The distinction between psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist, psychoanalyst is very unclear to many people and the qualifications required even less clear which leads to confusion and uncertainty about who to choose when seeking a "psy" in France.

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist (Greek: psukho meaning  breath, life, soul; iatros meaning healer) is a doctor, specialised in psychiatry. This is the branch of medicine which studies disorders affecting thought, emotion and behaviour. A psychiatrist, therefore, is trained to diagnose and treat mental illness and disorder (schizophrenia, manic depression, psychoses). As a doctor they prescribe medication for which consultation fees are reimbursed by the Sécurité Sociale. A psychiatrist may also be trained as a psychotherapist.

Psychologist

A psychologist is not qualified in medicine but has a degree in psychology. In France, this is a title and can only be used after obtaining a D.E.S.S. (Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures Spécialisées) or D.E.A (Diplôme d'Etudes Approffondies) in Psychology (minimum five years of university or equivalent).

Psychologists work in different fields (legal, social, personnel, education). A clinical psychologist usually works in the health sphere: they may work in a hospital or within another health structure.

Usually trained in psychotherapy (behaviourist, psychoanalysis, gestalt), a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist are the two professions trained in basic psychology (the study of normal mental processes and behaviour) and psychopathology.

Psychotherapist

In France, "psychotherapist" is not a title and at the moment not protected by law as, although a law has recently been passed, there is not yet a  decree of implementation. Anybody, therefore, can call themselves a psychotherapist and certain psychotherapists have no basic, in-depth training in psychology.

Preferably qualified as a psychologist or psychiatrist, a psychotherapist deals with psychological problems and difficulties and using the therapeutical method in which they  were trained.

Psychoanalyst

The practise of psychoanalysis is not regulated in France. A psychoanalyst, usually a psychologist or psychiatrist, has to have completed their own psychoanalysis.

Psychoanalysis is an in-depth psychotherapy working on unconscious processes and motivations which influence people's behaviour.

Often, a psychiatrist who offers psychoanalysis does not prescribe medical treatment in their capacity as a psychoanalyst, in order not to mix the two.

Anyone in private practice must be declared with URSAFF and have a business registration number (a SIRET number) in order to work legally in France.

Page prepared by Joanna Kaluzinska, Psychotherapist-psychoanalyst,
D.E.S.S. de Psychologie Clinique et Pathologique,
Université de Paris VII.
Copyright © 2005-2007 Joanna Kaluzinska All Rights Reserved

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