Psychologists are the only mental health professionals qualified to properly interpret psychological tests. These tests can assess a variety of psychological factors, including intelligence, personality traits, relationship factors, brain dysfunction and psychopathology. Neuropsychologists may also do cognitive retraining with brain injured clients. Psychiatrists - As physicians, psychiatrists can prescribe medication to control a wide range of psychiatric symptoms. Most psychiatrists also provide psychotherapy and counseling serivces to individuals, and some psychiatrists provide services to couples, groups and families.
Psychiatrists are more likely than psychologists to treat individuals with severe mental disorders.
Also, psychiatrists are more likely to work on inpatient psychiatric units in hospital settings. Some Differences Psychologists - 1. More likely to view psychological problems as the result of life stress, and the development of maladaptive behavior patterns, rather than as part of a disease process or biological imperfection. Less likely to see medication as a necessary part of the treatment process. Can administer and interpret psychological tests.