Therapist Vs. Psychologist: Which One Is Right For You?

The divorce rate in the United States has generally declined since 2000. One factor that may contribute is the continued destigmatization of couples and relationship therapy, along with other evidence-based ways to support healthy relationships. 

If you’re searching for a relationship counselor, though, you may have run across a confusing distinction— the differences between a therapist vs. psychologist.

So, you may be wondering: what exactly is the difference between a therapist and a psychologist? Primarily, the two professions differ in their formal education and licensing pathways. Still, it may surprise you that therapists and psychologists have much in common, much like counselor vs psychologist.

What is a therapist?

“Therapist” is an overarching category for a handful of different professions. For example, a psychologist can be a type of therapist. Licensed social workers, counselors, and marriage and family therapists also fall into this “therapist” category.

With so many titles that fall under “therapist,” you may be wondering how to know the difference. We’re about to tell you, so keep reading!

Education

The first way to tell if you’re looking at a therapist is to look at their education. A therapist will always have an undergraduate degree, and nearly all mental health practitioners require graduate-level training, typically resulting in a master’s degree or doctorate.

There are graduate degrees with different focuses depending on what type of therapy the student wants to practice. A degree might be specific to a certain specialty, or it may more generally address psychotherapeutic techniques, mental health assessment, and other critical aspects of a therapist’s education. Some of the common titles associated with therapists include:

• Psychotherapists
• Behavioral therapists
• Cognitive-Behavioral therapists
• Child therapists
• Marriage and family therapists
• Occupational therapists

Some professions use the term “therapist” to refer to someone with only a bachelor’s degree, rather than a master’s or doctorate. 

For example, recreational therapists, who typically have bachelor’s degrees, help mentally or physically disabled people improve their general well-being. They may organize games, physical activities, and other fun events to enhance the lives of older adults in nursing homes.

Licensing requirements

After receiving an advanced degree, most states require therapists to complete supervised clinical work. This work is necessary to obtain a license to practice therapy.

To practice any form of therapy, one must earn between 1500-3000 hours of supervised counseling. In most states, a therapist must have a state-issued license to practice therapy, and therapists can also be licensed in multiple states if they desire.

After getting an advanced degree and state certification, the newly licensed therapist can officially work with clients without supervision.

Approach to therapy

The approach to therapy a therapist uses depends on their expertise.

For instance, if you need marriage and family therapy, the therapist may work with your family as a group. They’ll help you and your family overcome interpersonal issues or mental health conditions that are causing strain at home. This type of therapist also works with couples who want to improve the health of their relationship.

In contrast, behavioral therapists use the behavioral approach. With this approach to therapy and counseling, therapists provide clients with tools to change distressing behaviors by helping them recognize the external things that trigger those behaviors.

What is a psychologist?

Confusion sometimes appears when psychologists refer to themselves as therapists. Some psychologists, chiefly clinical psychologists, use their training to provide therapy in clinical settings. Not all therapists are psychologists, and not all psychologists are therapists. Some psychologists choose to engage in research, law, or advocacy instead of pursuing professional licensure. 

We’re diving into all that and more below. Check it out.

Education

Aspiring psychologists must first obtain an undergraduate degree. While any undergraduate degree can gain a student admission to a graduate-level psychology program, many students choose a program that includes general psychology, statistics, and developmental psychology courses. Many students will also work in professor-led clinical psychology research labs. Some students may even run their own research projects.

Once they’ve received an undergraduate degree in psychology, aspiring psychologists get an advanced degree in psychology, usually a PsyD, Ph.D., or Ed.D. A PsyD is a doctoral degree and often the quickest path to licensure. It is generally chosen by those who are interested in clinical practice exclusively. The Ph.D. and Ed.D. degrees incorporate a doctoral dissertation and ensure graduates are prepared to conduct empirical research within their field. 

Psychologists are given advanced training in psychometrics, or measuring mental function. They typically rely on standardized tests and assessments, using the results to determine how best to guide their clients' therapy. The process is similar to a doctor ordering a test or imaging study to gather more information about their patient’s condition. 

The specific program an aspiring psychologist chooses will depend on what type of psychology he or she wants to practice. Subjects like forensic psychology aren’t the most ideal for a career as a therapist. Instead, aspiring psychologists can choose an advanced psychology degree more fit for a therapist, including:

• Clinical psychology
• Behavioral psychology
• Counseling psychology
• School psychology

School psychologists are an important exception. Although they are granted the title of “psychologist,” they do not require a doctoral degree. School psychologists without a doctoral degree generally cannot practice outside school settings. 

Licensing requirements

After graduating from the advanced program, psychologists must then enter a strenuous internship. The exact requirements depend on the state where the therapist wants to practice. Still, most states require an American Psychological Association (APA)-approved 2-year or longer supervised doctoral internship before issuing a license.

Once a psychologist finishes his or her APA-certified internship, they must pass an exam. This exam includes a case study students must present to a board of psychology professionals.

As long as students fulfill these and any other state-deemed requirements, they can get a professional license. They can then practice in the field.

Approach to therapy

As with therapists in general, a psychologist’s approach to counseling clients depends on their expertise. 

Some psychologists use behavioral approaches when working with clients who suffer from behavioral disturbances. Others take a more cognitive approach, helping clients change troublesome thought processes. Choosing a psychologist who specializes in your area of concern may be helpful. 

Deciding between a therapist vs. a psychologist

Ultimately, choosing a mental health professional requires considering your specific concerns, deciding what you want from therapy, and finding a therapist who works well for you. While psychologists and master's-level practitioners can carry the title “therapist,” it may be worthwhile to think of therapists as simply those who practice psychotherapy professionally. 

When choosing a therapist, look for one who specializes in your area of concern. If you desire a comprehensive psychological evaluation and diagnosis, you may want to consider reaching out to a psychologist specifically. Psychologists typically have more training in psychometric assessment and may be more comfortable using advanced diagnostic instruments. However, many practitioners with master’s degrees are comfortable doing in-depth evaluations. 

Perhaps one of the most overlooked factors is your relationship with your therapist. A therapist should be a person you feel comfortable around, and just like in all other areas of life, sometimes you’ll meet a therapist you don’t “click” with. If you don’t feel at ease around your therapist, it can be difficult to establish a strong therapeutic rapport, an essential part of therapy. It is always acceptable to be honest with your therapist if you don’t feel they are a good fit; they will likely be happy to refer you to another professional. 

Choosing a professional with online therapy

Over the last several years, online therapy has become an increasingly popular way of accessing mental health care. Relationship therapy has seen a particular boom, likely since evidence suggests couples counseling is as effective online as in-person. Other forms of therapy have received similar validation, and research supports the claim that, in most cases, online therapy is a viable alternative to in-person options. 

In addition to its effectiveness, online therapy also offers cost and convenience benefits. Online therapy is often cheaper than in-person therapy, and it often offers access to more therapists than are available in your local area, giving you a greater degree of choice. In addition, you can participate in online therapy from anywhere, removing the hassle of traveling to a physical office. 

Takeaway

Psychologists and therapists are both highly-trained professionals who are qualified to provide mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Psychologists typically have doctoral degrees and often receive additional training in psychometric assessment and empirical research. Psychologists who practice clinically often refer to themselves as therapists. Therapists who practice at the master’s level often have many different titles, like licensed professional counselor, licensed clinical social worker, or marriage and family therapist. Each of those fall under the label of “therapist,” and all are qualified to provide mental health care within their area of specialty.