Distinguishing Between a Psychiatrist, a Counseling Psychologist and a Clinical Psychologist

Seeking mental health today isn't always easy. Who do you turn to? Do you see a psychiatrist? A counseling psychologist? A clinical psychologist? What exactly is the difference? What sort of treatment does each provide? Everyday hundreds of people are left asking these questions. It's hard enough seeking out help, it shouldn't be so hard deciding exactly what sort of help to seek. Finding the right sort of mental health provider should be an easy task. However, since it's not, this guide is meant to steer you in the right direction, help you answer the afore-listed questions, and put you on a path to recovery (from whatever may ail you).

The first mental health professional to be covered here is a psychiatrist, probably the most different form of mental health provider from both the counseling and clinical psychologist. It's odd, but most assume that psychology is psychiatry, but there is a very important key difference between the two. A psychiatrist is a doctor. Psychiatrists must undergo four years of medical school following a university education, and then four years of psychiatric residency. As such, a psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication. Since neither a counseling psychologist nor a clinical psychologist can prescribe drugs, psychiatrists often work closely with both to provide that sort of medical support. The Association of American Medical Colleges notes that "Psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses including mental, addictive and emotional disorders" (2008). Furthermore, a psychiatrist can choose a specialty which include pain management, addiction, child/adolescent, forensic, and geriatric psychiatry. Psychiatrists work directly patients, consult with patients on a recommendation basis (from a psychologist), and some (forensic psychiatrists) even work with law enforcement agencies.

In contrast, a counseling psychologist cannot prescribe medication as they have not gain a medical education. Instead, they generally work closely with, or can recommend, a psychiatrist to have a consult with for medication. The same is true for a clinical psychologist. These two are quite similar in their classifications, so I'll tackle them at once, and try to differentiate their purpose as I go.

Both a clinical and counseling psychologist work to prevent, diagnose, and treat mental disorders and illnesses, as well as study and deal with the causes of them (Rishel, 2000). Both also offer the same sorts of opportunities in independent practice and licensure. That being said, one rather large difference between a clinical and counseling psychologist comes in the employment setting. According to John Norcross of the University of Scanton (2000), counseling psychologists are more frequently employed in university counseling centers, while clinical psychologists lead in hospital positions. Furthermore, clinical psychologists tend to work with more serious mental illnesses, while counseling psychologists tend to work in other counseling fields in which patients aren't as seriously disturbed or mentally ill. However, both do tend to have the same opportunities to conduct psychotherapy sessions, teach, and research (Norcross, 2000).

Since we now know what each does, it can be helpful to lay down some examples. A clinical psychologist may see someone with bipolar disorder, depression, or a serious problem with anxiety; while a counseling psychologist is more likely to see an individual seeking job support, marital counseling, family counseling, or vocational counseling. A psychiatrist is most likely to see a patient for which drugs have been taken into consideration by their psychologist, or other seriously disturbed patients for which drugs are one of the only treatments. If you were a college student having trouble adjusting to college, who exactly would to turn to? Well, by now, you should be able to answer, a counseling psychologist. Not only are they generally the ones working in a university setting, but they are also very used to counseling people in a similar situation.

For someone struggling with panic attacks, lack of sleep, and periods of depersonalization, a clinical psychiatrists is most likely the one to be seen, although a psychiatrist may also be seen, and/or recommended by the psychologist.

While there are differences, it is important to remember that all mental health professionals work together to get the desired results. More than that, a great deal of mental health professionals work from different schools of thought, so that should also be taken into consideration before settling on a counselor, clinical psychologist, or psychiatrist. Taking into account their school of thought and primary function, an individual will have the best results in finding help for their problem.

References

Association of American Medical Colleges. (2008). Careers in Medicine: Speciality Information). Retrieved Oct. 1, 2008, from http://www.aamc.org/students/cim/pub_psychiatry.htm

Department of Labor. (2007). Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008 - 09 Edition. Retrieved September 30, 2008, from http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos067.htm#nature

Gelso, C. & Fretz, B. (2001). Counseling Psychology, 2^nd Edition. Thomson Wadsworth. Belmont, CA.

Norcross, J. (2000). Clinical Versus Counseling Psychology: What's the Diff? Retrieved Oct. 1, 2008, from http://www.psichi.org/pubs/articles/article_73.asp

Rishel, J. (2000). Carrers in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. Retrieved Oct. 1, 2008, from http://www.aamc.org/students/cim/pub_psychiatry.htm