What do psychologists do?

Psychologists work with individuals, couples, children, and families to help them handle and overcome all types of behavioral issues. They often collaborate with psychiatrists, physicians, and social workers, and may be instrumental in developing and carrying out treatment plans. Psychologists facilitate scientific studies on behavior and brain function, conduct tests, and run interviews and surveys to understand human psychology better. With this knowledge, they can identify patterns, diagnose mental disorders, and develop successful treatment methods.

Some people use the terms ‘psychiatrist’ and ‘psychologist’ interchangeably, but they are different kinds of medical professionals. Psychiatrists are medical doctors and follow the same educational path as physicians, specializing in psychiatry. They often treat patients with medications. Psychologists earn doctoral degrees and focus on behavioral treatments. They need to be licensed, but are not authorized to prescribe medication.