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Each of these clinicians are specialists in working with mental health needs. There is frequently collaboration between them as well, and they all work with patients of any age group, including children. Where they differ is in the level of training and education required for their license, and whether they can prescribe medication when needed.

A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor or physician with mental health training and prescription expertise with psychotropic medications. This means psychiatrists can prescribe suitable medications that may be required to treat mental health conditions. To be qualified, they must complete medical school, followed by psychiatry residency and/or fellowships, and receive medical board certification. In the United States, they require a Medical Degree (MD) for licensed practice.

A Psychologist is a mental health specialist with extensive training in therapy, which includes diagnosing and assessing a patient’s condition. Their qualifications require completion of graduate school, clinical internship, fellowships, and certification by the psychology board. In the United States, a Doctoral Degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology is generally required for licensed practice.

A Counsellor (also called a “Psychotherapist”) is also a mental health specialist, with similar training areas as a Psychologist, but requiring less time investment in schooling. Their qualifications include completion of graduate school followed by a clinical practicum. In the United States, a Masters Degree in a related field of mental health is generally required for licensed practice.

Each of these clinicians is dedicated to improving mental health in their patients. Depending on their training or the specializing of their school programs, they may focus on specific areas of treatment. They may excel in dealing with specific disorders, therapy approaches, research focus, and/or practice settings. These professionals believe in collaboration when needed, and if a psychologist or counsellor feels pharmaceutical or advanced clinical intervention is required, they can, and do, refer their patients to psychiatrists.