The main difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist (a psychiatry specialist) lies in their training and professional role. A psychiatrist is a physician who has completed medical school and specialty training in psychiatry, whereas a psychologist is a professional trained through a psychology degree who studies human behavior, thought and emotion on a scientific basis. This article is not meant to say which one is “better”; it explains where the two professions differ and how they often complement each other.
What are the main differences between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
The table below is a general summary based on the sources named in this article; it relies on the statements of professional organizations and official bodies in Turkey. Authority and training routes can vary from country to country.
| Criterion | Psychologist / clinical psychologist | Psychiatry specialist (psychiatrist) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic training | A psychology degree; for the title of clinical psychologist, additionally graduate-level competence in clinical psychology | Medical school and specialty training in psychiatry (a physician) |
| Main area of work | Psychological assessment (interviews, testing) and psychological support | Medical evaluation of mental health problems and a treatment plan; medication and other medical methods when needed |
| Diagnosis | In situations regarded as illness, the physician’s diagnosis and referral are the basis | Medical evaluation and diagnosis are the physician’s responsibility |
| Medication | Evaluation concerning medication belongs to the physician; psychological work does not replace it | Evaluates, plans and monitors medication treatment as a physician |
| Psychotherapy | Can be provided by those who have completed therapy training and supervision | Can also provide psychotherapy; additional psychotherapy training is needed |
Who is a psychiatry specialist (psychiatrist)?
According to the UK National Health Service (NHS), psychiatrists are medical doctors who have qualified in psychiatry. The American Psychiatric Association describes a psychiatrist as a medical doctor and states that psychiatrists can evaluate mental, emotional and behavioral disorders, manage and monitor medication treatment, and also provide psychotherapy. The Turkish Psychiatric Association, for its part, defines psychiatry as a branch of medicine and notes that medication and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are among the methods applied directly to the body.
Who is a psychologist and a clinical psychologist?
According to the Turkish Psychological Association, a psychologist is a professional who has graduated from a psychology undergraduate program accepted by the Council of Higher Education (YOK), and the title of clinical psychologist expresses scientific competence in the clinical psychology subfield of psychology. The NHS also notes that psychologists are not usually medically qualified. For details, see the article What Is a Psychologist? What Is a Clinical Psychologist and What Do They Do?.
Who evaluates medication treatment?
In Turkey, medication treatment is planned and monitored by a physician; a psychiatrist makes this evaluation as a physician. Questions about medication fall within the physician’s area of evaluation, not that of psychological work.
This varies from country to country. According to a page by APA Services Inc., psychologists who meet certain additional training requirements have been granted prescriptive authority in a few U.S. states; the page was last updated in January 2022. This example is given only to show the difference between countries. Legislation and practice may change; for the current text, the Official Gazette and the relevant professional organization can be consulted.
Who can provide psychotherapy?
According to the NHS, a psychotherapist may be a psychiatrist, a psychologist or another mental health professional who has had further specialist training. The American Psychiatric Association states that both psychiatrists and psychologists can conduct psychotherapy. The Turkish Psychiatric Association stresses that psychotherapy methods can be applied only by people who have been trained in them.
The Turkish Psychological Association links the title of psychotherapist to people who have completed therapy training and supervision in addition to scientific competence in clinical psychology or psychiatry. The association also states that it cannot be assumed that every clinical psychologist is qualified to provide therapy. For the general framework of psychotherapy, see What Is Psychotherapy?.
Can a psychologist and a psychiatrist work together?
Yes; the two professionals can work together. The American Psychiatric Association notes that psychiatrists often use medication in combination with psychotherapy. The Turkish Psychological Association likewise states that psychologists support inpatients and people with chronic illnesses under the responsibility of a clinical psychologist and/or a psychiatry specialist. Whether collaboration is needed is determined through an assessment of the person’s situation.
In which situation can which professional be consulted?
There is no single way that suits everyone. The Turkish Ministry of Health’s page on mental health counseling at Healthy Life Centers states that people suspected of having a mental disorder should be referred to a specialist physician and followed up, and that if psychopathology is suspected after a psychological assessment, the person should be referred to a psychiatry specialist. The same page states that psychological assessment is carried out by a psychologist.
For general information on when psychological support can be considered, see When Can Psychological Support Be Considered?, and for what is covered in the first session, see What Is Covered in the First Session?. If a person is at risk of harming themselves or someone else, or if there is a medical emergency, they should contact the 112 emergency line or the nearest healthcare facility without delay.
Common misconceptions about psychologists and psychiatrists
- “A psychologist only talks, and a psychiatrist only prescribes medication.” Psychiatrists can also conduct psychotherapy, while psychologists work in psychological assessment and psychological support. Questions about medication are evaluated by a physician.
- “One is better than the other; the two are rivals.” The training and role of the two professions differ, and they often complement each other. Which one is suitable depends on the person’s needs.
- “Psychology and psychiatry are two names for the same profession.” Psychology is a field of science and psychiatry is a branch of medicine; a psychologist is trained through a psychology degree, a psychiatrist through medical education and specialization.
Expert note
A psychologist and a psychiatrist are two professions that come from different training routes and work with different tools in the field of mental health; one is not an alternative to the other but often its complement. Medication evaluation and the diagnosis of mental illness are the physician’s area, not that of Clinical Psychologist Özgün Emre Yaylacı.
From a perspective that draws on cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic theories, a person is considered together with their life story and relationship patterns. This article is not personal guidance; in an emergency, the 112 emergency line can be called. For the author’s professional perspective, see the About page.
Clinical Psychologist Özgün Emre Yaylacı
Frequently asked questions
Can a psychologist prescribe medication?
In Turkey, medication treatment is planned by a physician; questions about medication are left to the physician’s evaluation. The situation differs in some countries: according to a page by APA Services Inc., psychologists who meet certain additional training requirements have been granted prescriptive authority in a few U.S. states (the page is dated January 2022). Legislation and practice may change.
Does a psychiatrist provide psychotherapy?
Yes, psychiatry specialists can also conduct psychotherapy, as the American Psychiatric Association states. The Turkish Psychiatric Association stresses that psychotherapy methods can be applied only by people who have been trained in them.
Is it necessary to see both a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
In some cases medication and psychotherapy can be used together; the American Psychiatric Association notes that psychiatrists often use medication in combination with psychotherapy. Whether it is necessary is determined through an individual assessment.
Does a clinical psychologist make diagnoses?
A clinical psychologist carries out psychological assessment. According to the Turkish Psychological Association, in illnesses between codes F00 and F99 of the ICD-10, the clinical psychologist provides services depending on the diagnosis and referral of the relevant specialist physician; the diagnosis of mental illness is the physician’s area.
Which one can be consulted first?
There is no single right way. The Healthy Life Centers page of the Ministry of Health mentions referral to a specialist physician when a mental disorder is suspected, and referral to a psychologist when a psychological assessment is needed. In an emergency, the 112 emergency line can be called.
Which one is better?
Neither is “better” than the other; their training and roles differ, and they often complement each other. Which one is suitable depends on the person’s needs and the difficulty they are experiencing.
Sources
This article was prepared for general information; the following sources were used in preparing it (in English and Turkish):
- NHS Health Careers: Differences between psychology, psychiatry and psychotherapy
- American Psychiatric Association: What Is Psychiatry?
- APA Services Inc.: Prescribing Psychologists
- Turkish Psychiatric Association: What Is Psychiatry? (in Turkish)
- Turkish Psychological Association: Frequently Asked Questions (in Turkish)
- Turkish Ministry of Health, Healthy Life Centers: Mental Health Counseling (in Turkish)
This article was prepared by Clinical Psychologist Özgün Emre Yaylacı. Last updated: October 23, 2026. The content is for general information only and does not constitute diagnosis, treatment or personal guidance.
