Patients and Visitors

Provider Types Defined

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists are doctors who use their medical knowledge to treat patients, often using medications. Psychologists use assessments and counseling skills to treat patients.

Here’s a deeper dive into what each specialty does:

• Psychiatrists consider both the mental and physical parts of mental health. They are licensed physicians who specialize in mental health treatment. Psychiatrists can be trained (board certified) on how to help:
  • Children and teens (child and adolescent psychiatry)
  • Older adults (geriatric psychiatry)
  • Those who use drugs and alcohol (addiction psychiatry)
  • Those who may have committed crimes (forensic psychiatry)
  • Those who have other special needs (neurodevelopmental disabilities)

• Psychologists help people learn to cope with stress, overcome addictions and manage chronic illnesses. They also diagnose a condition by learning about the way a person thinks, feels and acts. They use counseling to treat people. Psychologists cannot prescribe medications in Missouri.

What is the difference between psychologists, social workers and licensed professional counselors in Missouri?

Professionals who provide counseling at Ozark Center include licensed psychologists, licensed social workers and licensed professional counselors. All of them are trained to do counseling, but there are differences in their education and training:

• Psychologists study psychology, usually earning a PhD, PsyD or EdD. Their training includes four years of school after their bachelor’s degree. Then they complete one to two years of supervised work with clients. Psychologists in Missouri must pass a state test and keep their license current. Psychologists cannot prescribe medications in Missouri. Psychologists are trained to provide psychological testing.
• Social workers attend graduate school in social work, earning an MSW. Their training usually includes two years of coursework after their bachelor’s degree. Then they work under supervision for about two years. LCSWs in Missouri must also pass a state test and keep their license current. Social workers perform counseling and connect people to the community and support services. Social workers cannot prescribe medication.
• Licensed professional counselors (LPCs) provide mental health and substance use counseling. An LPC has a master’s degree in either counseling, social work or psychology. They perform individual, group and family counseling. LPCs in Missouri must pass a state test and keep their license current. Licensed professional counselors cannot prescribe medications.

What is the difference between an MD and a DO?

Both a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) are physicians licensed by the same state licensing boards. Both are held to the same requirements for practicing medicine. An MD is a traditional medicine degree, whereas a DO takes a holistic, mind-body-spirit approach to care. In the US, the same licensing boards give licenses to both types of doctor, and they must meet the same standards for practicing medicine. Roles and responsibilities for psychiatrists who are MDs or DOs are the same at Ozark Center. They are both licensed to prescribe medications in Missouri.

What services does an advanced practice registered nurse offer?

Advanced practice registered nurses assess, diagnose and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders. Having specialized in psychiatric mental health for their graduate or doctoral degrees, they can also prescribe medication and provide counseling.