What is the difference between psychologist, counsellor and therapist?
While “psychologist,” “therapist,” and “counsellor” are often used interchangeably, each profession has a unique background and manner of providing care.
In general, psychologists, therapists, and counselors all work with mental, emotional, and behavioral health and frequently use comparable techniques.
Nonetheless, psychologists work more likely with patients with grave mental conditions. They receive more rigorous training in theory and practice in abnormal psychology. Counselors and some therapists, however, are concerned more on the help needed of individuals in coping with stressors in their life that cause physical, social, and emotional burdens. These burdens will be easier to overcome if they become well. Therefore, understanding the extent of help a psychologist could provide is crucial.
The article will discuss some of the differences between psychologists, therapists, and counselors.
Their training and methods vary. Yet, all psychologists, therapists, and counselors work with mental, emotional, and behavioral health. All have completed advanced degrees, received hours of training, and become licensed.
Psychologist:
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 (Ph.D.), psychology (Psy.D.), or education (Ed.D).”
A psychologist has a doctoral degree, such as a doctorate in philosophy, a Ph.D., or a doctorate in psychology, a Psy.D. They may focus more of their training on science, theories, and practice of psychology and human behavior.
They are likely to treat the most serious mental illnesses, like psychosis or personality disorders. Outside of a clinical context, a psychologist may also be a researcher in an academic or institutional setting.
Therapist:
According to the National Association of Social Workers, clinical social work is “a specialty practice area of social work. It focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness, emotional, and other behavioral disturbances.” A therapist might not hold a doctoral degree. In contrast to a psychologist, their training and expertise is invaluable.
A common degree for a master’s level therapist would be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT. Training for a master’s level therapist can primarily focus on treatment. It also encompasses theory, development, society, and policy as well.
Counselors:
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. They build safe, positive relationships and suggest tools and techniques they believe will benefit clients.” Having a good psychologist or counselor can be crucial to one’s mental health journey.
Counseling is relatively brief term, focused, and dealing with very real, tangible, and particular aspects of a life situation. Treatment by other practitioners tends to be longer term, more open-ended, and generally focused on treating a diagnosed mental illness.
Counselors have specific areas where they specialize in. Some specializations include marriage, addiction, grief, and abuse. Some examples of specialized counseling include drug and alcohol counseling. This refers to the form of counseling involving certified individuals assisting clients in their recovery from alcohol and substance use disorders.
Common degrees for counselors include Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, and Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC.
While psychologists, therapists, and counselors all contribute significantly to mental health and wellbeing, they are trained differently and focus on different things. Psychologists are usually found to have doctoral degrees. They work with more serious mental illness and in conjunction with research and academic pursuits. Therapists specialize in psychotherapies and tend to focus on treatment-oriented approaches. Counselors help clients find ways to live through life challenges and relationships. They may specialize in a particular area, such as career or education. Knowing these differences can allow a person to make an educated decision about what kind of mental health professional best suits their needs. Regardless of their title, all three share a common aim: to guide people toward improving their mental and emotional well-being by using science-based practices and compassionate care.
