Understanding The Difference: Therapist And Psychologist

When seeking advice and support for life challenges, many individuals turn to licensed mental health professionals, including therapists and psychologists. However, understanding the differences between a therapist and a psychologist can help you in finding the most suitable psychology professional for you. 

The difference between a psychologist and a therapist

When seeking support for mental health and psychological conditions from a therapist, it can be beneficial to first reach out to different therapists in the mental health profession who may be the most qualified to support you and your psychological needs. This can help you find the right therapist to meet your needs.

Types of counseling 

There are many different psychology disciplines that fall under the category of a therapist, including but not limited to the following: 

• Guidance counseling
• Educational therapy 
• Art therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Music therapy
• Dance therapy
• Hypnotherapy
• Rehabilitation counseling
• Substance use counseling
• Career counseling
• Couples therapy

In addition, a therapist can have different psychology licensure titles, including:

• LCPC: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
• MD: Medical Doctor
• Ph.D.: Doctor of Philosophy
• PsyD: Doctor of Psychology
• MSW: Master of Social Work
• LMHC: Licensed Mental Health Counselor
• LCMHC: Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
• MFCC: Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor
• CADC: Certified Alcohol And Drug Counselor
• CAC: Certified Addiction Counselor 

Conditions a therapist can treat 

Regardless of the discipline a counselor, therapist, or psychologist works in, whether they have an undergraduate degree or a doctoral degree, psychotherapists must all have passed their state licensure exam to be licensed within their state to practice psychological therapy. Each professional may have a different specialty in human behavior and psychology, regardless of their official designation. Typical areas of concern in therapy addressed by a therapist and psychologist include:

• Anger
• Eating disorders
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts or actions
• Stress
• Anxiety disorders
• Personality disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 
• Substance use disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Relationship challenges
• Trauma, such as death, abuse, or sexual assault
• Life transitions, such as moving
• Pre-marital relationship concerns 

If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7.

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

Mental health support with a licensed therapist or psychologist

Participating in therapy with a licensed mental health professional can help you mitigate psychological symptoms associated with some mental health disorders. However, you do not need a mental health diagnosis and severe concern to reach out for support and therapy from licensed psychotherapists. Counseling and psychological therapy can be used as a tool to achieve self-growth, learn new skills, and make positive changes in your life. Finding a suitable psychology counselor can be critical to learning techniques to manage different thoughts and feelings while finding resources, tips, and advice from therapists to address the day-to-day challenges you may face. 

A quick note: life coaches offer support for a number of life challenges, but they are different from licensed psychologists or therapists. While some people find their services useful, this profession does not have the same educational and professional requirements a counselor receives. A licensed therapist may offer life coaching, but be careful to check the qualifications of any professional using this title. 

Therapist and psychologist: The difference between them 

The most significant difference between a therapist and a psychologist involves the career options for each. The word "therapist" is often used as an umbrella term to discuss any mental health or psychological professional who works in a therapeutic counseling setting, such as counselors, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists. Psychologists can also work as psychotherapists in different areas, like clinical practice, hospitals, and therapy. 

However, there can be a difference in educational requirements for therapists and psychologists, and someone who calls themselves a psychologist may not be a therapist, and a therapist may be a psychologist. Psychologists have a PsyD or a Ph.D. In these programs, a psychologist can focus on research, practice, and a combination of the two. Some of these psychologists may work in research, go on to be psychology professors at a university, become authors, and work in a hospital setting. Psychotherapists without this educational background may not have the same career possibilities, although both a therapist and a psychologist must undergo similar training and clinical supervision to practice therapy. 

PsyD and PhD

As a further difference, an individual with a PsyD degree may not do as much research training as a person in a psychologist Ph.D. program. Someone studying in a Ph.D. program in psychology will often have training in both research and psychologist practice. 

Social workers can teach at college level, many professors in both undergraduate and graduate programs only have MSW (without another Ph.D) or they may have a DSW (may also be true for counselors). However, they can provide therapy and counseling services in various environments. A psychologist may also be involved with the American Psychological Association (APA), the most prominent psychological association in the US. The American Psychological Association also provides an ethics code and various resources for mental health professionals such as a psychologist. Counselors may be involved in the American Counselors Association (ACA) as opposed to the American Psychological Association.

Who can prescribe medication?

Most psychologists, psychotherapists, and counselors cannot prescribe medications. However, in certain states, therapists and counselors have the right to do so if they are appropriately trained in psychological pharmacology. However, most individuals go to psychiatrists and a primary care physician for medication, as they are medical doctors trained to offer this service. In general, your therapist will not be able to prescribe psychological medication in therapy.

Session costs

Cost of psychological therapy is often on many clients' minds when seeking support and advice. Often, the cost of sessions depends on a psychologist's location, psychologist specialty, practice type, experience in specific mental disorders, and educational level. A therapist with a master's degree may earn less than a psychologist with a Ph.D. in psychology who is affiliated with the American Psychological Association. 

Generally, therapy prices may be between $65 to $250 or more per hour. Depending on what country you are in, you may expect to pay between $100 to $200 for each therapy session. If you have insurance, you probably need to co-pay as insurance coverage varies widely. Insurance may cover a few dollars to about $50 and more.

Otherwise, you may opt for online therapy service providers such as BetterHelp. The cost of therapy through BetterHelp can be between $70 to $100 per week. This is billed every 4 weeks. The cost can also vary based on your location, source, preferences, and availability. There are also other online therapy options which can range anywhere between $65 to $95 per session.

Mental health professionals

There are many types of psychotherapists, all of which cover therapy in various areas of psychology. Understanding the difference between each type of therapist can further guide you in choosing your provider and finding support from a roster of qualified therapists who can meet your specific psychological needs.

Understanding the difference between a psychologist and a therapist 

Many psychologists only have master's degrees, they may, for example, perform psychological testing in schools, or a related field and have often completed advanced psychology studies. A clinical psychologist may also research topics that interest them, independently or as faculty for higher education facilities. Psychologists may work with clients and determine treatments and therapy based on their observations. 

Counseling psychology practitioners provide guidance and can help clients make decisions, find support, and clarify their different feelings in therapy. This type of psychologist often works as part of a team when tackling a client's concerns. For example, they might work alongside a psychiatrist to refer clients requiring medication. A psychologist can work in many practice areas; however, not all psychologists work in clinical psychology or therapy with clients. 

Marriage and family therapists

Family therapy is a type of therapy for families and couples. Marriage and family therapists (LMFT or MFCC) have specific therapeutic training and licensing in supporting individuals with topics from conflict to divorce. These therapists might also provide different resources and specific family therapy modalities not practiced in individual sessions. Often, these therapists have a master's or doctorate. 

Couples’ psychotherapists 

Couples’ therapists, like LMFTs, could be grouped under the family therapist umbrella. However, couples' therapists might not have specific licensing in family or marriage concerns and instead support any couple. Couples' therapists meet with couples to help them set goals, learn coping mechanisms, and improve their relationships. These therapists may have a master's or doctorate that qualifies them to practice.

Substance use psychologist

A provider specializing in substance use disorders can help clients struggling with substance use and dependency in their lives. Also known as addiction therapists, these therapists providers often have a master's degree or higher in psychology or social work. In some states, individuals may be able to work as a chemical dependency counselor or support worker with a bachelor's degree and education in the impacts of substance use through an accredited university. 

Grief counselors

Grief counselors help clients cope with unique impacts of grief and loss. Grief counselors can support those who have experienced the death of a loved one, a traumatic experience surrounding loss, or a breakup or divorce. Those experiencing depressive disorders, grief, and different concerns due to loss may turn to this type of psychology professional. Grief counselors often have a master's degree and specific training in the impact of grief. They may work in grief counseling centers, grief camps, or provide individual psychological counseling or therapy.

Child and adolescent psychotherapists

A child or adolescent psychologist is a licensed mental health professional who works with those under 18 and young adults up to 25. Psychologists with this specialty may support children and their families as they cope with mental health challenges. Both counseling psychologists or school psychologists can be valuable for adolescents when they are feeling anxious about growing pains, managing what comes after they finish high school, getting a job, managing their relationships, and coping with bullying they may face. At times, these psychologists offer family therapy to involve the entire family in the child's therapeutic treatment, such as going to occupational therapy to treat physical, mental, developmental, emotional, and behavioral struggles that interfere with the patient's ability to complete everyday chores.  

Divorce counselors

Another psychology professional one may talk to is a divorce counselor. Licensed mental health professionals and therapists specializing in divorce counseling can offer these divorcing couples psychological advice and support, helping these couples navigate the challenges of separation and divorce.

Divorce counselors may use a collaborative process. The collaborative process is a divorce method that involves working as a team to reach an agreement. Settling assets and discussing custody in court can be expensive and emotionally exhausting. This process is designed to help the divorcing couples reach an amicable agreement and find clarity. 

Group psychotherapists

In group therapy, a licensed mental health professional may lead a session with multiple clients living with similar mental disorders or mental health concerns. The facilitator can create an environment where these participants feel free to discuss challenges with like-minded individuals and feel less alone in shared experiences. There are various types of group therapy sessions, with some therapists focusing on behavioral concerns and others focusing on a specific psychological modality, like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). 

Social workers

A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) has a master's degree in clinical social work. LCSWs may work with communities, humanitarian causes, or as counselors offering advice and support. Licensed clinical social workers provide services for varied populations, helping their clients from many different walks of life cope with areas of concern like depression, substance abuse, and anxiety.

Support options

If you are hoping to find a therapist, there are many specialty therapists and counselors to choose from. First, consider any challenges or emotional problems that you'd like to address with the help of a professional. Next, seek out potential therapists or psychologists in your area specializing in particular issues. Consider the treatment costs of these therapists, whether you'd like to meet in an office or online, and reviews from other clients before pursuing an initial therapy consultation with a specific provider.

Find a psychologist or a mental health professional in popular cities

Planning to see a professional in your community can take time to research within a large roster of qualified therapists and time. It is generally easier to find in-person therapists in popular cities; if you live outside of populated areas, online therapists are also available. The information you may need to compile to choose between all options can be scattered across the internet. However, if you decide to participate in talk therapy through a platform like BetterHelp, you can view a therapist's biography to see their education, license, experience, interests, and specialty areas.

If you're unsure about the effectiveness of internet-based therapy with a therapist, note that one study found that over 53% of participants found therapy with an online provider preferable to in-person therapy due to its personalized nature and the comfort of meeting a therapist through an internet connection from home. 

Online psychotherapists can be trained and accredited psychologists (Ph.D./PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social workers (LCSW/LMSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). Online therapists also have a master's degree or a doctorate in their field.