Questions about Psychology

What is a Psychologist?

We will start our Psychology FAQ with the basic question. Since Dr. Stroup received her training in the United States, the American Psychological Association (APA) definition of a “Professional Psychologist” will be offered: “Psychologists have a doctoral degree in psychology from an organized, sequential program in a regionally accredited university or professional school.” According to the APA, “it is the general pattern to refer to master’s-level positions as counselors, specialists, clinicians, and so forth (rather than as “psychologists”).”

What is a Clinical Psychologist?

Clinical Psychology is the branch of psychology concerned with maladaptive or abnormal human behavior. Clinical psychologists conduct diagnosis, treatment, and research. This field’s historical approach is principally anchored in medicine. Clinical psychologists are increasingly focused on clinical practice and application of scientific research for the advantage of patients.

According to the APA’s Society of Clinical Psychology, “An earned doctorate from a Clinical Psychology program signifies the basic entry level for the provision of Clinical Psychology services. Unique to Clinical Psychology training is the necessity of considerable course work in the areas of personality and psychopathology, resulting in comprehensive understanding of normal and abnormal adjustment and maladjustment across the life span.”

What do PsyD and PhD mean?

PsyD stands for Doctor of Psychology. This degree is awarded to graduates of programs designed to produce practitioners who apply the science of psychology. In this way it is comparable to the MD, or Doctor of Medicine, degree, which is for practitioners applying the science of medicine.

The PhD, on the other hand, is a research-oriented degree, awarded to graduates of programs designed principally to produce researchers – not practitioners – of various academic and scientific disciplines, like history, business, sociology, or the various branches of psychology up to and including clinical psychology.

Nevertheless, it should be noted that both PsyDs and PhDs (in psychology) get training and supervision in both clinical practice and in the conduct of research. The distinction is a matter of emphasis – not of an absolute difference. They are equivalent degrees with different orientations – the PsyD to clinical practice and the PhD in Psychology to academic research. Nonetheless, many PsyDs become accomplished professors and researchers alongside their PhD counterparts. Similarly, many PhDs add to their academic background by developing clinical practice skills like those of their PsyD colleagues.

What is the difference between Psychiatry and Psychology?

psychiatrist has completed medical school and holds an M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) degree or a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree. In Residency, they received specialized training in the field of psychiatry. As physicians, psychiatrists have achieved a rigorous medical education and abide by the medical traditions of professional ethics and medical responsibility for providing comprehensive care.

A psychologist will have completed at least a master’s degree, or if fully licensed, holds a doctorial degree from a university or a professional school, a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy), a Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology), or an Ed.D. (Doctor of Education). Generally, if they are in clinical practice, the degree will be in Clinical Psychology. Psychologists treat mental and emotional disorders with psychotherapy. Clinical Psychologists also specialize in psychological testing and evaluation.

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