Psychiatry Vs. Psychology Continuing Education

Many people get confused about the differences between psychiatry and psychology. Continuing education courses are a must for both professionals in order to keep up their licensing. In order to be a certified practitioner within the helping fields of counseling and therapy, all clinicians must continue to obtain CEUs throughout their careers. The exact numbers of units and type of coursework will vary depending on their specialization, title and state where they practice. Psychiatrists and psychologists must continue to learn and expand their knowledge bases, just like counselors and therapists.

Similarities and differences: Even though the words "psychiatrist" and "psychologist" sound almost exactly alike, these professionals are quite different.

o Similarities

Both called "Doctor": The likenesses include that they are both called "Doctor" as a part of their title because they have doctorate degrees.

Treat patients for mental maladies: Both of these practitioners diagnose and treat patients who are suffering from mental or emotional conditions. Some examples include depression, anxiety, bipolar disease, borderline personality disorder, ADHD and much more.

Must obtain CEUs: Both docs must take continuing education units (CEUs) in order to maintain their licenses. These courses may be obtained through colleges, universities, online sites, via DVDs, books and videos.

o Differences

"-iatry" vs. "-ology": While the first part of each word, "psy-" is the same, the second part represents the difference between the two. "-iatry" means "medical treatment" and "-ology" means "theory" or "science."

Medical doctor vs. clinician: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who holds an MD; a psychologist is a clinician who has gone to graduate school but not medical college and so may hold a PhD or PsyD.

Prescription medications: MDs are the only doctors who can prescribe medicines. An MD in psychiatry would be the one to prescribe medications for anxiety, depression, bi-polar disease, psychosis and much more. Oftentimes, these docs work with patients who are also attending counseling sessions with a therapist who may hold a master's degree. That MSW, a person who holds a Master's in Social Work, or LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor, would be using different treatment methods such as talk therapy, cognitive therapy, relationship
education, hypnosis, reality therapy or coaching. If a person needed medication, he or she would have to also see a psychiatric professional with an MD.

- Coursework they'd each need: The ongoing education courses come in a wide variety of subject matter. Clinicians and doctors usually choose something that will help in better treating their patients or in a subject matter where they'd like to gain further knowledge. There are many reasons to take psychiatry or psychology ongoing education, including:

o Licensing requirements
o To learn about the new research and cutting edge technology
o To expand knowledge base in order to better treat patients
o Personal growth

Psychology ongoing education is an important requirement for all therapists, counselors, psychiatrists or anyone working in the therapeutic fields. Not only is this a required mandate for keeping one's license up to date, it is also a way of remaining aware of new trends and developments.

By: A Aaronson

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