<p>What is the difference in what they do on a daily basis? I know that psychiatrists can write prescriptions and psychologists cannot and that the salary of psychiatrists is more than twice as much on average, but other than that what sets them apart? I am not a very "science-oriented" person and I am not sure whether I should struggle through pre-med requirements and med school or whether I should just get a PhD in psychology. I want to be the stereotypical "psychologist" who sees patients on a regular basis and tries to work through their problems.</p>
<p>You might enjoy being a psychologist more than a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists focus on the biochemistry of the brain, whereas psychologists focus on the thinking processes. Not that psychiatrists don't ever do talk therapy too, but I think the majority of them are more into drug therapy.</p>
<p>Also, I don't think there is such a thing as "just" getting a PhD. It is a significant accomplishment in its own right! A funny story, my daughter was working on that same question and asked my family practice doctor (MD) what she thought about the two paths. She said "Oh, to be a psychologist you have to get a PhD!" In her mind, that was a bigger deal than medical school.</p>
<p>Thank you for clearing that up! I just realized when I read your post that I had said "just" in reference to getting a PhD. - I didn't mean to discount it, just that even though both would be hard for me, I tend to be more interested in (and therefore do better gradewise in) general psychology/biology classes than the chemistry, physics and orgo required to even get accepted to med school. :)</p>
<p>Psychiatrists are medical doctors and have gone to medical school.
Psychologists have to write a dissertation to get their Ph.D. The PhD can be (but not always) a shorter path. Then you need to be licensed in your state which requires a certain number of practical hours and an exam. Some states require both an oral and written exam. That allows you to actually see/treat patients, either as an employee or in private practice. If that's the case you want to choose clinical psychology, not one of the many many other psychology programs (i.e., organizational, research).</p>
<p>You can also be licensed at the master's level, as a MFT (marriage family therapist) or LCSW (licensed clinical social worker), but the reimbursement rate is lower than the psychology license which requires the PhD.</p>