People often enquire as to what differences there are between clinical psychologists, psychologists and psychiatrists.

Clinical psychologists and psychologists have different levels of training and therefore different skill sets. A psychologist generally has four years of university education.

Clinical psychologists have a degree in psychology – the science of behaviour. They are taught how to assess and treat individuals with a broad range of mental health problems (eg, stress, depression) and physical health problems (eg, managing pain or chronic illness).

To qualify as a clinical psychologist, six years of university-based education and training must be completed. This includes two years of postgraduate training in assessment and treatment methods, which provides additional academic and practical training.

Psychiatrists have a degree in medicine and are therefore able to prescribe medication.

Medication and therapy such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can both be implemented to improve a client’s well-being. Therefore, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists may at times work together.