What is a difference between a counsellor , psychiatrist and psychologist. I have been depressed since childhood. For depression whom should I consult?

Question

Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who evaluates and treats the problems of mind. Basic mbbs is required after which they complete either 2 years diploma in psychiatry (dpm) or 3 years masters md in psychological medicine. They treat by psychotherapy (layman word = counselling) and medications. Psychologist is one who acquires either ba/ ma or bsc/msc in psychology, this is done in normal colleges without much patient exposure. If they pursue further and do m. Phil/ phd in clinical psychologist, they are trained in handling patients, ie evaluation, assessment and therapy. They are recognised by the rci (rehabilitation council of india) and are given registration number similar to doctors have mci registration number. But there are many who do m. Phil/ phd, not in clinical psychology, but other branches of psychology and practise assessment and therapy, which is not valid and amounts to quackery. Counsellors are those who require minimum 10 th standard qualification and do diploma in counselling, there are alsoe universities which give msc, counselling psychology degrees, but these are not recognised as valid degrees for assessment. They do small time counselling in courts, schools, industries, and other establishments to address day to day problems. It s always wise to get an opinion of psychiatrist, as depression you are suffering from can be due to hypothyroidism, anemia and many common medical reasons, and the severity needs to be ascertained. If the psychiatrist feels you need cbt or some other for of psychotherapy, which he cannot allot time for, he aay refer you to a clinical psychologist.

Jagadeesan M.S. · Accepted Answer

Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who evaluates and treats the problems of mind. Basic mbbs is required after which they complete either 2 years diploma in psychiatry (dpm) or 3 years masters md in psychological medicine. They treat by psychotherapy (layman word = counselling) and medications. Psychologist is one who acquires either ba/ ma or bsc/msc in psychology, this is done in normal colleges without much patient exposure. If they pursue further and do m. Phil/ phd in clinical psychologist, they are trained in handling patients, ie evaluation, assessment and therapy. They are recognised by the rci (rehabilitation council of india) and are given registration number similar to doctors have mci registration number. But there are many who do m. Phil/ phd, not in clinical psychology, but other branches of psychology and practise assessment and therapy, which is not valid and amounts to quackery. Counsellors are those who require minimum 10 th standard qualification and do diploma in counselling, there are alsoe universities which give msc, counselling psychology degrees, but these are not recognised as valid degrees for assessment. They do small time counselling in courts, schools, industries, and other establishments to address day to day problems. It s always wise to get an opinion of psychiatrist, as depression you are suffering from can be due to hypothyroidism, anemia and many common medical reasons, and the severity needs to be ascertained. If the psychiatrist feels you need cbt or some other for of psychotherapy, which he cannot allot time for, he aay refer you to a clinical psychologist.