The Difference Between Therapist and Psychologist
Seeking professional mental help is not just for those dealing with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. And while doing so does make a difference in treating various disorders, you can also reach out to one as a way of caring for your mental health. When the going gets tough or you find yourself unable to cope with difficult feelings, consulting a therapist or psychologist can help.
Both psychologists and therapists are mental health professionals that can improve your mental health and may offer in-person, virtual, or online text therapy. These titles may be often used interchangeably, but they have key similarities and differences. Learning more about them and what each profession can do can help you make an informed decision about your unique mental health needs and goals.
Theta chamber therapy is another kind of therapy that can improve your sleep quality, anxiety reduction and can be a great help for stress relief.
Let’s dive deep into the similarities and differences between the two and what each professional can provide in terms of mental health.
Similarities and differences between therapist and psychologist
In general, both therapists and psychologists:
- Can help improve mental and emotional health
- Can provide care and treatment to help patients overcome behavioral and mental health issues
- Diagnose mental health issues
- Are licensed or carry state-certified licensing
Both therapists and psychologists cannot prescribe medication in most states. In certain states, however, they can do so if they have training in mental health pharmacology. In most cases, patients turn to psychiatrists for medication as they are trained to provide this service as well as offer a range of therapies for serious mental illnesses.
The difference between therapists and psychologists lies in their:
- Education and training
- Specializations
- Treatment approach
Psychologists have a master’s degree, as well as a doctorate in clinical psychology or other specialization. All psychologists can be referred to as therapists, although not all therapists are psychologists. Also, not all psychologists offer psychotherapy or are experienced therapists, as some focus on research or teaching.
What is a therapist?
Therapist is a generic term for a professional that is trained in providing treatment that helps improve some aspect of a person’s mental health. They use psychotherapy or talk therapy to diagnose or treat mental health illnesses and use different approaches based on the needs of the patient. Therapists are trained in one or more types of therapy, with the term often used synonymously with psychotherapists.
There are many different types of therapy such as:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Humanistic therapy
Career setting/work environment: Therapists practice in hospitals, private offices, group homes, treatment centers/facilities, and community settings. Different skills and training, of course, are required in each setting or work environment.
Areas of specialization/specialties: These professionals can be marriage counselors, family therapists, substance abuse counselors, life coaches, and social workers among other specialties. They work together with patients, providing mental health services via in-person, virtual, or online text therapy.
Education and training: As previously mentioned, therapists and counselors have training in the field of psychotherapy. These professionals have at least a master’s degree (Master of Social Work or MSW, Master of Arts in Psychology, Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy) with some also holding a doctorate in a certain specialty. They take exams and go through additional training relevant to their specialty to become licensed and provide care/treatment.
What they do: Therapists provide support and guidance to help patients work through their issues, as well as develop more effective and healthier habits. They go deeper to discover the root cause of the problem to understand patients more and create personalized solutions. Both you and your therapist work together to identify and modify harmful thoughts and behavior patterns.
Therapists help patients understand themselves, as well as identify and solve problems by creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space that is grounded in dialogue. Therapists often provide psychotherapy or talk therapy, but they can also use different approaches or strategies depending on what suits the patient best.
What is a psychologist?
A psychologist is a healthcare professional that studies or deals with human behaviors, emotions, and thoughts. This profession can apply to those who use psychological knowledge and training to provide mental health care and treat mental illnesses. It can also refer to those who work as social scientists to conduct research and teach at educational institutions.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), psychologists are professionally trained in one or more branches of psychology and a variety of techniques. Clinical psychology, which is a prominent specialty within the field, as stated by the APA, is a research-based practice and offers comprehensive and continuing mental care for individuals and families.
Career setting/work environment: As psychologists are trained in different techniques, they can work in various settings. Some work in private offices or independently, or in medical settings such as clinics, hospitals, treatment facilities, or psychiatric institutions. Some collaborate with doctors and social workers or work in school settings with students, teachers, and parents.
Areas of specialization/specialties: There are a number of different specialties within the field of psychology. Most psychologists are also qualified to provide psychotherapy or work as therapists, but some do not provide patient care. Some specialties include:
- Clinical psychology
- School psychology
- Counseling psychology
- Industrial or organizational psychology
- Child psychology
- Forensic psychology
Education and training: Typically, psychologists need a doctoral degree (a PsyD or a PhD) although for some positions or depending on the work setting, a master’s degree is enough. Clinical psychologists require a doctorate degree in that specialty, as well as internships and a year or two of clinical experience. They need to pass a national examination, as well as additional tests required by the state where they are getting a license.
For a few US states that allow psychologists to prescribe medication, advanced training is required after getting licensed. The guidelines differ by state, but in most cases, these professionals need a master’s degree in psychopharmacology or to finish a specialized training program.
What they do: Psychologists provide mental health aid and treatment to different kinds of people and problems. They can help individuals navigate a complicated situation like a death of a loved one, as well as teach people to overcome unhealthy behaviors and addictions, as well as cope with stressful situations. They can also make mental health diagnoses and provide tailored treatments.
Some can also turn to these professionals for dealing with anger, anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. Psychologists, furthermore, promote well-being by helping patients manage a chronic illness that affects their lifestyle or quality of life. They conduct tests and assessments to learn more about a person’s behaviors, emotions, and thoughts, or help diagnose a condition.
You see a therapist or a psychologist?
Both therapists and psychologists have the education and training to help individuals improve their mental health or offer support for dealing with life challenges. The right choice between the two will depend on the issues you’re hoping to improve or address.
It is a good idea to learn more about their license and training, and what they specialize in to help you make an informed decision. You should also ask if they offer in-person, video chat, online text therapy, or any other modes of communication you feel comfortable with.
Both are ideal for general counseling, grief, and relationship concerns. A therapist may be a good fit if you’re looking to reach a specific goal or improve the way you approach certain situations in life. Clinical psychologists can also be experienced in those areas, but are also able to conduct more testing and assessment to treat different mental disorders.
A little research can go a long way in knowing which mental health professional is right for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to one by requesting a consultation, and asking questions related to sessions, specializations, scheduling, and cost.
