What Is a Forensic Psychologist?

When you hear the term forensic psychology, you might think of TV shows with criminal profilers or courtroom drama. While those portrayals are often exaggerated, they are loosely based on real work done by forensic psychologists. In simple terms, a forensic psychologist is a licensed psychologist who applies psychology to the legal and criminal justice … Read more

Can a Psychologist Diagnose?

This article answers the question “Can psychologists diagnose mental health conditions?” by explaining that licensed psychologists are qualified to evaluate and diagnose a wide range of disorders—including anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, and personality disorders—using clinical interviews, standardized testing, and behavioral observation. Can Psychologists Diagnose Mental Health Conditions? When people think of getting a mental … Read more

Are Psychologists Doctors?

Are Psychologists Doctors? Psychologists hold advanced doctoral degrees (PhD or PsyD) in psychology, which allows them to use the title “Dr.” and specialize in therapy, counseling, and psychological testing. However, they are not medical doctors and, in most cases, cannot prescribe medication. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are medical doctors (MD or DO) who can … Read more