Psychologist or Psychiatrist?

[sereno2012]

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Hello,

My name is Cathy and I am currently a junior at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. I am posting here for both professional and personal advice concerning my aspirations as a mental health advocate. I have recently decided to choose a career that will promote mental wellness without the use of medication of any kind. The only dilemma that I face from this choice is that of whether to become a psychiatrist or psychologist.

I have had my own experiences with mental illness and anti-depressants, and I would love nothing more than to devote my life to tackling the issues that face mental patients. Not only do I plan on promoting mental wellness without the use of medication, but also on challenging the psychiatric world with both well-presented research and personal experience. I plan on becoming a powerful advocate to the principals and ideals that will eventually lead to mental health justice.

Although I am certain of my choice to be a part of mental health ethics, I am not sure how to go about it. If I were a psychologist, my profession itself would immediately imply wellness without medication. On the other hand, as a psychiatrist, I would have the credibility and knowledge to carry me beyond my wildest challenge. There is no doubt in my mind that my heart lies in psychology, but I feel that I would have an easier road ahead of me with a medical degree. My academic strength also lies in psychology, while my academic weaknesses are the very subjects that would carry me through medical school: math and science. There are an equal number of pros and cons to choosing either profession, but I would greatly appreciate any advice.

Please just let me know what you think. So far, everyone that I have asked has told me that becoming a psychiatrist would be my best bet, but I still would like more perspectives on the issue. Thanks so much for any advice 🙂

 

[InductionAgent]

I think that if you are interested in treating patients without medication, you should become a psychologist, especially if you are particularly against the use of medications. If you are a psychiatrist, you have the obligation to treat patients with medications in certain circumstances in which it is truly in their best interest. Certainly during your internship and residency, you will have no choice but to do so.

In your own particular situation with depression, medication may not have been the best answer. That doesn't mean that it's not an important aspect of treatment for others. The vast majority of research I've read indicates that in virtually all mental illnesses, a combination of medication and psychotherapy is preferable to either treatment alone. This validates the treatment team approach of utilizing both a psychiatrist and a psychologist, or receiving treatment from a psychiatrist who is a skilled counselor as well. Today's psychiatrists are trained less in counseling than those in the past, although this varies depending on the residency program.

Even as a psychologist, it is important to realize that certain conditions and situations require treatment with medications, often in an inpatient setting, and it is your duty to refer patients under those circumstances to psychiatric care.

 

[JMK2005]

From my psychiatry rotation, it seems that psychiatrists and psychologists work as a team, but definitely have defined roles in terms of helping the patients. It is something that you will have to see first hand in terms of shadowing, volunteering, and talking to professionals in the field. I am not sure how private practice would be... you might pose your question in the psychiatry forum.

In terms of the road to that lies ahead of you, I assume that training for a psychologist vs a psychiatrist would be much different. Even though you will end up being a psychiatrist, you will still have to go through medical school, learning about different diseases of things completely different from psychiatry and taking care of patients with those diseases as well.

It seems from your post above, psychology maybe the best since your goals are so well defined.

Good luck to you in your decision!

 

[docbill]

I agree with the JMK,

You know also one is much easier.. Psychology is not difficult to get into or competitive... at least not as much as Medical school + Residancy. BUTTTT Psychiatry is more prestigous and you will be more secure in you career.

Also if you change your mind in the future about the use of medication... you never know. DO's at first did not use that time's medication.. but medications got better and thus they did... psychology.. no medication ever. Psychiatry you have the option later.

Best of Luck.

 

[DrMom]

Psychiatry is basically about the meds, so it sounds like you should lean towards psychology.

 

[IAmAUser]

.

 

[Homunculus]

There is no doubt in my mind that my heart lies in psychology

you answered your own question. don't go to medical school if your heart's not in it-- it's not worth it.

--your friendly neighborhood stick to your instincts caveman

 

[UseUrHeadFred]

The only way to become a psychiatrist and carry out your goal would be to flat out lie for the majority of your education.

On the other hand, psychologists are more likely to accept (some may even encourage) your proposals.

To become a psychiatrist, one must first be a physician. That involves the diagnosis of illness and the treatment thereof using medications and surgery. One must become a doctor before one can become a psychiatrist. This involves a great deal of time spent learning pharmacology not only of psychiatric diseases, but of disease in general.

 

[aparecida]

Hi Cathy! There's absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to administer mental health care without medication. However, that path definitely corresponds to psychology. I think that everything you have to say is great. But do you really want to go through four years of medical school for some undefined sense that the prestige might be better? Remember, you'll be doing the same med school as everyone else including all the rotations in emergency medicine, surgery, ob/gyn, etc. Unless you're very interested in the biological aspects of the mind in addition to the psychosocial, there's no real reason I can see to do psychiatry. You mention wanting to do research -- studying for a Ph.D. in psychology means a heavy focus on research. I think, as has already been stated, that you've pretty much made your choice.

good luck! I think you want to, and will, do great things. 🙂

 

[ny skindoc]

I agree with the JMK,

You know also one is much easier.. Psychology is not difficult to get into or competitive... at least not as much as Medical school + Residancy. BUTTTT Psychiatry is more prestigous and you will be more secure in you career.

Also if you change your mind in the future about the use of medication... you never know. DO's at first did not use that time's medication.. but medications got better and thus they did... psychology.. no medication ever. Psychiatry you have the option later.

Best of Luck.

Doctoral programs in clinical psychology are very highly competitive for entry, some at least as much so as med school(there are fewer spots),the Phd takes 4-5 years and is followed by a year of internship.There may be masters programs in counseling psych and such which are easier to enter.If you are opposed adamantly to the use of medication you will likewise run into trouble at these programs,as psychologists are expected to be conversant in the use and indications of psychotherapeautic medications which are standard therapy,even if they do not prescribe them.They are constantly dealing with patients on these drugs and will need to be involved in their care.

 

[Swenis]

Hi there! I'm a freshman here at UNCA, also. 😀