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That really is quite a loaded question, as there are actually three... depending upon the state in which you live.

The first and most common is the psychiatrist. This individual is a medical Doctor Who diagnoses and treats mental disorders primarily with psychotropic medications.

The second most widely recognized is a psychiatric nurse practitioner. This individual is a registered nurse with a master degree in nursing and advanced training in the assessment and treatment of mental illness. In most states, an NP can prescribe medications.

The third and least commonly encountered is a prescribing psychologist. A psychologist as an individual with a doctorate in psychology who has been licensed by a state. To be eligible to prescribe medications he or she has to complete a variety of requirements, usually including a master degree in psychopharmacology and an internship of 100+ cases supervised by a psychiatrist. It's important to note that as of right now, most states do not license prescribing psychologists.

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12y ago

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Related Questions

What does a phiciatrist do?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. They can provide therapy, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans to help individuals manage their mental health conditions.


What is a phsychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health disorders. They are trained to assess both the physical and mental aspects of psychological problems and can prescribe medication and provide therapy to help individuals manage their mental health.


What is a good source for seeking professional mental health?

Start with your doctor. He can recommend someone to you. If I remember right, a psychologist cannot prescribe medications and works with your doctor if medication is needed. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication.


What is a good source for seeking professional mental health help?

Start with your doctor. He can recommend someone to you. If I remember right, a psychologist cannot prescribe medications and works with your doctor if medication is needed. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication.


What are the differences between Psychiatrists and Psychologists?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication for mental health conditions, while psychologists are mental health professionals who provide therapy and counseling. Psychiatrists often focus on the biological aspects of mental health, while psychologists typically focus on behavior, emotions, and thoughts. Both can diagnose and treat mental health issues, but their approaches may differ.


Can RNs assess for mental health issues?

RN's can assist in doing preliminary assessments of patients, particularly for mental health intake procedures including the scoring of self-reporting mental health screenings. They are allowed to assist, but are not allowed to make diagnoses, create treatment plans, or prescribe medications. However, they may be asked to assist in administering treatments or medications at the request of a doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist.


What does psychiatrist mean?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors whose specialty is diagnosis and treatment of mental (psychiatric) disorders. They are also licensed to prescribe medications. They should not be confused with psychologists. Psychologists study behaviour, and are licensed to provide counselling for their clientele, but are not medically trained, so by law cannot prescribe medications or provide medical treatment.You might find a great deal of information if you look in the Jobs, Careers, Education and Training categories.Other links which might be of use:http://answers.ask.com/Health/Medicine/what_does_a_psychiatrist_doWhat_does_the_root_word_in_psychiatrist_mean


Psychiatrists differ from psychologists because psychiatrists?

are medical doctors who can prescribe medication, while psychologists cannot. Psychiatrists often focus more on the biological aspects of mental health and may use a combination of therapy and medication to treat mental health conditions.


Can psychologists prescribe medicine?

Psychologist cannot prescribe medications. Psychiatrists can. No, psychologists cannot prescribe medicine. Psychiatrists are the professionals who take medical school and therefore can prescribe medicine.


Does a psycologist or psychatrist issue medication?

Traditionally, psychiatrists, or individuals with medical degrees, have been responsible for prescribing medication. In the last few years, there has been some debate as to whether or not licensed clinical psychologists (so people with a Ph.D. in clinical psychology) should be allowed to prescribe medications. But in general, psychiatrists hold prescriptive authority while psychologists do not.


Can psychiatrists prescribe medication?

Yes psychiatrists can.it is psychologists who can not prescribe medication.


What is a good source for seeking professional mental help?

Start with your doctor. He can recommend someone to you. If I remember right, a psychologist cannot prescribe medications and works with your doctor if medication is needed. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication.