f you’re seeking out mental health services, you may feel overwhelmed when you begin your search. Do you need a therapist or a psychologist? Or do you need a psychiatrist? Or do you need more than one? How does psychology differ from psychiatry? Although people may use the terms interchangeably it’s crucial to know the differences between the definition of a psychologist v therapist.  

This information can help you locate the best mental health care for your needs. Additionally, understanding the slight differences will enable you to make the best decision. 

Psychologist v Therapist: What Are The Main Differences?

There is a lot of overlap when it comes to the services provided by mental health professionals. Therapists and psychologists share many job duties. Additionally, they often work together to coordinate optimal client care. This coordination is common in settings like:

• Hospitals
• Standalone mental health facilities
• Schools
• Inpatient treatment centers
• Nonprofit facilities
• Private practice 
• Online therapy

In general, mental health professionals all have the same goal. They want to help you improve your life-quality. All of them share the desire to understand human behavior. Furthermore, they provide support, compassion, and guidance for their clients.

Differences In Education

Psychologists have doctorate-level degrees. They may hold specific titles. For instance, your therapist might hold a Ph.D., PsyD or EDD. All schools maintain specific requirements for conferring degrees. To become a psychologist, you need to:

• Complete and graduate from an accredited program
• Defend a dissertation
• Complete one or more clinical internships
• Pass required board exams
• Maintain good standing through continuing education units 

Therapists fall under more of a general umbrella term. Many mental health professionals provide therapy services. Therapists can include any of the following:

• Psychologists
• Clinical social workers
• Marriage and family therapists
• Psychiatrists
• Licensed clinical counselors

All therapists must complete appropriate graduate-level training and internship work. They also need to adhere to state regulations. Likewise, they must pass state board exams and complete a certain number of continuing education units.  

The main difference between the two professions comes back to the doctorate. Therapists may have doctorates. However, psychologists must have them. 

Differences In Services 

Therapists and psychologists offer many of the same clinical services. For example, both professionals can: 

• Diagnose mental health conditions
• Provide individual therapy for clients of all ages
• Offer family or couples therapy 
• Facilitate psychoeducation 
• Run support groups
• Offer case management services
• Supervise interning therapists 
• Facilitate mental health workshops and trainings 
• Coordinate clinical care with other professionals like physicians, teachers, lawyers, dietitians, and case managers
• Offer referrals and resources for other services 

Many mental health professionals wish to teach and both psychologists and therapists can teach in academic settings. However, some universities require their faculty to have doctorate degrees. 

Clinical research represents an essential part of psychology science. Both therapists and psychologists can interpret and conduct research. Some psychologists specialize in research and data analysis. They might choose to pursue this path instead of providing traditional therapy. 

Differences In Specializations

Therapists and psychologists may also have overlapping specializations. For example, both professions can work with individuals, couples, or families. Both can receive additional training in modalities like art therapy, psychoanalysis, or EMDR.  

Some therapy programs focus more on a systemic approach. Systemic-based therapists may specialize in couples therapy or family work seeing as they tend to focus on groups rather than individuals. Rather than focusing on a single person, they believe that change entails examining the entire unit.  

Licensed clinical psychologists may provide their clients with various assessments. They also interpret the results from this data, so that they can treat the client accordingly with psychotherapy. Therapists sometimes conduct tests. However, they must have the appropriate training to be able to do this. 

Differences In Costs

Psychologists often charge more for their therapy sessions. Nevertheless, it really depends on the professional. Before starting your treatment, you will discuss the fees associated with it. Both psychologists and therapists can provide sliding scale services. Moreover, many insurance companies offer reimbursement for both psychologists and therapists.

Psychologist v Therapist

Some people use the term psychologist and psychiatrist interchangeably. However, many differences exist between these two professions. So how does a psychiatrist differ from a psychologist? 

Psychiatrists hold medical degrees. They must complete medical school and their residency. Basically, you first become a doctor and then you specialize. Additionally, they earn state licenses for medicine and psychiatry. Psychiatrists can:

• Provide a medical prescription
• Order brain imaging tests
• Conduct physical exams
• Check and screen for other physical abnormalities 

Although it’s rare, psychiatrists sometimes also perform psychotherapy. This means that clients may meet with their psychiatrists for both therapy and medications. Other clients see a psychiatrist in conjunction with another mental health professional. 

Psychologist vs Therapist: What’s Best For You?

Both therapists and psychologists specialize in understanding human behavior. They both seek to improve the lives of the people they treat. They blend compassion with practical solutions for their clients.  

Everyone has different mental health treatment needs. An approach that works well for one client might be detrimental to someone else. For this reason, many people believe that it’s the person not the title that defines effective mental health treatment. Indeed, it’s often the relationship (and not the letters behind their name) that helps people the most. 

References:

1. https://www.rlf.org.uk/resources/what-is-a-dissertation-how-is-it-different-from-an-essay/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968
3. https://exploringyourmind.com/everything-need-to-know-systemic-therapy/