Which describes the main difference between a Psychiatrist and a Clinical Psychologist?

A Psychiatrist diagnoses and treats mental disorders and can prescribe medications; a Clinical Psychologist diagnoses and treats emotional/behavioral disorders and cannot prescribe medications.
A Psychiatrist diagnoses and treats mental disorders, while a Clinical Psychologist diagnoses and treats emotional/behavioral disorders; both can prescribe medications.
A Psychiatrist diagnoses and treats emotional/behavioral disorders and can prescribe medications; a Clinical Psychologist diagnoses and treats mental disorders and can also prescribe medications.
A Psychiatrist diagnoses and treats emotional/mental disorders; a Clinical Psychologist diagnoses and treats behavioral disorders, and neither can prescribe medications.

1 answer

The correct description of the main difference is:

A Psychiatrist diagnoses and treats mental disorders and can prescribe medications; a Clinical Psychologist diagnoses and treats emotional/behavioral disorders and cannot prescribe medications.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication, while clinical psychologists typically focus on therapy and psychological testing without the ability to prescribe medications in most jurisdictions.