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Psychologist/Psychiatrist
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- Could someone please explain the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist please?
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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
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- Thanks Croix for your reply, you've 100% answered what I wanted to know:)
