOs. While USMLE applies to allopathic medical students, COMLEX is specifically geared towards graduates of osteopathic medical schools.
Afterwards, they can then apply for a medical license in their specific state. Each state has its own board responsible for licensing psychiatrists.
Psychologists
To become licensed as a psychologist, candidates must earn a doctoral degree, typically a PhD or a PsyD. They must also complete supervised clinical hours and then pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology.
From there, candidates may go on to pass state-specific examinations and officially apply for a state psychology license. While not compulsory, both psychiatrists and psychologists can choose to become board-certified.
Certification is very popular despite not being compulsory, thanks to its effectiveness in building credibility.
Comparing Salaries & Job Outlook
The following are the annual average salaries and career outlook for both psychiatrists and psychologists:
Psychiatrist Salary & Career Outlook
The annual salary of an average psychiatrist in the United States is $226,880, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Even those in the bottom 10th percentile still earn an annual average salary of $73,280, while professionals in the 25th percentile manage an annual average salary of $124,070.
Employers and work environments with the highest salary rates for psychiatrists are outpatient care centers, physicians’ offices, psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals, and state governments.
In the United States, California has the largest number of psychiatrists, with approximately 5,630 positions. Following this are New York with 4,090, Florida with 2,600, and Texas with 1,170.
The Bureau expects an 8% growth in employment for psychiatrists between 2023 and 2033.
Psychologist Salary & Career Outlook
The annual average salary of psychologists in the United States is $94,310, according to data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% take home an annual average salary of $54,860, while the top 10% make an annual average salary of over $157,330.
Sorting by specialties and work environments, psychologists who work as industrial-organizational psychologists make an annual average salary of $109,840; those who work as clinical and counseling psychologists make an annual average salary of $95,830; while those who work as school psychologists make an annual average salary of $86,930.
As for the job outlook in the coming decade, the Bureau expects a 7% growth, resulting in more than 13,000 openings annually. This will happen as a result of replacing workers who retire or move to a different occupation.
The growing demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, and mental health centers will also spur the growth rate.
Psychology and Psychiatry: Choosing the Right Career
As with any profession, interest is crucial when deciding between a career in psychology and a career in psychiatry. Individuals who are interested purely in psychological reasoning and would like a more psycho-therapeutic approach often go for psychology.
Those who would like to be more hands-on and medically involved with the ability to prescribe medication may go for psychiatry.
Of course, timing also matters. Candidates who wish to launch their professional careers as soon as possible will be drawn to the shorter educational path required to become a psychologist.
Those who are willing to spend up to 12 years getting their career started are likely to pursue a career in psychiatry.
Another issue to consider is specialization. Both careers offer opportunities to specialize. Psychology, with its specialties including school psychology and industrial-organizational psychology, can be a very appealing option for those seeking a faster education.
Individuals with a passion for forensic psychiatry or neuropsychiatry, among other exciting fields, will, of course, have to dedicate the time necessary to become a psychiatrist.
Psychologists vs Psychiatrists: Frequently Asked Questions
Commonly asked questions concerning the comparison between psychiatrists and psychologists.
Which is Harder to Become: a Psychologist or a Psychiatrist?
In terms of years spent in training, it is harder to become a psychiatrist than a psychologist. Psychiatrists tend to spend 8 to 12 years in training, while psychologists spend 5 to 10 years.
Of course, both careers can be very demanding and very fulfilling, but the number of licensing examinations and years spent in training make psychiatry the more challenging field to enter.
Do Psychologists Attend Medical School?
No, psychologists don’t have to attend medical school. Unlike psychiatrists, psychologists are not medical doctors.
They don’t have to pass a medical doctor licensing examination, as they do not have the authority to prescribe medication.
