psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who treats mental illness. See a psychiatrist, a consultant psychiatrist, referred to a psychiatrist.

The key distinction is training: a psychiatrist is a qualified doctor and can prescribe medication, while a psychologist studies the mind and usually cannot. A psychotherapist provides talking therapy and may come from either background. In Britain you generally reach a psychiatrist by referral. Note psychiatry, the field; and that the p is silent — sy-KY-a-trist.