Therapist Or Psychologist? Which Mental Health Therapy Provider Is Right For You?

When seeking advice and support for life changes and challenges, many individuals turn to licensed mental health professionals, including therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. However, understanding the differences in these terms can help you in finding the most suitable professional for you. 

The differences between various professional titles 

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

Types of mental health counseling 

There are many different disciplines that fall under the category of therapy, 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, other therapists may have various 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 

What conditions do these psychotherapy providers treat? 

Regardless of the discipline a counselor, therapist, or psychologist works in, whether they have an undergraduate degree or a doctoral degree, they must all have passed their state licensure exam to be licensed within their state to practice therapy. Each one of these may have their own specialty in human behavior, regardless of their official designation. The typical areas of concern addressed by a therapist or 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 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 therapy with a licensed therapist

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

Therapists vs. psychologists 

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 professional who works in a therapeutic counseling setting, such as counselors, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists. Psychologists can also work as therapists in clinical practice. 

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

PsyD vs PhD in Psychology Program

Can a therapist or psychologist prescribe medication?

Most psychologists, therapists, and counselors cannot prescribe medications. However, in certain states, they have the right to do so if they are appropriately trained in mental health pharmacology. However, most individuals go to psychiatrists or 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 medication.

How much do sessions cost for every client?

Cost is often on many clients' minds when seeking therapy. Often, the cost of sessions depends on a therapist or psychologist's location, 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. 

Types of mental health and psychology professionals

There are many types of therapists, all of which cover various areas of mental health. Understanding the difference between each can further guide you in choosing your provider and finding a therapist who can meet your specific needs.

Psychologists

Marriage and family counselors

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. They might also provide resources and specific family therapy modalities not practiced in their individual sessions. Often, these providers have a master's or doctorate. 

Couples’ therapists 

Couples’ therapists, like LMFTs, could be grouped under the family counseling umbrella. However, they 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 providers may have a master's or doctorate that qualifies them to practice.

Substance use counselors

A counselor specializing in substance use disorders can help clients struggling with substance use and dependency in their lives. Also known as addiction therapists, these 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

Child and adolescent counselors

A child or adolescent counselor is a licensed mental health professional who works with those under 18 and young adults up to 25. A counselor 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 providers 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

Group therapists

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

Social workers

How to look for therapy options and treatment plans

Find psychotherapy professionals in popular cities

Planning to see someone in your community can take research and time. It is generally easier to find in-person therapy in popular cities; if you live outside of populated areas, online therapy options are also available. The information you may need to compile to choose between all your 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 provider's biography to see their education, license, experience, interests, and specialty areas.

Check alternatives for online counseling or psychology treatment

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

Online therapists 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). They have a master's degree or a doctorate in their field.