Psychiatrist vs psychologist: A simplified infographic by Investors Psychology Psychiatrist vs Psychologist: Education, Work, Salary and More In this article you'll gain valuable insights into the distinctions between a psychiatrist vs psychologist as we delve into their education, work tasks, work hours, and salary considerations. Whether you're exploring mental health professions or seeking assistance, understanding the differences is essential, as many often get confused what the differences is between psychiatrists and psychologists. Article Key Points Psychiatrists are medical doctors (M.D.) who complete around 11-13 years of education, including a bachelor's degree, medical school, and a psychiatry residency program. Clinical psychologists pursue doctoral degrees in psychology, requiring 8-12 years of study. Psychiatrists diagnose, treat, and manage mental illnesses, prescribing medications, providing psychotherapy, collaborating with professionals, and conducting ...