What are the differences between a psychologist, therapist, and counselor?

Are you feeling confused about whether to see a psychologist, therapist, or counselor for your mental health concerns? There are so many labels and names used for mental health professionals, making it difficult to know who you should see when you're seeking help.

Psychologists, therapists, and counselors may have different training and approaches, but they all treat mental, emotional, and behavioral health; they all have obtained an advanced degree, hours of training, and licensure.

Psychologists

A psychologist has a doctoral degree, such as a doctorate in philosophy (Ph.D.) or a doctorate in psychology (Psy.D.). A psychologist’s training usually has a deep foundation into the science, theory, and practice of psychology and human behavior. Psychologists are required to receive extensive clinical training as graduate students, including an internship and post-doctoral training. Additionally, they can conduct psychological and neuropsychological testing, that therapists and counselors cannot. Outside of a clinical context, a psychologist may also be a researcher in an academic or institutional setting. Psychologists receive extensive and advanced training in research methods, statistical analysis, and ethical considerations in research. Working with a psychologist balances a clinical practice with research training. Most often, psychologists do not prescribe medication.

According to the American Psychological Association, a psychologist is “an individual who is professionally trained in one or more branches or subfields of psychology. Training is obtained at a university or a school of professional psychology, leading to a doctoral degree in philosophy (PhD), psychology (PsyD), or education (EdD).”

A psychologist may use the terms therapists, therapy, or counseling to describe their services.

Therapists

A “therapist” is an overarching term for a clinician who treats mental health concerns. Therapists often have a master’s degree, but a psychologist with a doctorate degree may also be called a therapist. A master's level therapist is not allowed to call themselves a psychologist.

Common degrees for a master’s level therapist include a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). A master’s level therapist’s training may focus primarily on treatment, but they cover theory, development, society, and policy as well.

According to the National Association of Social Workers, clinical social work is “a specialty practice area of social work which focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness, emotional, and other behavioral disturbances.”

Counselors

Counseling tends to be shorter term, goal-oriented, and it addresses concrete, specific life challenges. By contrast, therapy with other professionals tends to be longer term, more exploratory and holistic, and it treats mental illness.

Counselors often specialize in a specific area, such as marriage, addiction, grief, or abuse.

Common degrees for counselors include Licensed Mental Health Counselor, (LMHC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Counselors are also not allowed to call themselves psychologists.

According to the American Counseling Association, professional counselors “help people gain personal insights, develop strategies and come up with real solutions to the problems and challenges we all face in every area of life. As trained and credentialed professionals, they accomplish this by getting to know clients, by building safe, positive relationships and suggesting tools and techniques they believe will benefit clients.”

Although you now know the basic differences between a psychologist, therapist, and counselor, it's important to know that what matters the most is your commitment to change and the connection you have with your mental health professional. It's most important to find someone you feel comfortable with so that you can build a working relationship with them. That is what allows for a healing and transformative experience.

Dr. Sandra Rodriguez-Siuts is a licensed psychologist in Arizona but is eligible to practice online therapy in 43 states. Dr. Rodriguez-Siuts is highly skilled in helping women improve their mental health. Contact our office to get started with either in-person or online therapy.