Therapist vs. Psychologist? Therapist vs. Psychotherapist?

When navigating behavioral health care, it can be confusing to differentiate between therapists, psychologists, psychotherapists, psychiatrists, and clinical psychologists. Each professional has a unique role in providing support, from talk therapy to psychological assessments and medication management. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right specialist based on your needs—whether you’re looking for emotional support, a formal diagnosis, or medical treatment. In many cases, professionals can be in multiple categories, and the services you receive can evolve as the person gets to know you. Please feel free to contact me or schedule a consultation if you’d like to learn more.

Therapist vs. Psychologist

People often ask whether they should choose a therapist or a psychologist. A therapist and psychologist provide mental health support but have different training, education, and roles. Also, while a psychologist can be a therapist, a therapist cannot be a psychologist without specific education and training.

What is a Therapist

• A broad term that includes various professionals (counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists, etc.).
• Can have different degrees (master’s or doctorate) in fields like social work, counseling, or psychology.
• Provides talk therapy, coping strategies, and emotional support.
• May specialize in areas like trauma therapy, relationship therapy, or addiction.
• Cannot prescribe medication (unless also a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner).
• Received at least two years of formal education and training plus two additional years of supervised work.

What is a Psychologist

• A specialist in psychology at the doctoral level, usually with a Ph.D. or Psy.D.
• Trained in research, assessments, and clinical practice (such as therapy).
• Often conducts psychological testing (e.g., ADHD, autism, personality assessments).
• Some provide therapy, but others focus on research or teaching.
• Cannot prescribe medication in most states (except a few with extra training).
• Received at least three years of formal education and training plus three additional years of supervised work.

What is the Difference Between a Therapist and a Psychologist

A therapist (licensed counselor, social worker, or psychologist) could be a good fit if you’re looking for therapy. A psychologist might be best if you need psychological testing, a more formal assessment, or deeper analysis.

Should I see a Therapist or a Psychologist?

Whether you should see a therapist or a psychologist depends on your needs. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

See a Therapist (who may be a psychologist) If:

• You need talk therapy to manage stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues.
• You’re looking for coping strategies and emotional support.
• You want to work through personal challenges in a safe, structured environment.
• You don’t need formal psychological testing or diagnosis.

See a Psychologist If:

• You need psychological testing for ADHD, autism, personality disorders, or cognitive assessments.
• You’re dealing with serious or complex mental health concerns that require a more clinical approach.
• You want therapy with someone who has experience with the research behind your treatments.
• You might need a formal diagnosis to guide treatment.

Which One is Right for You?

• If you’re looking for general therapy, a therapist (who could be a licensed counselor, social worker, psychotherapist, or psychologist) is a great choice.
• If you need testing, a diagnosis, or treatment for complex mental health conditions, a clinical psychologist might be the better option.

Therapist vs. Psychotherapist

Whether you choose a therapist or psychotherapist, you’ll have a similar experience, but there’s a slight difference in how the terms are used.

What is a Therapist?

• A broad term that includes many professionals who provide mental health support.
• Can be a counselor, social worker, psychologist, marriage and family therapist, etc.
• Focuses on helping people with emotional, behavioral, and psychological issues.

What is a Psychotherapist

• A type of therapist who specifically provides psychotherapy (talk therapy).
• Uses deeper psychological techniques to help with mental health conditions, trauma, or emotional difficulties.
• Often has specialized training in specific therapy approaches (e.g., CBT, psychodynamic therapy, EMDR).

What is the Difference Between a Psychotherapist and a Therapist?

Essentially, all psychotherapists are therapists, but not all therapists are psychotherapists. A psychotherapist would be the right choice if you’re looking for someone who does in-depth talk therapy. If you need broader mental health support, a therapist (which could include counselors, social workers, etc.) might also be helpful.

Should I see a Therapist or a Psychotherapist

It depends on the type of support you’re looking for.

See a Therapist If:

• You need general mental health support, such as coping strategies for stress, anxiety, or relationships.
• You’re looking for guidance and emotional support rather than deep psychological work.
• You want a broader range of therapy options, including coaching or short-term counseling.

See a Psychotherapist If:

• You want in-depth talk therapy to explore emotions, behaviors, and past experiences.
• You’re dealing with trauma, deep-seated emotional issues, or long-term mental health concerns.
• You want a therapist trained in specific psychotherapy methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or Psychoanalysis.

Which One is Right for You?

• All psychotherapists are therapists, but not all therapists are psychotherapists.
• If you need deep psychological work, a psychotherapist is the better choice.
• A therapist will work well if you’re looking for general guidance and coping tools.

Clinical Psychology vs. Therapy

Both clinical psychology and therapy focus on mental health, but they differ in scope, training, and approach.

Clinical Psychology

• A branch of psychology that focuses on diagnosing and treating mental illnesses.
• Clinical psychologists typically have a Ph.D. or Psy.D. and are trained in psychological assessments, research, and evidence-based treatments.
• They often work with individuals who have more complex mental health conditions.
• They can provide therapy but also conduct psychological testing (e.g., for ADHD, autism, or mood disorders).

Therapy

• A broad term for mental health treatment provided by various professionals (counselors, social workers, psychologists, etc.).
• Focuses on helping individuals navigate emotional, relational, or situational challenges (e.g., stress, grief, relationships).
• Therapists may have a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or related fields.
• They provide talk therapy but don’t typically conduct formal psychological testing.

Key Differences

If you’re looking for a formal diagnosis or treatment for a mental illness, a clinical psychologist may be best. A therapist might be a better fit if you need emotional support, coping strategies, or help with life challenges.

Which is best for you?

Whether you need clinical psychology or therapy depends on your mental health needs. Here’s how to decide:

Choose Clinical Psychology If:

• You need a formal diagnosis for a mental health condition (e.g., ADHD, autism, personality disorders).
• You require psychological testing or assessments to understand cognitive or emotional difficulties.
• Severe or complex mental health concerns are emerging or present(e.g., schizophrenia, major depression, OCD).
• You want therapy that includes research-backed treatments and a clinical approach.

Choose Therapy If:

• You need emotional support to navigate life challenges (e.g., stress, relationships, grief).
• Developing coping strategies for anxiety, depression, or everyday struggles is a core goal.
• You prefer talk therapy without needing a formal diagnosis.
• Your concerns are not severe or require medical intervention.

Which One is Right for You?

• If you need a diagnosis, testing, or treatment for a complex mental health condition, a clinical psychologist is best.
• If you’re looking for talk therapy and emotional support, a therapist (who may be a psychologist) is likely the right choice.

Psychologist vs. Psychotherapist

Both psychologists and psychotherapists help with mental health, but they have different training, roles, and approaches.

Psychologist

• Has a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in psychology.
• Can specialize in clinical, counseling, or research psychology.
• Often conducts psychological testing (e.g., ADHD, autism, personality assessments).
• Can provide therapy but may also focus on research, teaching, or assessments.
• Cannot prescribe medication (except in some states with extra training).

Psychotherapist

• A general term for a professional who provides talk therapy.
• Can be a psychologist, licensed counselor, social worker, or psychiatrist (as long as they provide psychotherapy).
• Uses various therapeutic approaches (e.g., CBT, psychoanalysis, EMDR) to help with emotional and psychological issues.
• Does not necessarily conduct psychological testing.

What is the Difference Between a Psychotherapist and a Psychologist

Should I See a Therapist or a Psychiatrist

Here’s a breakdown:

See a Therapist If:

• You want talk therapy to work through emotions, stress, relationships, or trauma.
• You need help with coping strategies for anxiety, depression, ADHD, etc.
• You’re looking for ongoing emotional support and personal growth.
• You prefer non-medication approaches like CBT, DBT, EMDR, or mindfulness techniques.

See a Psychiatrist If:

• You think you might need medication for mental health conditions (e.g., ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder).
• Severe symptoms are interfering with daily life (e.g., psychosis, suicidal thoughts, extreme mood swings).
• You need a diagnosis and treatment plan for a serious mental health disorder.
• You’ve tried therapy but feel like you need additional medical support.

Can I See Both?

Many people see a therapist for talk therapy and a psychiatrist for medication management. They often work together to give you the best care.

Therapy vs. Counseling: What’s the Difference?

Both therapy and counseling involve talking to a mental health professional, but they differ in depth, focus, and duration.

Choose Counseling If:

• You need short-term support for a specific issue (e.g., stress, career decisions, relationship problems).
• You want practical advice and coping strategies to manage current challenges.
• Your concerns are situational rather than deep-rooted emotional issues.
• You prefer a more goal-oriented approach to problem-solving.

Choose Therapy If:

• You need long-term support for deeper emotional or psychological concerns.
• You want to explore past experiences, patterns, and behaviors that impact your mental health.
• You’re dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.
• You want to focus on personal growth and emotional healing.

Which One is Right for You?

• If you’re dealing with a specific problem and need guidance, counseling is a great option.
• If you need deeper emotional work or ongoing support, therapy might be the better fit.

Therapist vs. Counselor

The terms therapist and counselor are often used interchangeably, but there are some differences in how they are typically defined.

Therapist

• General term for any mental health professional who provides therapy.
• Can have various qualifications, such as a master’s or doctorate in fields like social work, psychology, or counseling.
• Typically provides long-term therapy to address a range of emotional or psychological issues (e.g., depression, trauma, anxiety).
• May use a variety of therapeutic approaches like CBT, DBT, or psychoanalysis.
• Often works with more complex issues like deep emotional or psychological challenges.

Counselor

• Often a specialized type of therapist with a focus on short-term therapy or specific issues (e.g., career counseling, relationship issues, or grief).
• Usually holds a master’s degree in counseling or a related field.
• May focus on providing advice and guidance for immediate, practical issues.
• Less likely to deal with severe mental health conditions like trauma or personality disorders.

What is the Difference Between a Therapist and a Counselor

Which One Should You Choose?

• If you need long-term emotional support for deeper issues, a therapist might be more suited.
• If you’re facing specific life challenges or need practical guidance, a counselor could be a good fit.

Summary and Conclusions:

Choosing the right mental health professional depends on your specific concerns. A therapist or psychotherapist may be best if you need emotional support and coping strategies. A psychologist could be helpful if you’re seeking a diagnosis or psychological testing. For those considering medication, a psychiatrist is the right choice. In some cases, a combination of therapy and medical treatment works best. Regardless of your path, seeking help is a crucial step toward better mental well-being.

Dr. Alan Jacobson Founder and President

Dr. Jacobson is a licensed clinical psychologist providing individual, couples, and family therapy for over 20 years. He uses an integrative approach. choosing from a variety of proven and powerful therapeutic methods.

See Full Bio

Psychology Therapy