What are the different psychological professions?
There are many significant differences between psychiatry, psychology and psychotherapy. Each deals with different types of problems. But there is also some overlap and similarities in their work as the brief description of each profession below shows.
Some psychiatrists and psychologists also train as psychotherapists and successfully apply to be added to the UKCP register because they see the advantage of combining the different skills involved.
Psychiatrists are qualified medical doctors, specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. They can prescribe psychiatric medication.
Psychologists are social scientists who study behaviour and mental processes. Some work in research, education and commercial fields. Psychologists provide, administer and interpret psychological tests and assessments.
Clinical psychologists undergo specialist postgraduate training to qualify in psychological - or 'talking' - therapies. They are not medical doctors and do not prescribe drugs. Clinical psychologists work in similar ways to psychotherapists, although they may use a variety of methods including psychometric tests, interviews and direct observation of behaviour to assess clients and decide on therapy options.
UKCP member psychotherapists undergo a four-year, postgraduate, in-depth and experiential training in how to work with a variety of people with a wide range of emotional distress, mental health issues and difficulties. Psychotherapists are trained in one or more of the psychotherapy modalities. Further information on modalities is available here.
UKCP member psychotherapeutic counsellors are counsellors who have trained to a UKCP recognised standard and are competent to practice to the highest standards of counselling.
Counsellors can practice after receiving relatively short training, although some have many years of experience. It is generally accepted that counsellors provide shorter-term therapy.
UK Council for Psychotherapy | Registered Charity No. 1058545 | Company No. 3258939 Registered in England
