Question:
What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist ?

What can I expect in my session? What type of questions are they going to ask me?    — dainty (posted on September 27, 2001)

September 27, 2001
A psychologist has a Ph.D., usually in clinical psychology, and has been licensed by the American Psychological Association (A.P.A.) after passing written and oral examinations. A psychologist cannot prescribe medications. A psychiatrist is a Medical Doctor (M.D.) who has gone on to specialize in psychiatry. A psychiatrist is able to prescribe medications. Each mental health professional who contracts to do psych evals has a different method--some just talk, others conduct standarized testing, some do a combination. Usually, though, all want to make sure that you understand the life changes necessary after WLS and the risks involved. Good luck to you!
   — CaseyinLA

September 27, 2001
One of them is just slightly less of an idiot than the other. (just joking)... Kevin
   — meilankev

September 27, 2001
From my experience the psychiatrist is the medical doctor who manages your psychiatric care including medications and prescribing or suggesting therapy. Very few actually perform therapy. A psychologist cannot prescribe meds and will use one or more types of therapy to help you deal with the problems you have. Just because you need a therapist you may not need a psychiatrist but if you need a psychiatrist you almost certainly need a therapist.
   — ctyst

September 30, 2001
In response to Cheri's response... it really depends on the psychiatrist. Mine did therapy with me for six months before she got so busy that she was unable to continue with therapy with any of her patients. I then had to find a therapist in addition to seeing her for medication. Even tho' I see her only twice a month now, we still have a 45 minutes session, and it doesn't take 45 minutes to check meds! :)
   — Sharon H.