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A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose and treat mental health conditions. They can prescribe medications and other medical treatments.

A psychologist has a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and often has extensive training in research or clinical practice. Psychologists treat mental health conditions with psychotherapy (talk therapy). A psychologist usually can’t prescribe medication.

Psychiatrists typically treat more complex mental health conditions than psychologists, especially ones that require medication or medical treatments.

To give another perspective, psychology is the study of the mind, emotions and behavior; whereas psychiatry is the field of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.

Psychologists help a wide variety of people and can treat many kinds of behavioral and mental health issues. They can also help with life and relationship issues.

Some people might see a psychologist because they’ve felt depressed or anxious or have lacked self-confidence for a long time. Others may see a psychologist because they have a short-term issue they want help with, such as feeling overwhelmed by a new job or difficulties with a loved one.

Psychologists are often included in the comprehensive care of people with medical conditions, too. For example, they may help people with sleep difficulties, chronic pain or eating behaviors or people coping with a chronic illness

Psychologists can provide tests and assessments that can help diagnose a condition or tell more about the way a person thinks, feels and behaves. These tests may evaluate:

• Intellectual skills.
• Cognitive (reasoning and thinking) strengths and weaknesses.
• Vocational (career) preference.
• Personality characteristics.

Psychologists use an assortment of evidence-based treatments to help people improve their lives. Most often, they use psychotherapy (commonly known as therapy or talk therapy), which involves building a talking relationship to establish and assess your feelings, thoughts and behaviors. Some common types of therapy include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
• Interpersonal therapy.
• Humanistic therapy.
• Psychodynamic therapy.

Therapy can be for individuals, couples or families. Your psychologist will work with you to determine the best type of therapy for your needs and goals.

Some people benefit from a combination of talk therapy and medication to manage their mental health condition. If this is the case for you, your psychologist will work with your primary healthcare provider and/or a psychiatrist for your overall treatment.

In general, a psychologist can’t prescribe medication.

But five states in the United States, including New Mexico, Louisiana, Illinois, Iowa and Idaho, have laws that allow licensed psychologists with additional, specialized training to prescribe a limited list of medications that can improve certain mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.

Your psychologist can help treat several different mental and behavioral health conditions, as well as help you cope with various life stressors. These issues can be long-term or short-term.

Situations and conditions you can see a psychologist for include:

• Alcohol use disorder and other substance use disorders.
• Anger issues.
• Anxiety.
• Body dysmorphic disorder.
• Coping with a new diagnosis or managing a chronic illness.
• Eating disorders.
• Family and relationship issues.
• Gambling disorder.
• Gender dysphoria.
• Hoarding disorder.
• Grief and loss.
• Issues with work or school performance.
• Obesity.
• Pain.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Sleep disorders.
• Stress management.
• Self-confidence issues.
• Unhealthy habits.

While it can be difficult and overwhelming to seek help for mental health and behavioral conditions, it’s essential that you do so. Mental health conditions are very common, and your mental health and emotional health are just as important as your physical health.