It is not always easy to know which of these professionals to consult. Often confused under the label "psychologist", these professions are nevertheless different.
Seek help
Live better
Treating post-traumatic stress disorder
The different professionals
The psychiatrist
holds a doctorate in medicine. During his academic career, he specialized in the study of psychiatric disorders.
As such, he can prescribe medication and hospitalizations. He issues a care sheet to be reimbursed by the social security.
The psychologist
holds a Master 2 (or DESS) degree in psychology. During his studies, he specialized in the study of human behavior. In France, the title is protected and recognized by the State since 1985.
All psychologists must have an Adeli number (issued by the Agence régionale de santé) in order to practice.
The clinical psychologist offers therapeutic interviews, assessments using tests and questionnaires, but he or she will not be able to prescribe medication because he or she is not authorized to issue a prescription. Some mutual insurance companies offer reimbursement of the acts: an experiment is underway since 2018.
Additional training
In addition to their initial training, some psychiatrists and psychologists may undergo additional training that allows them to acquire and master specific psychotherapy tools such as EMDR, behavioral and cognitive therapies, hypnosis, psychoanalysis, etc.
As for the use of the title of psychotherapist, it is protected and regulated since 2010 in France. As such, it has an Adeli number and must be registered in the national register of psychotherapists. There is no university training; the title is issued on the basis of an evaluation by the Regional Health Agency of the skills developed or the training followed. Consultations are not reimbursed.
For all other designations (e.g., psychopractitioner), caution is advised.
116 006
00 33 1 80 52 33 76 from abroad.
Victim support number managed by France Victimes.
Free call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
39 19
Violences Femmes Info" number managed by the Fédération nationale solidarités femmes.
Free call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, not appearing on telephone bills.
0 800 05 95 95
Viols Femmes Informations" number managed by the Collectif féministe contre le viol.
Free call from Monday to Friday from 10am to 7pm.
30 20
Toll-free number "no to harassment" managed by the Ministry of Education.
Free call from Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm and Saturday from 9am to 6pm (except on public holidays).
30 18
Toll-free number "net écoute" if the harassment takes place on the Internet.
Free call from Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm.
