Therapists Vs. Psychologists: Which One Should I Choose?

Choosing to seek mental health services through individual, group, couples, or family therapy can be a brave choice to prioritize your well-being. Whether you see a mental health counselor, therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist, these professionals have the expertise to assist you in various areas of mental health. Finding an individual with the credentials to treat your specific concerns and meet your unique goals can be essential when looking for a provider.  

Psychologists and therapists often have similar roles but different education levels. In addition to an undergraduate degree, psychologists often have advanced degrees, such as a Ph.D. or PsyD, whereas therapists have master's degrees. In addition, psychologists don't all work as therapists; many study human behavior as researchers, professors, and authors. Knowing the difference between a therapist vs psychologist and other types of mental health professionals available to you can help you find the most effective patient care for any mental health disorders or concerns. 

What Is A Psychologist? 

A psychologist has an advanced degree such as a Ph.D. in psychology or a PsyD in clinical psychology. A PsyD is a type of Ph.D. issued to clinical psychologists who work directly with clients, helping them with their mental health conditions through talk therapy, psychological testing, assessment, and diagnosis of mental disorders and illnesses. 

Clinical psychologists may treat mental illnesses by providing individual therapy, marriage and family therapy, or group therapy. Ph.D. psychologists can work as clinicians, researchers, or in various settings, such as universities, corporations, and industries, doing non-clinical work involving an in-depth understanding of human behavior, ranging from why people act the way they do to behavioral struggles to severe mental illnesses. However, they can also work as counseling psychologists to offer therapy if they choose to. 

Note that psychologists are not medical doctors, despite having a doctorate. An individual must have an MD title to be a doctor. Doctors in psychology and the mental health profession include psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, and general medical doctors with a specialty in psychiatry or psychology. If you seek prescription medications, a psychiatrist is the only professional able to write the prescription or offer medication management in most states.

Many clients have a complete mental healthcare team consisting of a psychiatrist, psychologist, and sometimes case management. To know what type of professional you seek, meet with a therapist for an initial consultation. Many providers offer referrals if their services don't fit your goals. 

*Please note that the term ‘substance abuse’ is no longer included in the DSM-5, and instead is referred to as ‘substance use disorder’.

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources.

What Is A Therapist?

A therapist has a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work. Therapists provide mental and emotional support to their clients through individual, couples, group, and family therapy sessions. In addition, therapists often specialize in a specific area, such as substance use disorders, family dynamics, stress management, or grief counseling. A therapist's work frequently involves talking to their client, exploring problem areas in the client's emotional life behaviors, and mental processes, and seeking resolution by helping the person learn new coping and communication skills. 

Psychologists, therapists, and counselors often have different state licenses, and different types of professionals may also work closely with each other. A licensed clinical social worker could also work as a counselor or therapist in some cases and can provide essential links to and expertise on local community services or groups. For example, they may connect clients to food resources, emergency shelters, and government benefit programs. "Therapist" is often used as an umbrella term for all counselors, clinical social workers, and clinical psychologists. 

Is A Counselor The Same As A Therapist?

Counselors and therapists often have similarities; some use these job titles interchangeably. However, there can be differences. Licensure, certification, and requirements based on degree programs can be a few differences between a counselor and a therapist. Counselors and therapists both help people with life challenges. However, counselors may offer more short-term, focused, or general therapy methods, whereas therapists may provide long-term treatment, diagnosis, and testing as well.  

In addition, some counselors work in school settings as school psychologists or to provide career counseling. Some may provide family counseling services, where they may work on problem-solving with their clients and refer clients to therapists or psychologists for more in-depth mental health treatment. For instance, someone seeking mental health counselors for marriage or family-related issues may be referred to a licensed marriage and family therapist to work on underlying mental health conditions. 

The Main Differences Between Therapists, Psychologists, And Counselors 

Professional counselors and therapists often offer the same support and treatment for mental illness and life challenges. However, if you're looking for support with a specific area, like planning for marriage, school, or a career, you might benefit from seeing a counselor. Therapists often focus more on mental illness and mental health than specific life advice. In addition, in some states, therapists have different credentials than counselors and social workers.  

Psychologists may have additional education leading to a Ph.D. that may allow them to work with those with a severe mental illness or mental disorder. In addition, psychologists may administer psychological tests and diagnose mental illnesses. Psychiatrists have medical degrees and can prescribe medications, although some may also engage in psychotherapy with clients. Some psychologists and psychiatrists only work in hospitals, mental health clinics, or inpatient facilities to support those treated there.  

The Professional Relationship With A Psychologist, Therapist, Or Counselor

Relationships between a mental health professional and a client are often called therapeutic alliances. A sense of personal rapport can be vital to a successful therapeutic alliance. 

Finding a therapist, counselor, or clinical psychologist you trust that makes you feel comfortable can be crucial. Look for a provider offering a safe space, a listening ear, and practical advice. The success of counseling can also depend on the client's willingness to engage with the mental health professional, so be open to trying the suggestions your therapist offers. 

Licensed mental health professionals can provide clinical services using therapeutic modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reintegration therapy (EMDR), and many others. In addition, licensed psychologists often have the additional training to conduct psychological testing, assess, and diagnose mental illnesses.  

How To Find A Provider

There are many ways to find a counselor, psychologist, or therapist. You may consider looking into private practice therapy offices near you, or you may feel more comfortable in group practices. In recent years, online mental health platforms have also become a popular method for clients to get support. Numerous studies have found that online therapy can be as effective as seeing a professional in person. 

The benefits of online therapy can go beyond its effectiveness. It can also be convenient and cost-effective for those with a demanding lifestyle. Using an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can communicate with your therapist via video, phone, or live chat messaging. In addition, you may find more flexibility regarding appointment scheduling online than seeing someone in person at their office.