Doctor Decoded: Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist

In his successful 2017 standup special 3 Mics on Netflix, comedian Neal Brennan jokes about his own depression treatment: “I went to a psychiatrist and a psychologist. If you don’t know the difference, congrats on having a great life.”

Of course, Brennan’s cheeky comment isn’t totally accurate, considering an estimated 35 percent of people with a major depressive episode don’t pursue treatment, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Even among those who do get treatment, it’s not uncommon to be a little fuzzy on the difference between these two mental health specialists.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts