What is the difference between psychology and psychiatry-they sound the same!

They do sound the same; so confusing!

A psychologist is someone who provides therapy or Neurocognitive testing. Neurocognitive testing takes days but can offer insight to how your brain works as related to your BEHAVIOR.

Therapy can be talk based, so discussing your emotions and triggers or modality based. What? Modality based means using a specific method for therapy. Huh; that is more confusing!

Modalities include: CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy; DBT or dialectical behavioral therapy; or ACT which is Acceptance and Committment Therapy. Still unclear? Well, there are so many more modalities. What? Yeah those are a lot of letters. Basically, each modality is used for certain disorders or needs (my favorite is CBT-a little more on that later).

Therapy can be provided by a PsyD or PhD which is a Psychologist with a doctorate, LCSW which is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master's degree, LMFT which is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master's Degree, or a LPC or a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master's Degree.

All therapists have different training and different philosophies. It might take some work and several trials to find the best one for you.

So, basically psychology is BEHAVIORAL based.

Psychiatry is MEDICAL based, so assessment for the sake of a medical diagnosis, possible laboratory and imaging testing; and treatment with medication (and therapy for some who feel comfortable with providing this at the same time). These are medical providers and must hold licenses with state boards of pharmacy; the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) and state medical or nursing boards. They can possess a Master's degree for APRNs or Nurse Practitioners; OR a PA for Physician Assistants. They can also possess a Doctorate degreee in Medicine (Psychiatrists) or Nursing (Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners).