Child Psychologist vs. Child Psychiatrist: Understanding the Differences

Navigating the jargon of mental health care can initially be intimidating, but the differences between a child psychologist and a child psychiatrist are fairly straightforward. Their scope of practice, credentials, training and fees are what set them apart from each other.

Credentials

• A child psychiatrist is, in every right, an actual medical doctor and holds an M.D., while a child psychologist may hold an M.A., Psy.D. or a Ph.D.

Training

• Child psychologists intern for about two years while working toward their license. Child psychiatrists usually spend four years in a residency program.

Prescriptions

• Prescribing medication directly to a patient is a main function of the child psychiatrist, while a psychologist must refer his patient to a psychiatrist for this.

Needs of Clients

• Because paying close attention to the effects of specific dosages of medications is a primary aspect of treating the severely mentally ill, psychiatrists tend to work with more serious illnesses, such as schizophrenia and Dissociative Identity Disorder.

Fees

• Child psychiatrists usually charge a higher fee than child psychologists do, and so should be pursued only when the circumstances call for it.