Careers Index

When a man or woman is experiencing psychological or emotional difficulties (hereafter called “mental health issues”), they might well attend their General Practitioner – GP. They will be interviewed by the GP and dependent on seriousness and the nature of the persons symptoms may recommend treatment himself or refer the person on to a professional.

There can seem a bewildering array of experts, all with names that are similar, and you can wonder as to why they have been referred to a single specialist instead of another.

The General Practitioner – is a first contact for anyone who have mental health issues. A GP is a physician who owns a medical degree (usually a five-year course) and has finished a one-year “pre-registration” period at a general hospital (six-months on a surgical ward and six-months on a medical ward as a “junior house officer”).

A GP has completed a range of placements in various specialities – choices include gynecology and obstetrics, paediatrics basic medicine. In this time, most physicians will require examinations to obtain the professional qualification of the Royal College of General Practitioners.

The Psychiatrist – is an entirely qualified physician (owning a health level and a yr pre-registration calendar year generally healthcare facility) who’s experienced in the identification and cure for emotional health issues. Many psychiatrists begin their psychiatric practice instantly after their pre-registration season and so have minimal practical experience in different fields of bodily disorder (however a few are coached since GP’s and subsequently shifted into psychiatry in a subsequent time).

The Psychologist – A qualified psychologist trained and is educated to an impressive level. Along with a basic degree in Psychology (a 3 year course) they will also have completed a PhD (“Doctor of Philosophy” or “Doctorate”) – an additional three-year course between independent and innovative study in some aspect of psychology. They will also be officially trained in the evaluation and treatment of psychological conditions, although with a more “psychological” slant than that of psychiatrists. Psychologists don’t prescribe medication. They have the ability to offer a assortment of talking therapies though they specialise and become expert in one specific style of therapy.

 

www.umhospital.org