Psychologists focus on a person’s life experiences, family life and social life and how that impacts their thoughts, behaviours and feelings. They will support patients by providing therapies where a person will talk through their experiences and feelings, and find ways to better understand why they think a certain way and help manage their difficulties.
Psychiatrists, like psychologists, can provide therapies, however psychiatrists can also diagnose someone with a mental health condition and support a person’s mental health by prescribing and giving advice about the types of medication that can help someone feel better.
In summary, psychologists provide therapies and are more interested in a person’s thoughts and feelings, whereas psychiatrists diagnose mental health conditions and know how medication can positively impact a person's recovery.
Both psychiatrists and psychologists are experts in mental health treatment.