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Psychologist
A psychologist is a type of health care provider who
specializes in psychology, the study and profession
concerning behavior and the related functions and
processes of both the mind and body, in human and
non-human animals.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A
PSYCHOLOGIST AND A PSYCHIATRIST?
The longstanding practical difference between
psychologists and psychiatrists has been that
Above: Psychologists treat people
with mental health problems.
WHAT DO PSYCHOLOGISTS DO?
Psychologists perform many different roles
depending on their area of interest. The role
that psychologists are most qualified to do
compared to any other profession is testing of
intelligence and personality. Another role is
counseling and psychotherapy, which involves
helping a person or group of persons with
emotional problem by talking with them. Many
psychologists conduct research and teach
courses in colleges and universities.
Psychologists testify in court and have
countless other roles in many other areas.
"Where Medical Information is Easy to Understand"™
psychiatrists could prescribe medications whereas psychologists could not. However,
times are rapidly changing and psychologists in some states have the ability to
prescribe medications in certain situations, with appropriate training and supervision by
a psychiatrist. The main intervention used by psychologists is psychotherapy (a
psychological therapy done through talking). Although some psychiatrists use
psychotherapy, most do not, or do so in a limited fashion. Another difference between
psychologists and psychiatrists is that psychologists focus more broadly on normal
mental processes and behavior.
DO ALL PSYCHOLOGISTS TAKE THE SAME BASIC APPROACH?
No. Psychologists vary according to what they believe influence emotions, thinking, and
personality development. Some believe the main influence is biological, others believe
social factors (such as our relationships with others) are the main influence, and others believe the
main influence involves conflicts in our mind that we are not aware of. Other psychologists have
different theories than the ones mentioned above, from the very simple to the extraordinarily complex.
WHAT IS A BOARD CERTIFIED PSYCHOLOGIST?
Any psychologist can apply to the American Board of Professional Psychology, to become board
certified. The psychologist that is board certified has been agreed upon by a board (group) of peers
(other psychologists) to meet the rigorous standards necessary to practice psychology, and has
achieved the highest level of education possible in this field.
WHERE DOES THE WORD PSYCHOLOGIST COME FROM?
Psychologist comes from the Greek word "psyche" meaning "mind" and the Greek word "logos" meaning
"the study of." Put the two words together and you have "the study of (the) mind."
