Psychologist or Psychiatrist? What’s the difference between the two? It can be confusing! When one makes the decision to seek therapy for their mental health, the next decision is which type of therapist to make an appointment with. There are key differences pertaining to education, training, and credentials. To make an informed decision, here are the highlights between psychologists and psychiatrists.

Psychologists use psychotherapy, “talk therapy” to aid the patient in counseling. Psychologists may hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) and can be called “doctor” since they receive graduate training in psychology to obtain either a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in clinical or counseling psychology. These programs take between five to seven years to complete, and depending upon the state, an internship lasting one to two years may be required. They primarily counsel individuals, perform psychological tests, and conduct research. The psychologist’s training in research is what primarily distinguishes a psychologist from other mental health providers.

Keep in mind that counselors, therapist, and social workers are NOT psychologists, although some psychologists use those terms to describe what they do.

Psychiatrists may also use psychotherapy but they can prescribe medication because they are a medical doctor (M.D.). Since they are physicians, they have specific training in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses. After medical school, they complete an additional four years of residency training in mental health. Some psychiatrists even get specialized training after their residency in such areas as geriatric psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, and addictions.

If you’re still having a little difficulty remembering which is which, remember this: Psychiatrists prescribe medication whereas psychologists do not.

Mark 16 would indicate that possibility; but, in the first century, it was more often a phenomenon inspired totally by the Holy Ghost, independent of learning languages. Today, one could claim that tongues are learned languages; since the word "tongues" refers generally to languages.