Changes

There are many different types of training and school involved in qualifying to work in the mental health field. These levels define the types of work that a provider is allowed to engage in; however, they are distinct from the '''theoretical orientations''' that a therapist might have. It should be noted that the term "therapist" is not exclusive to any one of the fields of psychology, psychotherapy, psychiatry, social work and mental health nursing. Many fields within therapy require advanced degrees and licensure in order to practice.

A '''psychiatrist''' is a medical doctor (M.D.) specializing in the treatment of mental health problems.<ref>{{cite web|quote=a psychiatrist specializes in the medical treatment of biological problems in the brain. Because early practitioners of psychology were all psychiatrists, that is, medical doctors, people confuse today's psychologists (who primarily do therapy) with today's psychiatrists (who primarily prescribe medication).|url=http://www.archetypewritinghealthyminds.comorg/real/real_therapists_degreeswhatisapsychiatrist.htmcfm|publisher=American Psychiatric Association|title= Degrees in Psychology: How are What is a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist Different?|accessdate=2007-04-30}}</ref>

*Psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of [[mental illness]] and emotional disorders.<ref>[http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/counselling/psychologist_vs_psychiatrist.cfm]</ref> As Medical Doctors they are permitted to prescribe drugs to treat problems when appropriate. It should be noted that not all psychotherapists are psychiatrists, and not all psychiatrists are psychotherapists.

*Not only does the field of psychology use research to assess the effectiveness of various forms of treatment, but also any particular psychologist trained in research should have acquired some solid skills useful for analyzing information and drawing conclusions in psychotherapy sessions.<ref>[http://www.guidetopsychology.com/psypsy.htm Psychology and Psychiatry (and Psychoanalysis).] Accessed April 30, 2007.</ref> It should be noted that not all psychotherapists are psychologists, and not all psychologists are psychotherapists. There are a number of subfields within psychology, with most therapists being clincal psychologists.

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*[{{cite web|quote=a psychiatrist specializes in the medical treatment of biological problems in the brain. Because early practitioners of psychology were all psychiatrists, that is, medical doctors, people confuse today's psychologists (who primarily do therapy) with today's psychiatrists (who primarily prescribe medication).|url=http://www.archetypewriting.com/real/real_therapists_degrees.htm |title= Degrees for Your Characters] in Psychology: How are a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist Different?|accessdate=2007- 04-30|work=(Fiction writer's guide which distinguishes between psychiatrist, [[psychologist]], [[social worker]], and [[counselor]].)}}