What are the differences between a psychologist, social worker and psychiatrist?
A licensed psychologist can do psychotherapy as well as educational, psychological and neuropsychological evaluations. A licensed clinical social worker can do psychotherapy but not psychological evaluations. Neither a psychologist nor a social worker can prescribe medications. In contrast, psychiatrists have medical doctorates and specialize in mental health issues. They primarily treat problems through the use of medications; however, some of them do psychotherapy as well. Psychiatrists do not administer tests of intelligence, academic skills, attention or emotional functioning.