Dr. Sanjoy Mukerji Magathane, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Psychologists are trained in the science of psychology (study of mind and behavior). They work in some 56 different specialities. Psychologists who are licensed as mental health professionals are students of doctoral programs (i.e.; they have degrees such as Ph.D., Psy.D., or the equivalent) which often take 4 to 6 years of study after college. They treat patients without medicines. They provide counselling and psychotherapy; hence, these psychologists are also known as psychotherapists.They engage their clientspatients in "talk therapy" such as: rational emotive therapy, cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, etc. in order to help improve various areas of their lives. Psychologists have more training in psychological research than psychiatrists (M.D.s) who are physicians and have completed at least 4 years of postgraduate training. Psychiatrists are the mental health specialists licensed to prescribe drugs (medicines), but they are not trained in psychotherapy. Medication gives temporary relief and that too with side effects and at times addiction, but cannot cure or heal a patient. Feeling better and getting better are two different things. Counselling and certain alternative therapies, on the other hand, can heal or cure a patient and that too without side effects.