What They Do
A psychologist specializes in understanding human behavior, thought, and emotion, and in providing therapy-based treatment for a range of mental health and behavioral concerns. Unlike psychiatrists, psychologists generally aren't physicians and, in most countries, don't prescribe medication, focusing instead on talk-based and behavioral therapy approaches.
What They Treat
Psychologists work with people experiencing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and behavioral challenges, using various therapy approaches tailored to the specific concern and individual. Some psychologists further specialize in a specific area, such as child psychology, or in using psychological assessment and testing to evaluate cognitive or behavioral concerns in detail.
Training Path
Becoming a psychologist typically requires a graduate degree in psychology, often a doctoral degree in many countries, along with supervised clinical training and, in most places, a licensing process specific to psychological practice. This training path is distinct from medical school, reflecting the different foundation of psychological versus medical training.
When to See One
People commonly see a psychologist for ongoing therapy related to mental health or emotional concerns, for support navigating a difficult life circumstance, or for psychological testing and assessment. Psychologists often work alongside psychiatrists as part of a broader mental health care team, particularly for conditions where both therapy and medication may be beneficial together.
Background
Psychology developed as a distinct scientific and clinical field starting in the late 19th century, as researchers began applying more systematic, scientific methods to the study of the mind and behavior. Clinical psychology, focused specifically on therapy-based treatment, expanded considerably over the 20th century, developing an increasingly evidence-based range of therapeutic approaches for different mental health and behavioral concerns.