Commonalities And Differences Between A Therapist And Counselor

Although the words “therapist” and “counselor” are often used interchangeably, these two titles usually have several key differences involving education, licensure, the types of mental health conditions they address, and the length of treatment. However, the commonalities of these mental health professionals often include their overarching goals and their effectiveness. If you’re looking for long-term treatment for a mental health disorder, therapy may be a better option for you. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for short-term treatment to address a current situation that is causing you stress or emotional turmoil, mental health counseling may be a suitable choice. You can find a counselor or therapist locally or online.

What is a therapist?

A therapist is generally a licensed professional that uses psychotherapy (also referred to as talk therapy) to treat mental illnesses and mental health challenges. Psychotherapy is typically a long-term treatment that aims to help with chronic mental health conditions, such as depression and substance abuse and gain useful insight into these issues. Psychotherapy also commonly uses techniques to overcome chronic issues and provide coping skills for the future.

A therapist normally has a higher degree, usually at least a master’s, if not a doctorate. They may also have the knowledge and ability to diagnose mental health issues and refer you to a psychiatrist if medications are deemed necessary or potentially helpful. Some therapists may also offer counseling in addition to psychotherapy.

Types of professionals who can perform psychotherapy include:

• Psychiatrists
• Psychologists (counseling psychology)
• Clinical social workers
• Psychiatric nurse practitioners
• Licensed marriage and family therapists

What is a counselor?

Mental health counselors are licensed mental health professionals that fall under two categories: licensed professional counselor (LPCs) and licensed mental health counselor (LMHCs).

A mental health counselor is generally a trained individual that can guide you through a kind of therapy that aims to tackle specific problems that have arisen, such as situational depression, grief, trauma, or other life events that may cause you mental anguish. At its root, counseling is not typically designed to treat mental illness; rather, it can be a way for people who are generally mentally well to improve their mental health by talking through events or problems in their lives.

Mental health counselors might not have an advanced degree, though in some cases, they may have a master’s or doctorate. They usually have a bachelor’s degree. Counselors are rarely doctors or psychiatrists, meaning that they normally cannot prescribe medications. They may be able to refer you to a doctor who can prescribe medications, but this is not always the case. Generally speaking, counselors are meant to be a short-term solution to life’s many stressors.

Similarities between therapists and counselors 

Although they can be very different, there can also be some similarities between a therapist and a counselor. The similarities mostly lie in the treatment’s general purpose, the goals of treatment, and the treatment’s effectiveness. 

Goals of therapy and counseling

The primary goal of both therapy and mental health counseling is typically to develop a safe, healing, and therapeutic bond between the therapist or counselor and the client. This bond or understanding can be important for making progress in whatever problems an individual may be facing. Other therapy or counseling goals may vary depending on the situation, the client, and the particular mental health disorders or challenges involved.

Effectiveness of therapy and counseling

Where they work

Therapists and counselors may work in a wide range of settings, including:

• Personal practice
• Mental health clinics
• Hospitals
• Schools
• Prisons
• Corporations

Differences between therapists and counselors

While the terms therapist and counselor are often used interchangeably, they aren’t necessarily the same.

Level of education

One of the biggest differences between a therapist and a counselor is usually the degree that the practitioner holds. According to the American Counseling Association, counselors have a graduate level education, meaning that they either have earned a master’s degree or higher, and a license to practice in the state where they live.  

Therapists generally possess a higher degree, usually at least a master’s, if not a doctorate. Some therapists are psychologists or psychiatrists, although not all are.

Licensure

Licensure can be another big difference between counselors and therapists. According to the American Counseling Association, mental health counselors must be licensed in the state where they live.

Therapists must also normally be licensed in the state in which they practice. The type of licensure required tends to depend on the practitioner, such as whether they are a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Duration of treatment

The duration of treatment when it comes to therapy and counseling can also be very different.

Counseling is generally meant to be a short- to intermediate-term solution to life’s many problems that can arise. It is not usually meant to be a long-term solution or a way to treat serious mental health issues.

Therapy, on the other hand, is commonly an intermediate- to long-term treatment. Many people undergo therapy for one year or more several times throughout their lifetime, depending on the problems they are facing. Therapy is usually meant to treat mental illness, while counseling is primarily meant to treat the stress and anxiety that come with life’s bumps in the road.

Types of issues addressed

The types of problems that counselors and therapists address can also be different. Counseling frequently addresses normal life situations and problems such as losing a loved one, the end of a relationship or marriage, the end of a career, a traumatic event that happened to you or someone close to you, and other situational problems.

Therapists, on the other hand, tend to address different issues. Most people who get psychotherapy face either clinical depression, bipolar disorder, or another mental illness. These problems often require longer and more intense treatment.

Sometimes, therapists and counselors may overlap in the types of issues they address with clients. However, they may have a different way of working. For example, a marriage and family therapist is trained in both psychotherapy and family systems to improve a family’s dynamics. Marriage and family therapists can also evaluate, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. A counselor may work with an individual who experiences mental health problems, such as anxiety, due to family dynamics to improve their mental well-being. 

Finding a therapist or counselor

Finding a therapist or mental health counselor can be very easy. You can ask your primary care doctor for a referral, or you can talk to your health insurance provider to discover what your plan covers in terms of counselors and therapists. If you don’t have health insurance or cannot get a referral for another reason, don’t worry—you may still have options.

One option you may wish to consider is online therapy, where you may easily connect with a provider who meets your needs and preferences. A potential benefit of online therapy is that you can often schedule appointments at times that wouldn’t be available at a traditional therapist’s office—and you can attend your sessions from the comfort of your home or anywhere you have a stable internet connection.

As research has shown, there is generally no difference between the efficacy of online therapy and in-office therapy. Both types of treatment may be suitable options for those who wish to work with licensed professionals to improve their mental health.