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Are psychologists therapists? What is a psychologist and what is a therapist? How can a regular person differentiate between these two professions when they are in need of psychological assistance? Since many terms are mixed up by potential patients as well as those who have been attending therapy sessions for a long time, it may be confusing to figure out who you should get in touch with to manage your mental illness or get rid of the mood disorder that overshadows your life.
Let us take a look at the common features and distinctions between the terms “psychologist” and “therapist” and help you deal with the “psychologist vs. therapist” conundrum so that you know what mental health professional to talk to in order to leave your problems behind.
What Are the Similarities Between a Psychologist and a Therapist?
Psychologists and therapists have a lot in common:
- Both therapists and psychologists cooperate with a patient – their goal is to improve the mental health of a particular individual and help them achieve a balance between their body, mind, and spirit.
- Therapists and psychologists are meant to have extensive knowledge of mental processes and principles – they can diagnose a patient who suspects they may have a problem or modify the treatment plan if the person can no longer rely on treatment methods and practices that helped them once.
- Psychologists and therapists are not permitted to prescribe you medication to let you cope with the symptoms of a mental illness that cannot be eliminated with traditional therapy – a therapist and a psychologist will refer you to a psychiatrist who is able to prescribe the right drugs to alleviate the manifestations of the condition.
What Are the Differences Between a Psychologist and a Therapist?
| Therapists | Psychologists | |
| Training | They earn master’s degrees in counseling psychology or social work | They have a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. in psychology |
| Scope of Work | They will use various types of talking therapy to deal with the problems of the patient | They study the behavior of a human and dive deep into the mental processes of a particular individual |
| Nature of the Job | They are typically employed by hospitals, recovery facilities, and mental health centers – some therapists also start private practices | They often work as health care social workers, school social workers, and licenced counselors |
What Do Psychologists Treat?
What does a psychologist do? Here is what a psychologist can help you with:
- Give you a formal diagnosis if you suspect you have a mental illness that prevents you from being the best version of yourself.
- Explore your condition in further detail so that together you can map out a treatment plan to either manage your symptoms or ensure your full recovery.
- Pick therapy modalities suitable for someone in your current mental state.
- Help you navigate difficult emotions so that you can reflect on your feelings on your own and draw conclusions that will improve your life.
- Collaborate with psychiatrists in case you require prescription drugs to deal with manifestations of your disorder.
What Do Therapists Treat?
Instead of launching a scientific investigation into your problems, a therapist will focus on the following practices:
- Learn more about your medical history and current problems that caused you to seek professional help.
- Talk to you about your personal experiences and teach you healthy coping mechanisms so that you do not hurt yourself or others with the decisions you make.
- Implement various talking therapy techniques to support you as you are dealing with a mood disorder or a mental illness.
- Diagnose you to be able to prescribe a more thorough treatment – note that this varies from state to state, and some therapists will refer you to psychologists or psychiatrists to confirm the diagnosis.
What Different Qualifications Does Each Specialist Have?
A psychologist, just like a therapist, must have an advanced degree to practice their profession. Typically, it’s a master’s degree, but some psychologists also obtain a Ph.D. or Psy.D. to have psychology training on the doctorate level.
Psychologist Specialties
Psychologists are permitted to study several specializations during the course of their training – the list below is not exhaustive:
- Clinical psychology.
- Developmental psychology.
- Behavioral neuroscience.
- Cognitive psychology.
- Comparative psychology.
- Social psychology.
- School psychology.
- Forensic psychology.
- Rehabilitation psychology.
- Sport psychology.
Therapist and Psychologist Specialties
There are certain specialists both therapists and psychologists can study to gain expertise in these fields and broaden their horizons to make sure their patients get the most out of their treatment:
- Group therapy.
- Marriage and family therapy.
- Addiction therapy.
- School counseling.
- Career counseling.
- Grief counseling.
- Psychodynamic therapy.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Dialectical behavior therapy.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy.
- Health and wellness therapy.
Who Should I See?
Do I need a therapist or psychologist? A person without mental health training often struggles to answer this question. While a mental health facility will help you pick the right mental health professional to address your problems, here are a few factors you should consider before making your decision:
- If you are dealing with a chronic mental health disorder, it is better to consult with a psychologist – talk to them if you experience severe anxiety and the mental health condition ruins the overall quality of your life.
- Patients with mood disorders, various behavioral issues, and suspicions they might be diagnosed with an illness before visiting a specialist for the first time should start with a therapist – you can level up in case the therapist is unable to address your concerns.
- During the first consultation with either mental health professional you need to learn more about their education and training – ask them what they specialize in to be certain they can help you with the challenges you are confronted with at the moment.
- Consider the cost of treatment – for instance, if you sign up for treatment under the guidance of a psychologist, it may be more expensive than individual therapy sessions or group counseling. Besides, certain problems are better solved in group therapy or family counseling – ask a mental health professional which therapy modalities will suit you.
Finding the Right Mental Health Support
The decision to seek mental health assistance is usually made after considerable thought – in many cases, it is the last resort for a struggling individual who tried to resolve their problems on their own or with the assistance of their family and friends and was unable to do so. It is never too late to discuss your troubles with mental health professionals who are ready to help you manage your symptoms and regain control over your life. Contact Treat Mental Health today – we can help you choose between psychologist vs. therapist and select the best treatment customized to your needs and preferences.
FAQs
Is it better to see a psychologist or therapist?
While it is up to a patient to decide what mental professional they should work with, they may not know the distinctions between psychologists and therapists as they start their recovery. We can recommend you to talk to a therapist so that you let them assess your mental and physical state for a referral to a psychologist or a suggestion to undergo therapeutic treatment with them.
Are psychologists and therapists the same?
A psychologist is a subcategory of therapists – a therapist is an umbrella term that also includes such categories of mental health professionals as social workers and psychotherapists. A psychologist is usually skilled in a particular branch of psychology while a therapist specializes in a type of therapy such as individual therapy or group therapy.
Do I need a psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist?
Psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists frequently collaborate to enhance the mental wellness of a particular individual. Talk to a psychologist if you want to deal with trauma after a stressful event or overcome addiction. Sign up for a consultation with a psychiatrist if you require prescription medication to cope with a mental health condition. Discuss your problems with a therapist in case you have emotional and behavioral issues.
Can I call a psychologist a therapist?
The word “therapist” is often used by people who want to describe a mental health specialist who helps them deal with their mental health concerns. Even if you are not aware of the experience of the person who helps you in a clinical setting and you are not sure about the education they have, you can refer to a mental health professional as a therapist to make it easier.
How do I know if I need therapy or psychological evaluation?
A psychological evaluation is recommended for individuals who exhibit symptoms of depression such as hopelessness and numbness, fail to manage their aggression and hurt others with their behavior, and experience suicidal ideations. An assessment of this kind will help mental health specialists gain insight into your current emotional state – you will be advised to talk to a psychologist, therapist, or psychiatrist based on the results of the evaluation. Therapy, on the other hand, is a smart choice for an individual who has certain difficulties that do not disrupt their everyday activities – they can gradually recover and return to normalcy.
