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. Professionals can be in multiple categories in many cases, and the services you receive can evolve as your clinician 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 wonder whether a therapist vs. a psychologist best fits them. Both provide mental health support but have different training, education, and roles. Also, while a psychologist can be a therapist (as I am), a therapist cannot be a psychologist without specific education and training.

What is a Therapist

• “Therapist” is a broad term that includes various professionals (counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists, etc.).
• A therapist can have different degrees (master’s or doctorate) in fields like social work, counseling, or psychology.
• They provide many types of therapy therapy, coping strategies, and emotional support.
• They may specialize in areas like trauma therapy, relationship therapy (for those who are partners), or addiction.
• Most cannot prescribe medication (unless also a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner).
• All have received at least two years of formal education and training plus two additional years of supervised work.

What is a Psychologist

• A psychologist is a clinician with a doctoral degree, usually a Ph.D. or Psy.D.
• They are trained in research, assessments, and clinical practice (such as therapy).
• Many conduct psychological testing (e.g., ADHD, autism, personality assessments).
• Some, like me, provide therapy, but others focus on research or teaching.
• They cannot prescribe medication in most states (except a few with extra training).
• All have 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 most types of therapy. A psychologist might be best if you also need psychological testing, a more formal comprehensive assessment, or a deeper diagnostic analysis.

Therapist vs. Psychologist? Who Should I See?

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.

See a Psychologist If:

• You need psychological testing for ADHD, autism, personality disorders, or cognitive assessments.
• You’re dealing with severe 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, accommodations, or a legal matter.

Therapist vs. Psychologist: 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

Choosing between a therapist vs. psychotherapist is often subtle – you’ll have a similar experience with each, but there’s a slight difference in how the terms are used.

What is a Therapist?

• “Therapist” is a broad term that includes many professionals who provide mental health support.
• They can be a counselor, social worker, psychologist, marriage and family therapist, etc. All of these professionals are well-trained.
• They focus on helping people with emotional, behavioral, and psychological issues.

What is a Psychotherapist

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

Psychotherapist vs. Therapist – What is the Difference?

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.

Therapist vs. Psychotherapist: 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.
• Often involves more complex mental health conditions.
• Encompasses both therapy and 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 in Clinical Psychology vs. Therapy

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

Which is best for you?

Whether you need clinical psychology vs. 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.

Clinical Psychology vs. Therapy: 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.

What is the Difference Between a Psychotherapist and a Psychologist

Both psychologists and psychotherapists help with mental health, but they have different training, roles, and approaches. So, what is the difference between a psychotherapist and a psychologist?

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.

Summary of 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 or 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.

Therapy or Counseling – Which One is Right for You?

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

What is the Difference Between a Therapist and a Counselor

Although the terms therapist and counselor are often used interchangeably, 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 focusing 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: Summary

Which One Should You Choose?

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

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 formal diagnosis, have a complex mix of symptoms, or need 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 crucial for better mental well-being, and you have many qualified, compassionate, and effective choices. There is a separate post that describes what each of these professions is like in private practice.

Please feel free to contact me or schedule a consultation if you’d like to learn more about me or my practice.

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