A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed four years of medical school residency training in psychiatry. They can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, provide psychotherapy (talk therapy), and perform other medical procedures as needed.
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is a registered nurse (RN) who has earned a Master of Science degree in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in psychiatric mental health.
Both can prescribe medications for mental health treatment.