The terms “therapist” and “psychologist” are all too often used interchangeably. This makes sense because there is a strong overlap between the two professions. There are different education levels necessary for both professions, as well as different duties and expectations.
What Is a Therapist?
In the mental health field, a therapist offers talk therapy, though the type of therapy they offer may vary. Beyond education, therapists receive professional training to learn how to guide their patients through different types of therapy. They may choose to specialize in a particular type of therapy — such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT) — or with a certain type of patients — such as offering family therapy or LGBT+ counseling. The goal of a therapist is to help their patients learn coping skills and overcome personal issues that may stand in the way of their goals, relationships, or daily lives.
What Is a Psychologist?
A psychologist approaches mental healthcare from a more analytical, clinical perspective. Their job is to study mental health states, as well as cognitive, emotional, and social behavior. A psychologist may offer therapy as part of their services, but not all psychologists do so. Most of their work tends to be in the study of psychology and furthering our understanding of the field. They may diagnose mental health conditions, conduct studies, or write authoritative texts on the subject.
Differences Between a Therapist and a Psychologist
Some psychologists may be therapists, but not all therapists are psychologists. Despite the overlaps, there are distinct differences in these professions. If you need the help of a mental health professional, it’s important to understand these differences so that you find the right person for you.
Therapists and Psychologists Have Different Education Requirements
Therapists are required to have at least a master’s degree, in addition to supervised clinical work, before they can become a licensed therapist. In order to be a psychologist, a doctorate is necessary. Most psychologists have a Ph.D, a Psy.D., or an Ed.D. Those with an Ed.D are more likely to work in education primarily, rather than primarily giving therapy. Psychologists must also go through clinical supervision before receiving a license.
Specialties For Psychologists vs. Specialties For Therapists
When someone refers to specialties for psychologists, it typically refers to the field in which psychologists put their focus. For instance, there are psychologists who specialize in education and school settings. School psychologists can coach students through maladaptive behaviors or interpersonal issues that could crop up in a school setting. They can also diagnose students with mental health conditions and help them get the help they need.
Other psychology specialties include counseling psychologists who work with patients, offering therapy or counseling; or clinical psychologists, those who approach psychology from the more analytical, diagnostic side of things. Some psychologists specialize in fields of psychology specific to different conditions or experiences, such as child psychology, trauma psychology, or industrial psychology.
Therapists also tend to have specific specialties, but these relate more to the types of therapy they offer or the types of patients they might see. A therapist may specialize in a specific type of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). They may specialize in youth therapy, LGBT+ therapy, couples or family therapy therapy. These specialties are often listed with their services so clients know whether a potential therapist fits their specific needs.
A Therapist Who Is Not a Psychologist Cannot Diagnose
The main goal of a therapist is to offer coaching and guidance to their clients through therapy. A therapist can help you process your feelings and develop coping strategies to manage your mental health and reduce stress. A therapist cannot diagnose mental health conditions, unless they are also a psychologist. They may, however, refer you to a psychologist who can.
If your goal is therapy, then a licensed therapist is all you need. However, if you’re looking for a mental health diagnostic assessment, make sure you seek out a psychologist first. If you’re going through a mental health provider network, this assessment may be one of the first steps in your mental health journey.
Do You Need a Therapist or Psychologist?
You may find at different points in your life that you need a therapist and a psychologist. You may choose one professional who is both, in order to have those needs met consistently. However, these two professions do meet different needs.
If your goal is to be coached through your anxiety and depression, to learn coping skills, or to better your interpersonal relationships, you need a therapist. Counseling may also be a viable option. You can research different types of therapy and find a therapist who offers the right form of therapy for you. If you are dealing with the after-effects of a trauma in a way that is disruptive to your life, therapy may help. It can also help you manage anxiety and other symptoms throughout your life, work, and personal relationships.
If, however, you are at the beginning of your mental health journey, you may want a diagnostic assessment. For this, you will need to go to a psychologist. If you are looking for a treatment plan that is more research based, rather than a holistic approach that covers your mental and emotional state, you may feel more comfortable with a psychologist over a therapist.
At Rivia, we have a number of mental healthcare providers, including licensed therapists and licensed psychologists across several specialties. Our goal is to offer a holistic treatment to mental health, by strengthening your skills, giving you tools to navigate interpersonal relationships, and guiding you along nutrition health choices that may help to improve your mental and emotional health.
Whether you need an evaluation and diagnosis, want to set up therapy, or require mental health support in some other way, Rivia Mind has you covered. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to set up an appointment.
