Answer by Libraryanna
A social worker has a master's degree. A psychologist has a doctorate in psychology. A physician who specializes in mental health is a psychiatrist and, in addition to medical school, has several years of specialized training.
The prescribing ability depends on the state. In many cases, however, the social worker or psychologist refers the patient to a psychiatrist for prescriptions, if needed, but does therapy themselves. Social workers usually concentrate on how your problems affect your ability to function in society. (It varies a lot though). Generally they do more short term treatment focused on functioning. They are not usually ones to treat very serious mental illnesses. For more serious problems, a psychologist is more appropriate as they also focus on the mental processes. A psychiatrist is best if it's a chemical disorder or the most serious of mental illnesses, such as severe depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia.
Cant' advise you as to which you should see without knowing what problems you think you have.
Answer by Devil Dog
A Psychiatrist is a Mental Health Physician or Doctor. They usually attend college 4 yrs for bachelor's degree, then go to medical school. After medical school they have to do an internship at a hospital - usually another 4 years. They can prescribe as they are medical doctors.
The other two on your list you would see for therapy - they cannot prescribe.
Most Psychiatrists will do therapy AND medication management- its just up to your insurance whether they will cover both.
Orignal From: What are the difference between these Mental Health Professionals?
No comments:
Post a Comment