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Amajid
Student
California City, California
1
Question
Updated
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Clinical Psychologist or psychiatrist Which one is better as a career?
After graduating high school, I've been struggling for 6 years working different jobs. But now I want to do something real in life.
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7 answers
Gregory Barclay, M.D., DLFAPA, FASAP
Psychiatrist
33
Answers
Wilmington, Delaware
Updated
Gregory’s Answer
Amajid,
Since you have spent 6 years in the workforce after you finished high school, I am sure you have had a lot of "real world" experience that many who go straight into college and then graduate school never will obtain. Taking "the road less travelled" is not a bad thing either, as some of my best life lessons were learned while working in a restaurant or a nursing home kitchen worker in my youth. That said, your reference to doing something "real" now would suggest to me that you are looking to feel something different about your future everyday work and for it to have more meaning to you while giving something to others in need. I am glad you have that desire, since both careers you mentioned are ones that are rewarding personally and professionally and also bring real benefits to those who receive them from you. We will need many more trained and caring mental health professionals in the future and I am sure either direction you take, you will be welcomed, helpful, and rewarded.
As a psychiatrist for the past 38 years, I differ in my perspective from the "if you want to do therapy, become a psychologist and if you want to prescribe medication, become a psychiatrist" mindset, which unfortunately is widely held and often used by non-physician therapists to marginalize psychiatrists as "prescribers". During my career as a psychiatrist, some of the most rewarding and most challenging cases have been psychotherapy and family therapy situations, not medical ones, for example. However, being a trained physician does indeed confer the training, experience, and authority to treat patients in the hospital and prescribe medication as well as to work well with and speak "in the language of" other doctors. This is important, because we know that many physical illnesses exist side by side with psychiatric conditions, making eachother worse and harder to treat, an requiring that both be treated effectively together. Psychiatrists, who are trained as physicians and also have expertise through residency training in identifying and treating mental and emotional problems, are ideally suited and will be increasingly needed to work with other physicians as consultants and co-treaters. They are also ideally suited to work with non-physician therapists and psychologists whose problems require a combination of psychotherapy and medication or hospitalization. Finally, many psychiatrists choose to work independently, allowing them to see their patients for whatever treatment is indicated, and this is not just limited to medication of course, but rather psychotherapy, family and group therapy, or (if children) play or school-based therapy.
As you know from what you have read, psychologists are not trained in medicine so their scope of practice is limited to psychotherapy. But, that is certainly not a bad thing either, because psychotherapy has helped huge numbers of people rise out of the ruins of lives wrecked by trauma, abuse, neglect, depression, anxiety, destructive relationships, substance use, and much more. We live in an era when research has demonstrated how many specific and targeted psychotherapies when delivered by competent professionals such as clinical psychologists (or psychiatrists who obtain specialized training in these therapies) are life saving and have long term benefits.
Each profession has its own wheelhouse of treatments to offer and each has its benefits, rewards, and responsibilities. And, as you have read, each has a different training path, as to become a psychiatrist one does need to finish college, gain admittance to medical school, complete medical school, and then complete a residency program in psychiatry before begining to work independently. It is a long haul and requires a lot of commitment and drive to complete. Clinical psychology is no easy path either, as it requires that you complete college and then enter a graduate program once accepted to it, and after several years of graduate training you will also need to complete an internship and supervised training to become licensed.
So, my suggestion to you at this point in your career and life is to take some time to reflect on what truly interests you about the healing profession, specifically what drives you to want to work with emotionally troubled individuals, and then how you envision yourself in the future, specifically in a role of a medical specialist who works often as a consultant and team leader with other professionals and who would typically see the most complex of cases medically and psychiatrically, or is your drive more towards working with clientele in an office setting utilizing psychotherapy? An honest assessment of this should help you with your next steps. And, if you cannot be sure, remember that you will still have to complete college regardless of which direction you choose, so I would suggest you focus on gaining admission to a good 4-year college where you are able to obtain a balanced degree while also completing your core pre-medicine courses, thus "biding your time" to discern further.
Thanks for writing and let me know how it turns out!
Greg
Since you have spent 6 years in the workforce after you finished high school, I am sure you have had a lot of "real world" experience that many who go straight into college and then graduate school never will obtain. Taking "the road less travelled" is not a bad thing either, as some of my best life lessons were learned while working in a restaurant or a nursing home kitchen worker in my youth. That said, your reference to doing something "real" now would suggest to me that you are looking to feel something different about your future everyday work and for it to have more meaning to you while giving something to others in need. I am glad you have that desire, since both careers you mentioned are ones that are rewarding personally and professionally and also bring real benefits to those who receive them from you. We will need many more trained and caring mental health professionals in the future and I am sure either direction you take, you will be welcomed, helpful, and rewarded.
As a psychiatrist for the past 38 years, I differ in my perspective from the "if you want to do therapy, become a psychologist and if you want to prescribe medication, become a psychiatrist" mindset, which unfortunately is widely held and often used by non-physician therapists to marginalize psychiatrists as "prescribers". During my career as a psychiatrist, some of the most rewarding and most challenging cases have been psychotherapy and family therapy situations, not medical ones, for example. However, being a trained physician does indeed confer the training, experience, and authority to treat patients in the hospital and prescribe medication as well as to work well with and speak "in the language of" other doctors. This is important, because we know that many physical illnesses exist side by side with psychiatric conditions, making eachother worse and harder to treat, an requiring that both be treated effectively together. Psychiatrists, who are trained as physicians and also have expertise through residency training in identifying and treating mental and emotional problems, are ideally suited and will be increasingly needed to work with other physicians as consultants and co-treaters. They are also ideally suited to work with non-physician therapists and psychologists whose problems require a combination of psychotherapy and medication or hospitalization. Finally, many psychiatrists choose to work independently, allowing them to see their patients for whatever treatment is indicated, and this is not just limited to medication of course, but rather psychotherapy, family and group therapy, or (if children) play or school-based therapy.
As you know from what you have read, psychologists are not trained in medicine so their scope of practice is limited to psychotherapy. But, that is certainly not a bad thing either, because psychotherapy has helped huge numbers of people rise out of the ruins of lives wrecked by trauma, abuse, neglect, depression, anxiety, destructive relationships, substance use, and much more. We live in an era when research has demonstrated how many specific and targeted psychotherapies when delivered by competent professionals such as clinical psychologists (or psychiatrists who obtain specialized training in these therapies) are life saving and have long term benefits.
Each profession has its own wheelhouse of treatments to offer and each has its benefits, rewards, and responsibilities. And, as you have read, each has a different training path, as to become a psychiatrist one does need to finish college, gain admittance to medical school, complete medical school, and then complete a residency program in psychiatry before begining to work independently. It is a long haul and requires a lot of commitment and drive to complete. Clinical psychology is no easy path either, as it requires that you complete college and then enter a graduate program once accepted to it, and after several years of graduate training you will also need to complete an internship and supervised training to become licensed.
So, my suggestion to you at this point in your career and life is to take some time to reflect on what truly interests you about the healing profession, specifically what drives you to want to work with emotionally troubled individuals, and then how you envision yourself in the future, specifically in a role of a medical specialist who works often as a consultant and team leader with other professionals and who would typically see the most complex of cases medically and psychiatrically, or is your drive more towards working with clientele in an office setting utilizing psychotherapy? An honest assessment of this should help you with your next steps. And, if you cannot be sure, remember that you will still have to complete college regardless of which direction you choose, so I would suggest you focus on gaining admission to a good 4-year college where you are able to obtain a balanced degree while also completing your core pre-medicine courses, thus "biding your time" to discern further.
Thanks for writing and let me know how it turns out!
Greg
Thank you so much for your guidance. Your advice is truly appreciated
Amajid
Robert Fiorella
Have been a teacher, counselor, professional comedian and a few more.
17
Answers
Amherst, New York
Updated
Robert’s Answer
It depends on how crazy you are.
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Amajid!
Clinical Psychologist or Psychiatrist: Which One is Better as a Career?
When considering a career in mental health, the choice between becoming a clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist is significant and depends on various factors including education, job responsibilities, salary, work environment, and personal interests. Below is a detailed comparison of both professions to help you make an informed decision.
1. Educational Pathways
Clinical Psychologist: To become a clinical psychologist, one typically needs to complete a doctoral degree in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), which usually takes 5-7 years after obtaining a bachelor’s degree. This includes coursework in psychological theory and practice, research methods, and extensive supervised clinical training. After earning their degree, psychologists must also complete an internship and obtain licensure by passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
Psychiatrist: In contrast, psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They must first complete a bachelor’s degree followed by four years of medical school to earn an M.D. or D.O. After medical school, they undergo residency training in psychiatry for about four years. This medical training allows psychiatrists to prescribe medication and understand the biological aspects of mental health disorders.
2. Scope of Practice
Clinical Psychologists: They primarily focus on providing psychotherapy (talk therapy) and psychological testing to diagnose and treat emotional and behavioral issues. Their work often involves developing treatment plans based on psychological assessments and conducting individual or group therapy sessions.
Psychiatrists: As medical doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe medications as part of treatment plans for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc. They may also provide psychotherapy but often focus more on managing medication regimens alongside other treatments.
3. Work Environment
Both professions can work in various settings including hospitals, private practices, clinics, schools, or community organizations. However:
Clinical psychologists often have more flexibility in their practice settings since they do not require hospital privileges unless they are working in inpatient facilities.
Psychiatrists may work more frequently in hospitals or clinics that require medical oversight due to their ability to prescribe medications.
4. Salary Expectations
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from May 2022:
Clinical Psychologists: The median annual wage for clinical psychologists was approximately $81,040.
Psychiatrists: The median annual wage for psychiatrists was significantly higher at around $249,760.
This difference reflects the additional years of education and training required for psychiatrists as well as their ability to prescribe medication.
5. Job Outlook
The job outlook for both professions is positive:
The BLS projects that employment for clinical psychologists will grow by about 6% from 2021 to 2031.
For psychiatrists, the demand is expected to increase even more due to rising awareness of mental health issues and the need for comprehensive mental health services.
6. Personal Interests and Skills
Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal interests:
If you are passionate about understanding human behavior through research and therapy without prescribing medications, then pursuing a career as a clinical psychologist might be more suitable.
If you are interested in medicine and want the ability to prescribe medications while treating patients with severe mental illnesses biologically as well as psychologically, then becoming a psychiatrist could be the better path.
In conclusion, neither profession is inherently “better” than the other; it largely depends on your career goals and interests within the field of mental health.
Bold Answer: It depends on your interests; if you prefer therapy without prescribing medication—become a clinical psychologist; if you want to prescribe medication—become a psychiatrist.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - Provides comprehensive data on job outlooks, salaries, educational requirements for various occupations including psychologists and psychiatrists.
American Psychological Association (APA) - Offers resources regarding education paths for psychologists along with professional standards and practices within psychology.
American Psychiatric Association (APA) - Supplies information about psychiatric education requirements and practice guidelines specific to psychiatry professionals.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
Clinical Psychologist or Psychiatrist: Which One is Better as a Career?
When considering a career in mental health, the choice between becoming a clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist is significant and depends on various factors including education, job responsibilities, salary, work environment, and personal interests. Below is a detailed comparison of both professions to help you make an informed decision.
1. Educational Pathways
Clinical Psychologist: To become a clinical psychologist, one typically needs to complete a doctoral degree in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), which usually takes 5-7 years after obtaining a bachelor’s degree. This includes coursework in psychological theory and practice, research methods, and extensive supervised clinical training. After earning their degree, psychologists must also complete an internship and obtain licensure by passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
Psychiatrist: In contrast, psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They must first complete a bachelor’s degree followed by four years of medical school to earn an M.D. or D.O. After medical school, they undergo residency training in psychiatry for about four years. This medical training allows psychiatrists to prescribe medication and understand the biological aspects of mental health disorders.
2. Scope of Practice
Clinical Psychologists: They primarily focus on providing psychotherapy (talk therapy) and psychological testing to diagnose and treat emotional and behavioral issues. Their work often involves developing treatment plans based on psychological assessments and conducting individual or group therapy sessions.
Psychiatrists: As medical doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe medications as part of treatment plans for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc. They may also provide psychotherapy but often focus more on managing medication regimens alongside other treatments.
3. Work Environment
Both professions can work in various settings including hospitals, private practices, clinics, schools, or community organizations. However:
Clinical psychologists often have more flexibility in their practice settings since they do not require hospital privileges unless they are working in inpatient facilities.
Psychiatrists may work more frequently in hospitals or clinics that require medical oversight due to their ability to prescribe medications.
4. Salary Expectations
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from May 2022:
Clinical Psychologists: The median annual wage for clinical psychologists was approximately $81,040.
Psychiatrists: The median annual wage for psychiatrists was significantly higher at around $249,760.
This difference reflects the additional years of education and training required for psychiatrists as well as their ability to prescribe medication.
5. Job Outlook
The job outlook for both professions is positive:
The BLS projects that employment for clinical psychologists will grow by about 6% from 2021 to 2031.
For psychiatrists, the demand is expected to increase even more due to rising awareness of mental health issues and the need for comprehensive mental health services.
6. Personal Interests and Skills
Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal interests:
If you are passionate about understanding human behavior through research and therapy without prescribing medications, then pursuing a career as a clinical psychologist might be more suitable.
If you are interested in medicine and want the ability to prescribe medications while treating patients with severe mental illnesses biologically as well as psychologically, then becoming a psychiatrist could be the better path.
In conclusion, neither profession is inherently “better” than the other; it largely depends on your career goals and interests within the field of mental health.
Bold Answer: It depends on your interests; if you prefer therapy without prescribing medication—become a clinical psychologist; if you want to prescribe medication—become a psychiatrist.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - Provides comprehensive data on job outlooks, salaries, educational requirements for various occupations including psychologists and psychiatrists.
American Psychological Association (APA) - Offers resources regarding education paths for psychologists along with professional standards and practices within psychology.
American Psychiatric Association (APA) - Supplies information about psychiatric education requirements and practice guidelines specific to psychiatry professionals.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
Loved reading this, thanks!
Amajid
You Can Ask For More Help If You Want, Amajid!
James Constantine Frangos
Racheal Noble, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC, NCC
Mental health, education, research, care coordinator
118
Answers
Oakland Park, Florida
Updated
Racheal’s Answer
Hello and thank you for the question. I think it depends on the way you want to approach mental health and they type of role you want to play in the field.
If you want to consider mainly prescribing medication, teaching, or have access to doing research then become a psychiatrist. However of you want to facilitate therapy of a lengthy session 53+ mins, as well as the other roles, then go into clinical psychology. The completion of the program will weigh on your shoulders and the continuation of what you want to do.
A caveat, there are two types clinical psychologist, PhD and PsyD can open up some differences related to the field. For example, a PsyD may focus more on clinical assessments and therapy/counseling, where as those with a PhD my teach and do research, however they both can engage in all of these roles, it's really what you find that you can add value to.
I have a PhD in Counseling Education and Supervision, and I teach and do independent practice counseling and therapy. I can also do research, supervise students and do consultation. I am becoming more interested in research and consulting, however I enjoy all my training and options for practice.
If you want to consider mainly prescribing medication, teaching, or have access to doing research then become a psychiatrist. However of you want to facilitate therapy of a lengthy session 53+ mins, as well as the other roles, then go into clinical psychology. The completion of the program will weigh on your shoulders and the continuation of what you want to do.
A caveat, there are two types clinical psychologist, PhD and PsyD can open up some differences related to the field. For example, a PsyD may focus more on clinical assessments and therapy/counseling, where as those with a PhD my teach and do research, however they both can engage in all of these roles, it's really what you find that you can add value to.
I have a PhD in Counseling Education and Supervision, and I teach and do independent practice counseling and therapy. I can also do research, supervise students and do consultation. I am becoming more interested in research and consulting, however I enjoy all my training and options for practice.
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Amajid !
It's not possible to say which career is better than another - there's a lot more to it than that. When you realize that everyone's career goes differently and no one can tell you how your career will go, there's really no valid answer to which is "better". It would be outside opinion and hearsay and that is not what one should choose a career on.
Careers can come from inspiration, reading about the work, observing the work, trying something connected to it, experience. So there is quite a bit of internalization that is part of choosing a career. It's not an eeny meeny minie moe situation. So, you must ask yourself what you want to do, what your aptitude is for it, why you want to do it and how long are you interested in going to college for ?
If you get an idea of a career, delve into it - explore. No one can tell you what career to pursue. It comes by trying things, reading and talking to some people about what it's about. Start doing some volunteer work that will put you around clinical experiences so you can determine what career you'd like. Do not underestimate your previous work experience.
Also look into the academic programs for careers you are interested in. Base it on the job itself. If you go into the mental health field, get a valid and authentic realization of it through volunteering or enrolling in college and starting your major. Attending college is a sure way to figure out what career to pursue. It may seem far away right now, but to reach any career takes time and should not be decided in haste. Take your time and instead of getting generalized information or opinions, delve into it first hand. Definitely return here to ask specific questions about specific careers and what it takes to pursue them.
Wishing you well in all you do !
It's not possible to say which career is better than another - there's a lot more to it than that. When you realize that everyone's career goes differently and no one can tell you how your career will go, there's really no valid answer to which is "better". It would be outside opinion and hearsay and that is not what one should choose a career on.
Careers can come from inspiration, reading about the work, observing the work, trying something connected to it, experience. So there is quite a bit of internalization that is part of choosing a career. It's not an eeny meeny minie moe situation. So, you must ask yourself what you want to do, what your aptitude is for it, why you want to do it and how long are you interested in going to college for ?
If you get an idea of a career, delve into it - explore. No one can tell you what career to pursue. It comes by trying things, reading and talking to some people about what it's about. Start doing some volunteer work that will put you around clinical experiences so you can determine what career you'd like. Do not underestimate your previous work experience.
Also look into the academic programs for careers you are interested in. Base it on the job itself. If you go into the mental health field, get a valid and authentic realization of it through volunteering or enrolling in college and starting your major. Attending college is a sure way to figure out what career to pursue. It may seem far away right now, but to reach any career takes time and should not be decided in haste. Take your time and instead of getting generalized information or opinions, delve into it first hand. Definitely return here to ask specific questions about specific careers and what it takes to pursue them.
Wishing you well in all you do !
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1091
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Amajid,
You got a lot of great advice already, and I am not going to repeat it. Psychology and psychiatry are two different approaches to mental health. It depends on you which approach you might prefer or what you enjoy more. It's not that one is better than the other.
Also, have a look at different specialties within each field and the kinds of work environments that you would find yourself in.
I have one suggestion: to get into medical school, you need an undergraduate degree in "anything". Why don't you enroll for an undergraduate degree in psychology? You can then either go to medical school to become a psychiatrist or get your doctorate in psychology to become a psychologist. At that point you'd have a much better view of the mental health field and the roles of different professions in it to make an informed decision.
If you go the medical school route, you would have the background in psychology to make you a better psychiatrist. If you go the psychology route you have great fundamental knowledge before you enter a research project.
I hope this helps! Good luck on your path!
KP
https://www.apa.org/education-career/guide
https://www.apa.org/education-career/guide/subfields/clinical/education-training
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/psychology-overall
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/psychiatrist-education
You got a lot of great advice already, and I am not going to repeat it. Psychology and psychiatry are two different approaches to mental health. It depends on you which approach you might prefer or what you enjoy more. It's not that one is better than the other.
Also, have a look at different specialties within each field and the kinds of work environments that you would find yourself in.
I have one suggestion: to get into medical school, you need an undergraduate degree in "anything". Why don't you enroll for an undergraduate degree in psychology? You can then either go to medical school to become a psychiatrist or get your doctorate in psychology to become a psychologist. At that point you'd have a much better view of the mental health field and the roles of different professions in it to make an informed decision.
If you go the medical school route, you would have the background in psychology to make you a better psychiatrist. If you go the psychology route you have great fundamental knowledge before you enter a research project.
I hope this helps! Good luck on your path!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Rachita Koirala
Consultant Pathologist
4
Answers
Kathmandu, Central Development Region, Nepal
Updated
Rachita’s Answer
Amajid,
Clinical Psychologists and a psychiatrist share a strong connection but differ in their role and approaches. However, both are equally important while advocating mental health.
Choosing a career can be challenging as it requires careful consideration like course duration, cost, future prospect, salary, job demand to write few! However, the most crucial factor being your interest and dedication to the field. As a mental health experts, you will be dealing with lots of pressure through out the day.
The primary distinction between the two lies in their methods of treatment. Psychiatrist can prescribe medicine to treat a wide range of psychiatric illnesses while clinical psychologist primarily focuses on therapy based intervention for conditions like behavioural issues, learning issues, depression and anxiety to name few. Also, Psychiatrist have a high pay scale than a Clinical Psychologist.
If you aspire to become a mental health professional, both fields are equally important, challenging, and rewarding. The key is to choose the path that aligns with your interests, strengths, and long-term goals.
Regards,
Rachita
Clinical Psychologists and a psychiatrist share a strong connection but differ in their role and approaches. However, both are equally important while advocating mental health.
Choosing a career can be challenging as it requires careful consideration like course duration, cost, future prospect, salary, job demand to write few! However, the most crucial factor being your interest and dedication to the field. As a mental health experts, you will be dealing with lots of pressure through out the day.
The primary distinction between the two lies in their methods of treatment. Psychiatrist can prescribe medicine to treat a wide range of psychiatric illnesses while clinical psychologist primarily focuses on therapy based intervention for conditions like behavioural issues, learning issues, depression and anxiety to name few. Also, Psychiatrist have a high pay scale than a Clinical Psychologist.
If you aspire to become a mental health professional, both fields are equally important, challenging, and rewarding. The key is to choose the path that aligns with your interests, strengths, and long-term goals.
Regards,
Rachita