quick question

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So Dr Phil really isn't a doctor? Does that mean he's really Mr Phil?

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Psychiatrists MUST have a doctorate. Psychologists (counselors) can have a Masters only. It's possible for a psuchologist to have only a Bachelors degree, though they can't practice any form of counseling without the supervision of a professional.

What makes psychiatrists different than psychologists is that psychiatrists can prescribe drugs (something that is abused 80% of the time, IMO... people want meds, they don't want to work to fix their problems) I believe they also have to go through a number of years of psychotherapy themselves (stupid Freudian sit on the couch and tell me about your mother crap...)

So yes. Doctor.

You kinda contradict your self here.

First you say: "drugs (something that is abused 80% of the time, IMO... people want meds, they don't want to work to fix their problems)"

Then you say "(stupid Freudian sit on the couch and tell me about your mother crap...)"


So choose one. either take meds to make yourself handle your problems better. Or Talk it out with someone. And some people need both. It depends on the case. I don't know if you have ever studied these things before, but judging by your response, I'd say you haven't.

There are MANY levels of mental problems. Some are very minor such as "I want to quit smoking." Now this is a case where the patient can fully function in their life, they do not just snap and go crazy. They can work, and interact with others. No big problem. they just have a bad habit they want to brake. So they go to a psychologists or even a hypno-therapist. They don't need any meds to help them (although they may still take some like the patch or other things but this is not to help keep their mind in check.)


Now say you have a case of someone that is obsessive-composive/(which in itself has many levels, but we will speak of a med level case for this example) This person can still function in life, they can go to work they can interact with others, but. when things are out of place or major change takes place, they have a break down, and depending on the amount of change, it can cause serious mental problems. (I speak form experience). This person can see a psychiatrists or a psychologists. (Or no on eat all). They do not always need meds, but meds would help them control break downs.

So it really all depends on the individual case.



Now for your comment

I believe they also have to go through a number of years of psychotherapy themselves

Yes it is required that they "sit on the couch" them self. This is done for the same reason all police officers have to be hit with pepper spray in training. To get the view from the other side. Also if you ask any psychiatrists or psychologists, they will tell you that they still "sit on the couch" They have to to help keep their own mind clear. other wise they would go crazy themselves.

Think of it this way. Have you ever just had a bad week/month. Everything you do gets messed up. You go to work and everyone needs you to do something for them, and you still have to do your job. You get home and your family/friends/parents are all bitching to you about something (making you in a way their psychologists). After a while it starts to get to you don't it? Then you have to release. You scream, you go to a firing range, you punch a bag, you talk to someone. whatever you do you release it all. Fell better don't you?

That's what psychiatrists & psychologists have to do too.