While Psychiatrists and Psychologists are both trained to provide treatments for mental health conditions, their university training, diagnosis method and treatments differ. Psychiatrists are medically trained doctors who have specialist Psychiatry training. Psychologists usually complete a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science at university with Honours in psychology. Psychiatrists and Psychologists understand how the emotions, thoughts, feelings and the brain works and can treat this through talk therapy. Because Psychiatrists are medical doctors, they are trained to see the link between mental and physical health. If physical health is affecting the mental state, they can prescribe medication to treat this. The key differences between Psychiatrists and Psychologists include:

* Psychiatrists are medical doctors while most Psychologists aren’t.

* Psychiatrists can prescribe medication but Psychologists can’t.

* Psychiatrists usually treat more serious and complex mental health issues including severe depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide.

* Psychologists usually treat less serious mental health conditions including behavioural problems, mild to moderate depression, anxiety and learning difficulties.

* A referral from your GP is required to see a Psychiatrist. You do not need a referral from your GP to see a Psychologist.

Source (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists) https://www.yourhealthinmind.org/

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