Psychologist/Psychiatrist

Dobby — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 00:18:34 GMT

Could someone please explain the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist please?

Re: Psychologist/Psychiatrist

Croix — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 12:49:39 GMT

Dear Dobby~

Welcome to the Forum, I hope it will help you find waht you need.

An easy description I read was:

"Psychologists often support people with mild to moderate mental health issues. They focus on behaviour and coping strategies. Meanwhile, psychiatrists treat complex or severe conditions, especially those that need medication. "

Psychologists do not prescribe medication and deal in therapies, thay ARE eligible to be on a Medicare Mental Health Plan so sessions 6 or 10 are subsidized, though there is often a gap to pay. Psychologists must have around 6 years university training.

Psychiatrists deal with the more complex mental health issues, and use both therapy and can prescribe medications. They are not currently eligible for a Medicare Mental Health Plan and thus can be very expensive. They will have much more extensive training than a psychologist and are registered GPs (4-6 years at university ) who have taken extra qualifications in psychiatry (a further 5-6 years).

Both can specialize, eg on children, trauma etc.

The government's information on this can be found here:

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/psychiatrists-and-psychologists

I hope that gives you a general idea, sing out if you need to know more

Croix

Re: Psychologist/Psychiatrist

Dobby — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 21:55:23 GMT

Thanks Croix for your reply, you've 100% answered what I wanted to know:)

topic Re: Psychologist/Psychiatrist in Treatments, health professionals and therapies

Psychologist/Psychiatrist

Re: Psychologist/Psychiatrist

Re: Psychologist/Psychiatrist