Once upon a time I thought I might want to be a psychologist -- the idea of helping people with behavior and mental processes was appealing.
That does sound very interesting - what about it interested you the most - any certain mental health issue?
Probably witnessing people who could be their own worst enemy, you know? Where their ability to enjoy life and create a balance between its demands and pleasures were challenged.
Does a psychologist also deal with illnesses like bi-polar?
Absolutely. Of course it depends on the psychologist, and what they may specialize in. The APA requires that applied psychologists be both researchers and practitioners, and that they possess advanced degrees.
Are they then able to prescribe medications as well?  I was always confused between a psychologist and a psychiatrist.
programs prepare students to take state licensing exams. 
Within the two main categories are many further types of psychologists as reflected by the 56 professional classifications recognized by the APA, including clinical, counseling, and educational psychologists. Such professionals work with persons in a variety of therapeutic contexts. People often think of the discipline as involving only such clinical or counseling psychologists. While counseling and psychotherapy are common activities for psychologists, these applied fields are just two branches in the larger domain of psychology. There are other classifications such as industrial
with nature, with strong morals, and with a duty to family. Followers of these religions perceive behavior as being tightly connected with health; illnesses are often thought to be a result of a moral failure or insufficiently honoring one's family in a current or past life. Furthermore, an emphasis on social harmony may discourage people with mental illness from bringing attention to themselves and seeking help. They may also refuse to speak about their mental illness because of the shame it would bring upon themselves and their family members, who could