What is the difference between a therapist and a psychologist?
Differences Between a Therapist and a Psychologist
The terms "therapist" and "psychologist" are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different roles within mental health care.
Therapist
- General Term: "Therapist" is a broad term used for professionals who provide talk therapy or counseling to individuals, couples, or groups.
- Credentials: Therapists can include licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), licensed professional counselors (LPCs), marriage and family therapists (MFTs), psychologists, and even some psychiatrists. Their education and training can vary, but they typically hold at least a master’s degree and a state license to practice.
- Scope: Therapists focus on helping clients manage mental health issues, emotional challenges, life transitions, and relationship problems through various therapeutic techniques.
Psychologist
- Specific Profession: A psychologist is a mental health professional with a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology.
- Training: Psychologists are specifically trained in psychological assessment, research, and a wide range of therapeutic techniques. They often conduct psychological testing and diagnosis.
- Scope: In addition to providing therapy, psychologists can perform psychological evaluations and research. In some regions, they may also provide supervision, consultation, and, in limited cases, prescribe medication (with extra training and certification).
Summary Table
- Therapist: Broad term, includes many types of counselors/mental health professionals.
- Psychologist: Doctoral-level, specialized in assessment, therapy, and research.
All psychologists who provide therapy are therapists, but not all therapists are psychologists.