• Mental Health

Councilor vs. Counselor: Understanding the Key Differences and Roles

Have you ever needed mental health support, but didn’t know who to turn to? You’re not alone. 

Many people use the terms councilor and counselor interchangeably, making it difficult to know who can actually help. 

Are they both mental health professionals? Do their roles overlap? And most importantly, which one is right for your needs? In this article, we answer all of these questions. 

We’ll outline the key differences between counselors and councilors, and what their responsibilities are — giving you the clarity to choose the right person for guidance and support.

What’s a Counselor? 

A counselor is a mental health professional who is trained to provide guidance and support to individuals facing life’s challenges. 

They help clients work through issues such as relationship difficulties, stress, or personal growth  by offering practical tools and a non-judgmental space to express their emotions.

Rather than exploring past traumas or complex psychological conditions, counselors aim to support their clients’ personal growth and improve their coping mechanisms. 

Licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) or licensed professional counselors (LPCs) who work in clinical settings require a master’s degree and state licensure. 

However, non-clinical counselors — such as career or school counselors — may require only a bachelor’s degree and relevant certifications. 

Duration of care

Counselors typically work with their clients short-term and focus on addressing immediate concerns or specific challenges, including:

• Stress management 

• Conflict resolution

• Grief and loss 

• Self-esteem and confidence 

Mental health counseling may last a few weeks to a few months, depending on the individual’s needs and goals. 

Types of counselors 

There are several types of counselors, each specializing in a specific area and offering tailored support. The most common types include: 

• Substance abuse counselors: Provide support to individuals overcoming addiction and developing healthier coping strategies.

• School counselors: Help students with academic support, career planning, and personal development. 

• Marriage and family counselors: Focus on improving relationships, resolving conflicts, and encouraging communication within families. 

• Career counselors: Assist individuals in exploring career options, navigating job transitions, and setting professional goals. 

• Mental health counselors: Address emotional and situational challenges such as stress, mild anxiety, and life transitions. These counselors will often refer clients with more complex conditions to psychologists, psychiatrists, or licensed therapists. 

How Does the Role of a Therapist Differ? 

A therapist is a trained professional who helps individuals address emotional, behavioral, and psychological challenges through therapeutic techniques.  

Therapists work with clients to address deeper or more complex mental health conditions – such as trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. 

A therapist will focus on understanding the root causes of the challenges and supporting clients in making long-term improvements to their mental well-being.  

Therapists hold advanced degrees — such as a master’s or doctorate — and are licensed in their specific fields to diagnose and treat severe mental illnesses. 

What approaches do therapists use to improve mental health?

Therapists mainly rely on evidence-based talk therapy to tailor their treatment to each client’s unique needs. Here are some of the most common methods they use:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This approach focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. Therapists help clients develop healthier ways of thinking and coping with challenges like anxiety, depression, or stress.

• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Originally designed for individuals with borderline personality disorder, DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindful strategies. It can help individuals regulate emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, and build better stress management skills. 

• Psychodynamic therapy: This therapeutic approach focuses on understanding how unconscious thoughts, past experiences, and unresolved issues influence current behavioral health and emotions. By uncovering these connections, therapists aim to guide their clients toward greater self-awareness and emotional healing. 

A therapist will decide which approach to use based on the client’s specific challenges and goals. This may evolve over time to ensure the treatment remains aligned with the individual’s changing needs.

Understanding the Role of a Councilor 

A councilor is someone who serves on a council – such as a city or local government body – to represent their community and make decisions on public matters. 

Councilors mainly focus on things like city planning, public safety, and improving local services. 

Do councilors play any role in supporting mental health?

Unlike counselors or therapists, councilors do not treat mental illness or provide mental health support. 

However, they can play an indirect role in mental health by advocating for policies, programs, or funding to support mental illness services in their community. 

For example, some councilors may advocate for better access to mental health care, allocate resources, or support public awareness campaigns. 

It’s important to note that a councilor’s role is focused on governance and addressing community-wide concerns, rather than offering personal support or therapeutic services. 

Comparing the Key Differences Between a Counselor, Councilor, and Therapist 

Now that you have a better understanding of what a counselor, therapist and councilor is, let’s compare their key differences side-by-side. 

How to Choose the Right Mental Health Professional for Your Needs

If you’re looking for mental health services but aren’t sure whether to see a counselor or therapist, start by thinking about your needs and the type of help you’re looking for. 

Below we outline a few tips to help you decide. 

1. Identify the type of challenge you’re facing 

If you’re dealing with something situational — like work stress, a recent breakup, or adjusting to a sudden change — then a counselor is a good choice. 

These sessions focus on practical, short-term solutions to help you tackle immediate challenges and help you move forward. 

However, if your concerns are more complex, such as persistent anxiety, depression or unresolved trauma, a therapist would be more equipped to help. 

2. Consider how much support you need 

Speaking to a counselor is helpful if you’re looking for focused guidance and strategies to handle specific issues. 

A counselor will be able to help you quickly identify goals and provide actionable tools to help you navigate your situation. 

If you’re struggling to understand the way you feel — or need help exploring the underlying causes of your behaviors — a therapist can help you work through these issues. 

For example, if you often feel anxious in social situations but can’t pinpoint why, a therapist can help you uncover whether past experiences or deep-seated thought patterns are the issues. 

3. Ask yourself about the severity of your challenges

If your mental health is severely impacting your daily life — like difficulty functioning at work, in relationships, or managing your emotions — a therapist’s training is better suited to help. 

For less severe or short-term struggles, such as managing stress or improving communication, a counselor’s focused approach may be all you need.

4. Seek clarity through consultation 

If you’re still unsure of whether you need a counselor or a therapist, start by reaching out to both of them. 

Most mental health professionals offer initial consultations to understand your needs and can direct you to the right support if they aren’t the right fit. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions or try different approaches to find what aligns with the challenges you’re facing and the support you’re most comfortable with. 

Where Can I Learn More About Mental Health Support?

At LifeMD, we make it easy to connect with licensed healthcare providers who can help support your well-being.

A dedicated team can provide treatments for various conditions, prescribe medication, and give you tips for managing your mental health and well-being.

Book an appointment today to take the first step toward better mental health.

LifeMD makes it easy to stay on top of your health because talking to a doctor, filling your prescriptions, getting your labs done—and more—are all easy and cost-effective. Come discover a healthcare solution built around you and your life.

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