What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists are qualified doctors who specialise in mental illness. They work with people with a range of problems, such as depression, psychotic disorders, anxiety, stress, dementia, addiction and personality issues. In addition, patients who have long-term physical conditions often develop mental health issues and psychiatrists form one of a team of specialists who work with them. In general the psychiatrist works with the patient to make a diagnosis and draw up a treatment programme which can involve a combination of measures, such as drugs, counselling and, perhaps, physical interventions. They continue to meet with their patient to follow up progress and make any changes to their treatment that may be needed. Psychiatrists also need to understand aspects of the law that refer to the Mental Health Act and the Mental Capacity Act.
In this role, you could
assess your patient’s condition by asking them about their thoughts
get information from other sources, like GPs, relatives or social workers
carry out blood tests or scans to rule out other health conditions.
carry out psychiatric tests
prescribe medication
recommend treatments like counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
suggest practical ways to stay well
You could work in a prison, in an NHS or private hospital, at a client's home or in the community.
Requirements:
top grade IB Diploma in one sitting
an IB diploma including chemistry
an IB diploma including biology
a qualifying degree in medicine
work experience in medicine
[See section for Medicine for more info].
Clinical psychologists work in hospitals, health centres, mental health teams, social services and other health and social care settings. They form part of a support team that is made up of a variety of healthcare professionals. The aim of the clinical psychologist is to reduce psychological distress and to promote well-being; they work with clients with a range of difficulties, such as anxiety, depression and alcohol addiction. They start by assessing the client using a variety of methods, including psychometric tests, interviews and observation. This helps them to decide on the type of treatment to use, therapy, counselling, advice, etc. People in this career are observant, good listeners and good communicators; they are able to relate to and motivate all types of people.
In this job, you'll
assess clients’ needs through interviews, tests and observations
decide on the most appropriate treatments, like therapy or counselling
plan treatment programmes
work with clients in groups or individually
go to case conferences
carry out research
work closely with other professionals like doctors
produce legal reports and act as an expert witness in court
You could work in an NHS or private hospital, at a client's home, at a university or at a health centre.
Requirements?
an accredited psychology degree
an IB diploma including a science or maths
an IB diploma including Psychology
experience working with people with needs
Practising psychologists must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). There is a structured route to Chartership that starts with the study of a British Psychological Society (BPS) approved degree or conversion course. Successful completion of the degree is followed by an accredited Doctorate in Clinical Psychology; entry requires an extended period of related work experience. To find out more about the what type of work experience you need, contact individual course providers. You will need to pass an enhanced background check for this role.