What’s the Difference Between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

When you’re trying to find help, the terminology can feel like a barrier. Psychologist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, counsellor, therapist. The words get used interchangeably but they mean different things. Here’s what you actually need to know.

I get asked this question constantly, and in years of clinical practice as a counselling psychologist, it still comes up all the time. It’s a fair question as the terminology is genuinely confusing, and when you’re trying to find the right support, not knowing who does what makes the whole process harder than it needs to be.

The short version: 

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication. 

Psychologists are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe. 

But that’s only part of the picture. There are also counselling psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors. And then there’s “therapist”, which technically means nothing at all. Let me explain more.

Protected Titles: Why It Matters

In Ireland, some professional titles are protected by law or are in the process of becoming protected. This means only people with specific qualifications can use them.

“Psychologist” is set to become a protected title under CORU, Ireland’s health and social care regulator. The Psychologists Registration Board has been working towards statutory regulation, with registers for clinical, counselling and educational psychologists expected to open in 2026. Once these registers open, only those registered with CORU will be able to use these titles.

“Psychiatrist” is already protected. Psychiatrists must be registered with the Medical Council of Ireland to practise.

“Counsellor” and “psychotherapist” are also moving towards statutory regulation under CORU, though the registers are not yet open. Currently, practitioners in these fields typically hold voluntary accreditation with bodies like the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP).

“Therapist” is not protected. When a title is not protected, it means there is no legal restriction on who can use it. Anyone can call themselves a therapist regardless of their training. This doesn’t mean everyone using the title is unqualified. Many are highly trained professionals who belong to respected accrediting bodies. But it does mean you need to check their credentials rather than relying on the title alone.

Quick Comparison

Fees vary considerably depending on location, experience and individual practitioner. Dublin tends to be more expensive. These figures give a general sense of the range. You can see our full fee structure here.

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has specialised in mental health. In Ireland, they complete a medical degree, an internship year, then Basic Specialist Training and Higher Specialist Training in psychiatry through the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland. The total training takes around 13 to 14 years after the Leaving Certificate.

Because they’re doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe medication. They can also diagnose mental health conditions from a medical perspective, order blood tests and scans, and consider how physical health might be affecting mental health. In certain circumstances, they have legal powers to detain patients under strict criteria defined in the Mental Health Act 2001.

Psychiatrists must be registered with the Medical Council of Ireland and are typically members of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland.

You might see a psychiatrist if medication is likely to be part of your treatment, if you have a complex or severe mental health condition, or if there’s diagnostic uncertainty that needs medical input. Conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, severe depression and complex PTSD often involve psychiatric care. ADHD assessments and medication management are another common reason people seek a psychiatrist, since stimulant medications require medical prescribing and monitoring.

To verify a psychiatrist’s credentials, check the Medical Council of Ireland register.

Clinical Psychologist

A clinical psychologist has an undergraduate degree in psychology followed by a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, which takes three years. The doctorate is highly competitive. Total training is typically around nine or ten years.

Clinical psychologists are trained to assess and formulate psychological difficulties using evidence-based frameworks. They deliver psychological therapies including CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and other approaches. They can carry out psychological assessments for conditions such as autism, ADHD, learning difficulties and neuropsychological problems. In some cases, particularly where medication may be considered, medical input from a psychiatrist may also be required.

They cannot prescribe medication.

Clinical psychologists work with a wide range of presentations, from anxiety and depression to personality disorders, trauma and psychosis. They work in HSE settings, private practice or both.

The title “clinical psychologist” will become protected once CORU’s register opens. Currently, many clinical psychologists in Ireland are members of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and may hold Chartered status. Once the CORU register opens, registration will be required to use the title.

Counselling Psychologist

Counselling psychologists have a similar length of training to clinical psychologists. They complete an undergraduate psychology degree followed by a doctorate in counselling psychology, which also takes three years. Some routes involve a masters plus additional supervised practice.

The distinction between clinical and counselling psychology is often misunderstood. Both work with similar presentations. Both deliver evidence-based therapies. Both will be registered with CORU once the registers open.

The difference is partly philosophical. Counselling psychology training standards (as defined historically by bodies such as the British Psychological Society) describe it as distinguishing itself from other applied psychologies through “its explicit use of a phenomenological and hermeneutic approach” and its emphasis on the therapeutic relationship as central to the work. Assessment, formulation and treatment planning are framed as “parts of an inherently relational and shared enterprise” rather than something done to or for a client. Clinical psychology emerged more from the medical model and traditionally focused more on assessment, diagnosis and structured interventions.

In practice, there’s significant overlap. A counselling psychologist can work with severe mental health conditions. A clinical psychologist can work relationally. The approach of the individual practitioner often matters more than which doctorate they hold.

Do not confuse counselling psychologists with counsellors. They are different professions with different training requirements. The word “counselling” in the title causes confusion, but a counselling psychologist has doctoral-level training.

Psychotherapist

Psychotherapist is not yet a protected title in Ireland, though CORU’s Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board has been established and is working towards opening registers. Once statutory regulation is introduced, only those registered with CORU will be able to use the title.

Currently, psychotherapists typically hold voluntary accreditation with bodies like the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) or the Irish Council for Psychotherapy (ICP).

Training routes vary. Most psychotherapists complete a postgraduate training of three to four years, though the exact requirements depend on the modality. A psychoanalytic psychotherapist, for instance, will have undertaken a longer and more intensive training than some other approaches.

Psychotherapists typically work in longer-term therapy. Sessions might continue for months or years. The focus is often on deeper patterns, early experiences and how the past shapes the present. Many work from psychodynamic, psychoanalytic or integrative frameworks.

To check a psychotherapist’s credentials, search the IACP therapist directory or the Irish Council for Psychotherapy register.

Counsellor

Counsellor is not yet a protected title in Ireland, though it will become one once CORU’s register opens. Currently, counsellors typically hold voluntary accreditation with the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP).

Training varies. For IACP accreditation, counsellors typically complete training to at least Level 7 or Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications, plus supervised practice hours.

Counsellors often work with life difficulties, adjustment issues and a range of mental health concerns, depending on their training and experience. The approach tends to be shorter-term than psychotherapy, though this isn’t a hard rule. Many counsellors work from person-centred, integrative or CBT frameworks.

Because “counsellor” is not yet protected, checking credentials matters. Look for membership of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. You can search the IACP therapist directory to verify someone’s accreditation.

What About “Therapist”?

Therapist is an umbrella term. It has no specific meaning and no protection. A clinical psychologist might call themselves a therapist. A counsellor might call themselves a therapist. The title alone does not indicate level of training.

When someone uses this term, you need to look at their actual qualifications and registrations. Ask which professional body they belong to. Check the relevant register or directory. The word “therapist” alone tells you nothing about their training or competence.

Detailed Comparison

Which Professional Should You See?

If you’re unsure where to start, we offer a free 15-minute consultation to help you think through what might be most appropriate. Your GP can also help with this and can make referrals where needed.

Consider seeing a psychiatrist if medication is likely to help, if you have a severe or complex mental health condition, or if you need a diagnostic assessment from a medical perspective.

Consider seeing a psychologist if you want structured psychological therapy, if you need a psychological assessment, or if you’re dealing with conditions that respond well to evidence-based approaches like CBT.

Consider seeing a psychotherapist if you’re interested in longer-term work exploring patterns and early experiences.

Consider seeing a counsellor if you’re dealing with a specific life difficulty or want shorter-term support.

Many people see more than one professional. A psychiatrist might manage medication while a psychologist or therapist provides ongoing therapy. The right combination depends on your situation.

How Private Therapy Clinic Ireland Can Help

If you think you might benefit from speaking to someone about the issues discussed in this article, we offer a free 15-minute consultation with one of our team to help you find the right path forward. We provide:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Psychotherapy
• Counselling