While psychologists and psychiatrists have similar functions, there are some differences in what they do. Child psychologists focus on helping children build life skills that can help them navigate trauma, stress, and their emotions. Child psychiatrists do the same, but may also incorporate medication into the plan. This means psychiatrists must earn a medical degree and have advanced knowledge of pharmacology. Psychologists, on the other hand, do need to earn a graduate-level degree or doctorate but do not have to earn a medical degree.