Psychologists are specialists in human behaviour.  They help people to understand themselves better and to solve problems.  For example they train people to handle stress and family problems.  Some psychologists also treat people who are suffering from a mental illness. Psychologists can work with psychiatrists when treating people with mental illness.

Psychologists study human behaviour in their undergraduate degree before undertaking supervised experience and gaining registration, whereas, psychiatrists have a medical degree, followed by further study to specialise in psychiatry.  Psychologists cannot prescribe medication, whereas psychiatrists can.  Psychologist’s treatments are based on changing behaviour without medication.  There is a considerable amount of evidence showing psychological treatments are effective.