Final answer:
Licensed clinical or counseling psychologists, with a Ph.D. or Psy.D., specialize in psychological assessment and treatment. They may work in various settings from private practice to hospitals, and unlike psychiatrists, they can interpret psychological tests but cannot prescribe medication.
Step-by-step explanation:
Professionals with a Ph.D. (doctor of philosophy) or Psy.D. (doctor of psychology) specializing in the assessment and treatment of psychological difficulties are known as licensed clinical or counseling psychologists. Upon completing their degree, individuals in most states are typically required to complete postdoctoral work under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. This requirement has begun to be removed in several states in recent years. Those who pass the licensure exam after meeting the state requirements are authorized to practice. Clinical psychologists can work in various settings such as private practice, hospitals, and legal systems, and unlike psychiatrists, who have an MD (doctor of medicine) and can prescribe medications, clinical psychologists can administer and interpret psychological tests but do not prescribe medications. They also may employ various therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to assist individuals.
Counseling psychologists offer services to improve the emotional, social, and vocational aspects of the lives of individuals, while clinical psychologists focus primarily on diagnosing and treating psychological disorders and other problematic behaviors. Both examine how our cognitions affect our lives and might utilize techniques like hypnosis, alongside CBT, for treatment. Specialists such as biopsychologists or forensic psychologists have different fields of application, with the former potentially working in pharmaceuticals and the latter in legal contexts assessing and providing recommendations for trials or parole hearings.