What’s the Difference?

Psychologist? Psychiatrist? Psychotherapist? Counsellor? What’s the difference?

A psychiatrist is a qualified medical doctor who has undertaken specialist training in psychiatry. They usually work in public hospitals and assess, diagnose, and treat more severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They are able to prescribe medication.

A psychologist has either a masters (MA) or doctoral (PhD) degree in psychology. They will often have a post-graduate specialist qualification and so can be registered as a Clinical Psychologist or Educational Psychologist. A psychologist does not prescribe medication. New Zealand psychologists are registered with the NZ Psychologists Board.

A neuropsychologist uses a battery of tests to evaluate intelligence, traumatic brain injury and possible cognitive deficits which people may suffer from as a result of an accident or illness.

A psychotherapist usually has three years of tertiary training in psychotherapy and is registered with the Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa New Zealand. Psychotherapy is the application of specialist techniques in the treatment of mental disorders or to problems of everyday adjustment. The term includes, for example, psychoanalysis, psychodynamic psychotherapy, gestalt therapy, art therapy and other approaches.

A counsellor is often a member of the NZ Association of Counsellors. Counselling is a broad term, covering a wide variety of procedures to help people achieve balance in their daily lives. These procedures can include giving advice, therapeutic discussions and vocational assistance.