Ability to diagnose: Psychologists and psychiatrists can diagnose their patients' mental health conditions, whereas counselors provide resources and create plans without an official diagnosis.

If a person needs or wants medications, they should visit a psychiatrist. Patients who prefer psychotherapy should consult a psychologist. It is important to note that psychotherapy requires the willingness to change and readiness to take an active approach toward one's issues.

He said the most significant difference between the two fields is that a psychiatrist is a medical doctor and can prescribe medication. While psychologists typically hold doctorate degrees, they do not attend medical school and are not medical doctors.

Clinical psychologists can perform assessments and make complex diagnoses. Psychotherapists diagnose and treat more general mental health conditions. Clinical and counseling psychologists and psychotherapists can use different approaches to mental health treatment, based on specialty, degree or training.