Therapist Definition

Therapy can be broken down into the Greek words “psyche,” meaning the mind or soul, and “therapy,” meaning curing or healing treatment. Therapy is commonly used for people experiencing mental disorders, stressful life events, trauma, medical illnesses, and other mental health challenges. For many people, therapy effectively improves symptoms and promotes well-being. 

Therapy overview

Therapy is a dialogue-based treatment that typically involves one or two sessions per week, each lasting 30-60 minutes. Therapy may be short-term, lasting for several weeks or a few months, or longer-term, lasting for a number of months or years. 

During sessions, individuals, couples, families, or other groups meet with a licensed therapist to discuss mental health or relationship challenges. The content of these discussions can vary considerably based on each client’s concerns and the therapist’s approach, but discussions may include childhood experiences, thoughts, emotions, behaviors, coping strategies, goals, and interpersonal challenges. 

There are many potential benefits of talk therapy, including the following: 

• A safe space to explore complex thoughts, feelings, and behaviors: Therapists are trained professionals who can provide a nonjudgmental, unbiased space to explore challenges that may be difficult to discuss with friends and loved ones.
• Improvement in symptoms: For most mental disorders, psychotherapy can effectively improve symptoms and the ability to carry out daily functions.
• Improved coping skills: Psychotherapy can reduce the use of unhelpful coping mechanisms (such as avoidance or substance use) and increase the use of healthy coping skills, such as a positive attitude, positive self-talk, and progressive relaxation. 
• Better physical health: Some studies have found that psychotherapy can improve physical health, potentially lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, while improving sleep quality.
• Greater quality of life: Multiple studies have found that therapy can improve quality of life, and this improvement is often maintained after the conclusion of therapy. 
• Relationship satisfaction: Many studies have found that couples therapy can improve relationship satisfaction and reduce conflict. 

Overall, the American Psychiatric Association has found that psychotherapy is an effective way to improve psychological, social, and physical well-being.

For those struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

There are many different types of therapists who may provide talk therapy. The following is an overview of some of the most common types: 

Psychologist

Psychologists can typically diagnose mental disorders (sometimes called “mental illnesses” or “psychiatric disorders”) and provide therapy. Some psychologists focus on academic research, teaching, or clinical therapy, while others may balance their time between these pursuits. Psychologists may also provide assessments for things like personality traits, aptitude, or intelligence. Although psychologists with doctoral degrees may be called doctors, they are not medical doctors, which means they generally cannot prescribe medications (with the exception of psychologists in a few states).

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose mental disorders, provide therapy services, and prescribe medications to help their patients manage symptoms. However, psychiatrists frequently refer patients to psychologists or other licensed professionals for therapy. 

Licensed professional counselor (LPC) or licensed mental health counselor (LMHC)

LPCs usually provide talk therapy services, but they do not often diagnose mental disorders. Oftentimes, their work focuses on promoting mental health. Therefore, if you’re experiencing severe or complex mental health challenges, a psychologist or psychiatrist may provide a greater degree of specialized support.  

Licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT)

These therapists typically emphasize the role of interpersonal and intrapersonal dynamics in mental health and relationships. Though marriage and family therapists often provide couples and family therapy, they also work with individuals one-on-one. Like many other types of therapists, these professionals can assess, diagnose, and address mental health concerns or disorders with therapy. 

Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)

Licensed clinical social workers typically utilize systems theory, which means they view their clients within the framework of their environment. In addition to providing therapy, many LCSWs connect clients with additional resources and serve as educators and advocates.

Since therapists are skilled in different areas of mental health, some people see multiple therapists concurrently. For example, someone experiencing panic disorder may see a psychologist for individual therapy, a psychiatrist for medication management, and a licensed marriage and family therapist for couples therapy. 

Therapy is sometimes stigmatized, leading to individuals avoiding treatment. Instead, seeking help can be a sign of strength. Therapy can be a valuable resource for anyone experiencing emotional or behavioral distress, looking to improve their relationships, wanting to build new skills, or seeking to understand themselves better. 

It may help to look out for the following signs and symptoms, which may indicate that it’s a good time to find a therapist:  

• You’re experiencing intense emotions, heightened irritability, or frequent mood swings.
• You’ve tried to improve your mental health on your own without success.
• You’ve noticed that your productivity and/or performance has decreased in work, school, or other obligations.
• Your ability to concentrate, make decisions, solve problems, or manage stress has decreased.
• You’ve noticed a change in your sleeping habits (such as sleeping too much or too little).
• You’re using substances, food, shopping, gambling, avoidance, or other maladaptive coping mechanisms to manage stress.
• Your relationship is experiencing repetitive arguments, reduced intimacy (emotional or physical), or other challenges.
• You frequently feel sad, empty, drained, hopeless, worthless, fatigued, or low.
• You’ve experienced trauma, such as sexual abuse or a natural disaster.
• You’re experiencing a major life stressor, such as the birth of a child, divorce, relocation, a job change, or financial challenges.
• You’re grieving.
• You’ve lost interest in activities that you used to enjoy.

Therapy benefits

Most people can benefit from talk therapy whether they are experiencing these symptoms or not. During periods of good mental health, many people find it helpful to reflect on why they’re feeling positive, celebrate milestones, and explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without the presence of high stress or emotional reactivity. In one study, some 50% of people improved after eight sessions of therapy. 

The type of therapist you see can impact your experience. For example, if you see a psychiatrist, they may focus on medications for symptom reduction, while a marriage and family therapist may emphasize the role of interpersonal relationships. In general, most therapists spend early sessions going over your symptoms, background information, challenges, and goals. Therapists may also use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to consider mental disorder diagnoses.    

Therapy sessions

Within psychotherapy, there are hundreds of different theories and approaches, which can also impact your experience in therapy. The following are some of the most common evidence-based approaches to talk therapy: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a solutions-focused therapy that aims to address negative or inaccurate thoughts and behaviors that contribute to poor mental health. During sessions, clients may be asked to consider how things like negative self-talk may impact their feelings and behaviors and then find more helpful ways to frame their thoughts. 
• Psychodynamic therapy: This type of therapy typically emphasizes unconscious thoughts and conflicts that may impact mental health. During psychodynamic therapy sessions, clients may work with therapists to explore their psychology in a less structured format than CBT tends to have.
• Humanistic therapy: Humanistic therapy is a broad category of talk therapy that often focuses on self-discovery, strengths, individuality, and personal growth. Types of humanistic therapy include client-centered therapy, narrative therapy, and solution-focused therapy. 
• Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT): IPT typically focuses on the impact of interpersonal relationships on mental health. Like CBT, IPT tends to emphasize current challenges rather than past experiences. 
• There are many factors that can impact your experience in therapy. However, therapists typically provide a safe, nonjudgmental, compassionate environment. If your therapist does not respect your boundaries, validate your feelings, meet you where you are, or gently challenge you, it’s okay to look for a new therapist. 

The following are typical requirements for different types of therapists to obtain licensure. However, specific requirements may vary by state: 

Psychologist 

Clinical psychologists typically hold doctoral degrees, such as a Ph.D. or Psy.D., though some states may allow psychologists to obtain licensure and practice with a master’s degree. Potential psychologists typically spend five to seven years completing their doctoral degree and six months to two years completing an internship. They also tend to practice for one to two years under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. Afterwards, psychologists are required to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), and they may be required to pass other state exams before receiving their license. 

Psychiatrist 

Psychiatrists are medical doctors with at least four years of medical school education and 4+ years of psychiatric residency, though many specialize and complete additional years of training. They typically hold a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).

Licensed professional counselor (LPC) or licensed mental health counselor (LMHC)

In many states, LPCs must have a Master of Counseling from an accredited program. Most LPCs are required to complete practicums and/or internships and around 2,000-4,000 supervised hours of clinical work before passing licensure exam(s). These professionals may choose to specialize in areas like school counseling, addiction counseling, or family counseling.

Licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT)

Licensed marriage and family therapists typically hold a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field. Before taking licensing exams, most aspiring LMFT’s are required to practice under supervision for approximately 2,000 to 4,000 hours. Upon passing all state exams and other state requirements, candidates can apply for licensure. 

Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)

LCSWs are licensed mental health professionals who can assess, diagnose, and treat many mental health challenges. Most states require that they earn a master’s degree in social work from an accredited school, which may include specialization in a practice like substance use and addiction, trauma and domestic abuse, or child and family welfare. After completing their degree, these professionals typically complete approximately 3,000 hours of supervised clinical work before completing a licensing exam through the Association of Social Work Boards. 

Therapists must maintain up-to-date licensure to continue providing psychotherapy. Oftentimes, they are required to renew licensure every one to two years, and they may be required to complete continuing education hours.