Psychologist vs Therapist vs Counselor: What Are the Differences?

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It can be difficult to find a therapist, especially when faced with many different titles such as psychologist, therapist, counselor, psychiatrist, social worker, and coach. Each type of clinician undergoes a different form of training, and each has a slightly different focus and approach to helping their clientele.

But before diving in, it’s worth mentioning that although learning about these distinctions can help inform your decision, you don’t need to be overwhelmed by the information or get bogged down in the weeds. Understanding a few key differences can help you determine which mental health professional is right for you or your loved one. What tends to matter most is the commitment to change and the connection you forge with a therapist. It’s important to find someone with whom you feel comfortable and with whom you can build a working relationship.

The differences between psychologists, therapists, and counselors

Psychologists, therapists, and counselors may have different training and approaches, but they all treat mental, emotional, and behavioral health; they all have obtained an advanced degree, hours of training, and licensure.

Psychologists

Psychologists hold a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and complete thousands of hours of supervised clinical training. Their education covers a broad range of topics, including human behavior, psychological testing, and psychotherapy. They provide therapy for a variety of mental health conditions, conduct psychological and neuropsychological testing (such as for ADHD, learning disorders, or trauma), and diagnose mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and schizophrenia. Psychologists may work in hospitals, clinics, schools, private practices, or academic and research settings.

Psychologist services are typically covered by health insurance when the visit is considered medically necessary, meaning that the client has a documented mental health diagnosis, such as depression or generalized anxiety disorder. However, some insurance plans may require prior authorization or a referral, particularly for psychological or neuropsychological testing.

Therapists

“Therapist” is a broad term that includes licensed clinicians with master’s or doctoral degrees. Although there are no specific requirements to use the term therapist, many complete graduate programs, supervised clinical hours, and state licensing exams. Common license types for therapists include:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Psychologist (PhD or PsyD)

Therapists provide talk therapy for individuals, couples, and families. Their focus is often on helping clients understand emotions, patterns, and relationships. They can usually diagnose and treat mental health conditions but cannot prescribe medication. In addition, therapy by a licensed professional (LCSW, LMFT, LMHC, LPC, PsyD, PhD) is typically covered by insurance if the patient has a mental health diagnosis. Sessions for general life stress, self-improvement, or coaching without a diagnosis may not be covered by insurance.

Counselors

Counseling tends to be shorter term, goal-oriented, and focused on concrete, specific life challenges. Many individuals use the terms therapist and counselor interchangeably, although counselor is a subset of therapist, often describing professionals with licensures that specifically include the term “counselor,” such as Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs).

Most licensed counselors can bill insurance. However, as with therapists, coverage may depend on the client’s diagnosis and insurance network.

The difference between therapists and coaches

Therapy and coaching are distinct entities. Therapists can diagnose and treat mental illness, address emotional and behavioral problems, explore the past, and help clients achieve greater happiness and fulfillment.

Coaches generally do not treat mental health disorders. Rather, they help individuals accomplish specific goals, such as those related to work or overall wellness. Therapy tends to be longer term, while coaching tends to be shorter term, often ending once an individual’s goals are met; however, the length of both coaching and therapy can vary according to the objectives of each client.

Providing therapy requires an advanced degree, training, and licensure. Coaching as a field is unregulated and does not require training or licensure; coaching can be very beneficial but it’s important to find a credible, experienced individual. Additionally, therapy is often covered by insurance, while coaching is not.

The difference between therapists and psychiatrists

Psychologists, as well as social workers and counselors, can practice talk therapy in all its forms, but they cannot prescribe medication to treat mental illness. A psychiatrist, who is a trained physician, can prescribe medication, as can nurse practitioners. In addition, several states have made narrow exceptions for psychologists who practice in geographic areas where psychiatrists are in short supply.

Many psychologists refer to themselves as doctors. However, this degree refers to a doctor of philosophy or doctor of psychology, not a doctor of medicine.