What's the Difference Between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

One Reader Asks: "I read a lot of articles on psychology websites and I often see the terms 'psychologist' and 'psychiatrist,' but I'm not really clear on what those titles mean. What exactly is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?"

Many people are not quite sure of the distinction between these two professions, but if you are planning a career in mental health or seeking a mental health provider, it is important to understand exactly how these two professions differ. The simplest answer lies in the educational background required for each profession. A psychiatrist has a degree in medicine and a psychologist has a doctoral-level degree in psychology. However, there are a number of other distinctions that make each profession quite unique. Learn more about the different educational, training and job requirements in this overview of the differences between psychologists and psychiatrists.