Dr Caryl Huzziff
Clinical Psychologist, PhD
MNZCCP; MPS
Frequently asked questions
A psychologist studies how we think, feel, and behave from a scientific viewpoint and applies this knowledge to help people understand, explain, and change their behaviour.
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A psychologist holds a master’s and/or doctoral degree in psychology that involves from 6 to 10 years university study of how people think, feel, and behave. Psychologists who hold doctoral degrees can use the title ‘Dr.’.
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Psychologists are trained to assess and diagnose problems related to thinking, feeling, and behaviour, as well as trained to help people overcome and/or manage these difficulties. A psychologist is uniquely trained to use psychological tests to help with assessment and diagnosis. Psychologists help people to overcome or manage their problems using a variety of treatments or psychotherapies.
Psychologists do no prescribe medications, so clients often consult his/her physician or psychiatrist about medication while seeing a psychologist for psychotherapy.
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Psychiatrists are medical doctors who go on to specialize in mental health and mental health disorders. Psychiatrists often use medication to help their clients manage their mental health disorders and there are some disorders for which medications are very necessary. Some psychiatrists also do psychotherapy, much like psychologists do.