• Mental Health

Psychologist vs. Therapist: What’s the Difference and Who Should You See?

You’ve decided it’s time to take the first step towards better mental health, but where do you start? 

For many people, figuring out whether to see a psychologist or a therapist can feel like one more hurdle in an already overwhelming process. 

Who can best support your needs? What’s the difference between the two? And what if you choose the wrong person? These concerns can leave you feeling stuck before you even begin.

In this article, we outline the differences between psychologists and therapists, highlight their unique roles in mental health care, and help you make the best choice for your situation. 

What is a Psychologist? 

A psychologist is a trained mental health professional who specializes in understanding human behavior, emotions, and thought processes. 

They use this knowledge to help individuals address mental health challenges, improve emotional well-being, and better understand themselves. 

What do psychologists treat?

Psychologists are trained to treat several mental health illnesses, some of which include: 

• Anxiety disorders 

• Depression 

• Trauma 

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

They also support individuals dealing with stress, life transitions, or behavioral challenges. 

For example, you may decide to see a psychologist if you’re feeling stuck in negative thought patterns or experience anxiety that interferes with your ability to work or sleep.

Treatment approaches

Psychologists specialize in offering evidence-based talk therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical-behavior therapy (DBT). 

They are also qualified to offer psychological testing and evaluation, which can assess personality traits or emotional functioning. 

Although psychologists can’t prescribe medication, they work closely with other healthcare providers who can, like psychiatrists, to offer holistic care. 

Training and education

Psychologists typically hold an advanced degree, such as a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or PsyD (Doctor of Psychology). 

This extensive education prepares them to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders, as well as conduct psychological research. 

After their degree, psychologists complete supervised clinical training to gain practical, hands-on experience. 

An Overview of Therapists and Their Role

In the mental health field, the term “therapist” is a broad label that refers to mental health professionals who are trained to provide emotional support and talk therapy. 

A therapist can practice as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), a marriage and family therapist (MFT), and a licensed professional counselor (LPC). 

These professionals specialize in helping individuals, couples, or families navigate emotional challenges, improve coping strategies, and address specific issues like stress or trauma.  

What do therapists do?

Therapists focus on creating a safe, supportive environment for clients to explore their emotions, identify challenges, and work toward positive change. 

They guide individuals through talk therapy sessions, helping them to navigate challenges, improve their relationships, and manage stress more effectively.

Therapists often specialize in areas like marriage counseling, family dynamics, or personal development. 

They may use various approaches — such as solution-focused therapy, or trauma-informed care — tailored to the client’s unique needs. 

For example, a couple struggling with communication issues might see a marriage or family therapist to learn new ways to resolve conflicts and build a stronger connection. 

Therapists typically don’t conduct formal assessments or diagnose mental illness. 

Instead, they prioritize practical strategies to help clients set healthy boundaries, develop coping mechanisms, and manage overwhelming emotions. 

Training 

Therapists typically hold a master’s degree in fields like counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy. 

Their training includes coursework in therapy techniques and ethics, followed by supervised clinical practice. 

After completing their degree, therapists undergo additional supervised clinical hours and have to pass licensing exams to enter the mental health profession. 

Key Differences Between Psychologists and Therapists 

Now that you have a better understanding of what psychologists and therapists do, let’s take a closer look at the key differences between these mental health professionals. 

Education and training 

The main difference between psychologists and therapists is the level and focus of their education. 

Psychologists complete a doctoral degree, which involves in-depth research, advanced coursework, and a focus on psychological testing and diagnosis. 

This equips them to handle complex mental health issues and conduct specialized assessments. 

Therapists generally hold a master’s degree and focus on practical therapy techniques like improving communication or coping skills. 

Their training is more focused on providing emotional support, rather than psychological evaluations or research. 

Therapy styles and techniques

Another key difference between psychologists and therapists is their focus and methods. 

Psychologists specialize in treating specific mental health concerns, and rely on structured, evidence-based therapeutic methods like CBT. 

For example, they might create a detailed treatment plan to address OCD by targeting intrusive thoughts and unresolved emotions. 

Therapists prioritize emotional support and help clients develop practical coping skills for the challenges they’re facing. 

So, they might work with someone to help them set healthy boundaries without delving into diagnostic criteria. 

This distinction means that psychologists are used for mental health diagnoses or complex disorders, while therapists are ideal for navigating emotional struggles and personal growth. 

Specializations and focus areas 

As we mentioned earlier, psychologists focus on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions like PTSD, OCD, or bipolar disorder. 

They may also specialize in fields like neuropsychology — conducting cognitive assessments, and helping clients manage chronic illnesses through behavioral health interventions. 

Therapists typically work on helping clients with everyday challenges like overcoming grief, stress management, relationship conflict, and personal growth. 

This means that psychologists address specific clinical disorders that require extensive assessment, while therapists focus on emotional or practical support.

How to Choose the Right Professional for Your Needs

Understanding the differences between a psychologist and a therapist is a great start, but you may still feel uncertain about which one is right for you. 

Below we’ll guide you through key factors to consider — like your therapy goals, the type of support you need, and practical considerations — to help you make an informed decision. 

Define your goals for therapy

To choose the right mental health professional, start by clearly identifying what you want to achieve in therapy. 

Are you worried about specific symptoms — such as ongoing anxiety or intrusive thoughts — that may require a diagnosis and treatment plan?

If so, a psychologist may be the right fit for their expertise in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. 

Alternatively, are you looking for help navigating a specific challenge, like managing stress, or working through a tough transition? 

In these cases, a therapist is likely better suited to provide emotional support tailored to your needs. 

Consider the type of support you need

How a psychologist or therapist provides support can vary significantly, so it’s important to consider what feels right for you. 

Do you need an in-depth evaluation and a focus on understanding the root cause of your concerns? A psychologist’s clinical approach may align with your needs. 

If you’re looking for a space to talk openly, explore your feelings, and build practical coping skills, a therapist might be a better fit.  

Don’t forget about practical considerations

When choosing between a psychologist and a therapist, practical factors like cost, scheduling, and personality fit are also important. 

Start by checking what your budget will allow or if they accept insurance — psychologists often charge higher rates than therapists due to their more advanced training. 

Availability is another factor, do they have appointments that fit your schedule? 

If you need someone flexible, look for professionals who offer evening or virtual sessions to better suit your calendar. 

It’s also important not to overlook compatibility — feeling comfortable with your psychologist or therapist is essential for building trust and making progress. 

If the first professional you meet with doesn’t feel like the right fit, it’s okay to look into other options. 

When Should I Consider Other Mental Health Counselors or Professionals? 

While psychologists and therapists are well-suited for many mental health concerns, there are circumstances when a counselor or psychiatrist might be a better choice. 

A licensed mental health counselor can help you navigate a career change, manage grief, or address addiction. 

They typically focus on short-term, targeted solutions for particular situations or transitions. 

If someone is struggling with a severe mental health illness — such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia — especially when medication is needed, then a psychiatrist is better suited. 

As mentioned earlier, psychiatrists often work alongside psychologists to provide comprehensive care to their patients.

Where Can I Learn More About Mental Health Services?

If you have any concerns or questions about your health and well-being, LifeMD can help.

We can connect you with a team of healthcare professionals who can provide guidance, treatment options, and tips on managing different mental health concerns.

Schedule an appointment with a licensed healthcare provider today.

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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