Some people use the terms “psychologist,” “therapist.”
and “counselor” interchangeably, but each has different training and different approaches to how they provide care.
Fiordaliso / Getty Images
What Is a Psychologist?
Fiordaliso / Getty Images
Psychologists are deeply involved in the science, theory, and practice of psychology.
Because of their extensive training, they are likely to treat severe mental illnesses likebipolar disorderandpsychoses.
They are also trained to conduct psychological andneuropsychological testing.
Licensure can take an additional one to two years, with some states requiring a one-year postdoctoral residency.
Subspecialties like child psychology or neuropsychology require additional training.
Despite the word clinical, clinical psychologists are not medical doctors.
What Is a Therapist?
As such, they tend to be focused more on treatment and often within a specific area of practice.
What Is a Counselor?
Which Is Right for Me?
The choice of the"right" mental health professionalultimately depends on your individual needs and circumstances.
From the broadest perspective:
But there are no hard and fixed rules.
Another issue may be cost.
Many insurance plans cover some or all of the cost of therapy from a licensed practitioner.
Group counseling is typically less expensive than one-on-one counseling.
Summary
Psychologists, therapists, and counselors are three different types of mental health professionals.
Seeking mental health care is a positive step and important self-care.
American Psychological Association.APA accreditation.
American Psychological Association.Clinical psychology.
American Psychological Association.Counseling psychology.
American Psychological Association.School psychology.
American Psychological Association.APA membership information.
American Psychological Association.Masters-level psychological assessment competencies and training.
Institute of Medicine.Requirements related to the practice of counseling.
