The brain works like a big computer. It processes information that it receives from the senses and body and sends messages back to the body. But the brain can do much more than a machine can: humans think and experience emotions with their brain.

Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior. It is a multifaceted discipline and includes many sub-fields of study such areas as human development, sports, health, clinical, social behavior, and cognitive processes.

Psychiatry is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (an M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in mental health, including substance use disorders.

Clinical psychology is the psychological specialty that provides continuing and comprehensive mental and behavioral health care for individuals and families; consultation to agencies and communities; training, education, and supervision; and research-based practice.

Intellectual disability involves problems with general mental abilities that affect functioning in two areas: intellectual functioning (such as learning, problem-solving, judgement) adaptive functioning (activities of daily life such as communication and independent living).