23 Distinctions Between Degrees & Titles In Psychology/Psychiatry
Description
This article is from the Psychology FAQ, by Rolf Marvin Bøe Lindgren roffe@tag.uio.no with numerous contributions by others.
23 Distinctions Between Degrees & Titles In Psychology/Psychiatry
This section is courtesy John Grohol
Ph.D. - Psychologist
Doctorate of Philosophy - Research degree
Doctoral degree in either clinical or counseling psychology
This is the traditional degree of practicing, academic, and research
psychologists. Training includes courses in psychological assessment,
theories and practice of different types of psychotherapy, research
and statistics, as well as diagnosis and ethics. A dissertation is
required which must be defended. A pre-internship experience (called a
``practicum'') is usually an intergral part of the program. Some
programs require multiple practica. Average length of program is 5 to
6 years. Ph.D. psychologists pursue careers in academia, practice, and
politics, among other areas.
Psy.D. - Psychologist
Doctorate of Psychology - Professional degree
Doctoral degree in clinical psychology.
This is a newer (circa. 1968) degree offered to those individuals
interested exclusively in the practice of psychology. It's focus tends
to be more clinically-oriented than the traditional Ph.D., offering
more pre-internship experience and practical coursework, in lieu of
courses on research and statistics (although most Psy.D. programs also
require a dissertation). Some programs require up to three practica
experiences before internship. Average length of program is 5 to 6
years. Most Psy.D. psychologists pursue careers in practice. As with
the above doctoral degree, psychologists aren't eligible to become
licensed in a state (a legal distinction, not an educational one)
until at least one year after receiving their degree.
M.S.
(varying terms from state to state, such as: Psychotherapist,
Counselor, Therapist, etc.)
Master of Science Degree
Master's degree in clinical or counseling psychology
For many graduate programs, this is a pre-requisite before admittance.
Most programs are 2 years in length and end in the defense of a
thesis. Many programs offer terminal degrees, which allows individuals
to not go on and pursue a doctoral degree, but go out into the world
with the Master's degree alone. Master's level therapists are usually
trained in psychotherapy techniques, but have little or no courses in
psychological assessment, theory, and research. Most Master's students
either go on for their doctorate or become general psychotherapists.
M.S.W.
(varying terms from state to state, such as: Licensed Counselor of
Social Work, Counselor of Social Work, Psychotherapist, Therapist,
etc.)
Master of Social Work
Master's degree in social work
Social work program range in length from 1 to 3 years, and usually
include some practical experience (through either practica or
internships) in the better programs. Like the M.S. degree above,
social work students are trained in psychotherapy and social work
techniques and background, but have little other background. Most
social work students go on into careers as social workers and general
psychotherapists. Family therapists and EAP counselors are also often
M.S.W.'s (or L.C.S.W.'s - Licensed Counselor of Social Work, a legal
distinction not made in the degree, but requiring the therapist to
undergo examination for licensing in that particular state).
M.D. - Psychiatrist
Medical Degree
Medical degree with a specialty in psychiatry
Psychiatrists start out as regular doctors, with 3 to 5 years of
medical school. When doctors leave medical school, they then go into
``Residency'' at a hospital or similar facility, choosing at that time
their speciality of practice. It is on residency (from 2 to 5 years)
that psychiatrists learn about the specific psychotropic medications
in practice, their side effects, etc. They may also have seminars on
therapy, ethics, etc., but this varies widely from residency to
residency. They have no formal background in psychological assessment
or psychotherapy. Many psychiatrists choose to go into a
psychoanalytic institute after residency and get more formal training
in the practices of psychiatry through a psychoanalytic or
psychodynamic orientation, but this is strictly a personal choice.
Psychiatrists can prescribe medication and often practice some type of
psychotherapy while in practice, especially if they're in a private
practice. Psychiatrists are also trained to perform psychiatric
evaluations.
_________________________________________________________________
I am not overly familiar with Ph.Ed.'s or any other degrees not
mentioned here. If someone would like to provide me with specific
information, I will be happy to include it in the next revision of
this section. I would also be happy to hear from individuals who may
be able to provide more specific details on any particular degree or
its education.
- John Grohol (grohol@alpha.acast.nova.edu)
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