Psychiatrist vs psychologist vs LCSW

A psychiatrist is an MD (medical doctor) who completed psychiatric residency. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication. A psychologist holds a PhD or PsyD and is trained in psychological assessment and therapy; psychologists generally cannot prescribe (except in a few states). An LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) holds a master's in social work and is trained in psychotherapy; most Black-clinician online therapists are LCSWs because the MSW pipeline historically produced more Black mental-health clinicians than psychiatry or psychology.

For depression with medication needs, the team is typically a psychiatrist or psychiatric NP for prescribing plus an LCSW or psychologist for ongoing therapy.