Who or what are psychologists, psychotherapists and psychiatrists?

Psychologist? - Psychotherapist? - Psychiatrist? Some of you may have questioned the difference between these figures. Can they do the same thing? Is one better than the other one? What did they study? If you didn’t understand the difference between these three, perhaps reading this post will help you.

The Psychologist holds a master’s degree in Psychology and has passed the bar exam to become a licensed psychologist. The duration of university studies is typically 5 years.

The Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has earned a degree in medicine, passed the bar exam, and completed a specialization in psychiatry. The duration of university studies in medicine is typically 6 years, followed by 5 years of psychiatry specialization.

The psychotherapist is the most enigmatic figure among the three. They are a professional who completed a specialized course in psychotherapy lasting 4 years. This professional can be either a psychologist or a doctor. Therefore, there are two types of psychotherapists: 1) Psychologists who have chosen to pursue studies in psychotherapy; 2) Doctors who, regardless of their specialization (such as cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, etc.), have decided to undertake studies in psychotherapy.

To summarize, a psychotherapist can be either a psychologist or a doctor who has specialized in psychotherapy. Some may wonder why an orthopedist would choose to specialize in psychotherapy. While the reasons may vary, it is important to note that the law allows access to psychotherapy schools for those who have obtained a degree in psychology or medicine and surgery.

What are the differences? The first major difference is that a psychologist can also work outside the field of mental health, such as in schools or organizations. But if we are only talking about mental health, whom should you choose if you need professional support for a problem? It obviously depends on many factors.

One method could be to ask the family doctor, who can direct us to the most suitable professional. In general, if the symptoms are severe and the doctor believes that medication is necessary to achieve the desired benefits, then they may suggest a visit to a psychiatrist. If the doctor believes that psychological support is appropriate, then they may suggest a psychologist.

"When is psychotherapy needed?" Psychotherapy is usually recommended after a diagnosis indicates that the individual has a psychological disorder (such as depression, anxiety, etc.). To achieve the best state of well-being, it is necessary for the individual to learn techniques to manage thoughts and situations that worsen their symptoms.

A very crude simplification could be:

• Psychologist: can diagnose and provide psychological support. Cannot provide psychotherapy and does not prescribe drugs.
• Psychotherapist: can diagnose and provide psychotherapy. Can prescribe medication only if they are also a doctor.
• Psychiatrist: can diagnose, provide psychotherapy, and prescribe medication.

What is the best of the three figures? None. The most suitable professional depends on your situation. You may be lucky or unlucky. As with any profession, competence and professionalism can vary. I hope that, in times of need, you will be directed to the right person for you.

It is important to specify that what I said is true in Italy. Did you understand the differences between these professionals? If you knew one of them, were you aware about what they could or could not do?

If you want me to describe in my own words a topic of psychology, please request it in the comment section.

Cited sources: Legge Ossicini - Legge 56 del 18 febbraio 1989.