Archives for November 2013

Ordinary people often express confusion about the difference between psychiatry and psychology. This is only natural as the fields overlap in several meaningful ways. Though these two professions certainly complement each other, it is important to understand the differences between these important disciplines.

Firstly, there are many similarities between the professions. Psychiatrists and psychologists alike conduct psychotherapy and research the human mind. However, psychiatrists are far more likely to focus on therapy. Critically, psychologists and psychiatrists undergo different types of academic training. All psychiatrists are medical doctors with degrees in medicine. Conversely, each psychologist must earn a Ph.D (Doctor of Philosophy) or Ps.D (Doctor of Psychology). Psychologists generally specialize in clinical or counseling psychology.

Doctorate programs for psychologists typically take five to seven years. After graduation, prospective psychologists must undergo one to four years of internships and supervised practice. After completing this extensive process, people are legally licensed to work under the professional title of “psychologist.” Without the appropriate licenses, people who perform this type of work use informal titles like counselor or therapist.

Though psychiatrists also study the human mind, psychiatry has unique focus. As licensed medical doctors, psychiatrists diagnose, treat and prevent mental illness. Performing these tasks, psychiatrists are on the front lines of the global mental illness epidemic. As more and more government bodies recognize the need for greater access to mental health care, psychiatrists experience increasingly plentiful job opportunities.

After completing medical school and earning their medical degrees, psychiatrists complete four years of psychiatric residency training. This step is critical for ensuring that all psychiatric professionals act with integrity and skill. When comparing psychologist vs psychiatrist jobs, people should know that psychiatrists generally access a higher pay scale. Interestingly, psychiatry is one of the lower-paying specialties for doctors. Nevertheless, psychiatrists are usually able to command very comfortable salaries. Though psychologists face a slightly lower pay scale, most psychologists enjoy strong job satisfaction. As they counsel clients and research solutions for human problems, psychologists do their best to make the world a better place.

Ability to prescribe medicine is another major difference between psychologists and psychiatrists. In theory, psychologists are fully capable of identifying and addressing psychological problems. In practice, most states only allow psychiatrists to prescribe psychiatric medicines. Notably, there is a broad-based push to allow more psychologists the freedom to prescribe. States like Louisiana and New Mexico now provide qualified medical psychologists with full prescription rights.

Though broadly similar, psychology and psychiatry are unique fields that attract different types of people. Members of both fields work with clients from all walks of life. However, psychiatrists are more likely to address the needs of deeply disturbed clients with serious mental problems. Ultimately, both fields are critical for developing a more peaceable modern society.

Why do individuals behave the way they do? Why do certain students have difficulty understanding a lesson? Will an employee who has experienced a personal tragedy be ready to return to work? Can different learning strategies help individuals with dyslexia? How does depression impact an individual’s interpersonal relationships? Is a parent who has undergone counseling a good candidate for full custody? These questions and more are what drive psychologists. As a research field and clinical practice, psychology seeks to understand human behavior and find practical means for individuals and groups to function more soundly in their environments. Psychology encompasses nearly every sector – industry, education, healthcare, and social services. In addition, psychology brings a highly dynamic range of research approaches, methodologies, and solutions. Although there are many different types of psychologists, all psychologists must pursue graduate study to practice psychology. While a master’s degree is sufficient for some jobs, most elect to pursue a doctorate. Below are descriptions of five different types of psychologists.

Clinical psychologists work with individuals, families, and groups that are facing mental health challenges, such as substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and other such difficulties. Clinical psychologists vary widely on their approach to patient treatment. Some use psychotherapy while others employ EMDR therapy, cognitive behavioral approaches, or gestalt therapy, to name a few. Sometimes they work with psychiatrists, who can prescribe medication, to create a more effective treatment plan.

Forensic psychologists work closely with professionals in the criminal justice and judicial systems. They provide impartial evaluations for individuals seeking to rejoin society after completing a sentence and can provide psychological expertise during trials. They play a crucial role in family court and criminal court. Their evaluations affect decisions regarding child custody, criminal motives, sentencing, and parole hearings. They may also help decide whether an individual is fit to stand trial or whether he/she is aware of the consequences of his/her behavior.

Organizational psychologists research and assess the psychological underpinnings affecting workplaces. They provide insight into employee and supervisor dynamics and can provide strategies to address worker productivity, employee satisfaction, and workplace conflicts.

Social psychologists focus on group behavior and the impact groups have on individual behavior. Family dynamics, social structures, and cultural dynamics are among the issues on which social psychologists focus.

Educational psychologists focus on the psychology issues affecting teaching and learning. They play a significant role in the lives of individuals with special needs, learning disabilities, or exceptional aptitude. They work with principals and educators to cultivate learning strategies and programming to help students with diverse learning needs. Like sports psychologists, who find strategies and techniques to motivate athletes to perform at their utmost level, educational psychologists seek means to help students reach their peak academic performance.

Psychology is perhaps one of the most innovative, rewarding, and exciting fields. Psychologists tackle some of the most fundamental questions of human behavior and identity. They provide essential tools and insight for those facing challenging circumstances. In addition, they help individuals attain the services and support they need to lead healthier lives at home or work.

If psychology is the broad study of human behavior and motivations for human behavior, then forensic psychology studies human behavior and its motivations in legal, criminal, and carceral contexts. Is a convicted felon ready to rejoin society? Is a particular parent suitable and ready for joint custody? Why did an individual without a previous record commit a violent crime? Is a victim of violence able and ready to testify? These are the questions with which forensic psychologists contend each day.

Forensic psychologists must bring an in-depth knowledge of clinical psychology and a broad knowledge of the legal, criminal, and carceral contexts to which they speak. Forensic psychologists often provide expert testimony, which, in many cases, is life-changing. Whether an individual will face challenges adapting to life after a lengthy prison term or whether a parent struggling with psychological issues can handle child custody are issues that require compassion, psychological expertise, and sensitivity to the needs of all parties. Our clinicians bring decades of legal experience to each case and a seasoned understanding of the law and criminal justice system.

In the legal world, testimony from a forensic psychologist can provide crucial evidence in a case. Our clinicians are highly respected professionals with a reputation for providing thorough, comprehensive, and impartial assessments of a case. They can assess whether individual’s mental health capacity if s/he must testify, represent themselves, or be cognizant of the charges s/he is facing.

In criminal justice contexts, forensic psychologists can provide psychological insight into the behavior of estranged parents, individuals in interpersonal and intra-familial conflicts, and child custody cases. Forensic psychology gives legal and criminal justice professional the tools to help predict future behavior and sensitively assess the needs of those affected by familial challenges. Similarly, forensic psychology allows employers to assess whether an employee who has experienced a crisis is ready to return to a working environment. Our experts bring years of experience working with diverse populations to each case and a deep ethical commitment to ensuring the optimal outcome for both parties.

Finding a forensic psychologist that suits your particular needs can be challenging. Fortunately, our clinicians represent an array of experience and expertise. Whether your case requires expert, impartial assessments in a civic context or a thorough, psychological evaluation in a criminal justice context, we will bring impartiality, compassion, and a deep knowledge of the psychological dimensions to your case. You can find more information on forensic psychology here if you wish to read more.