What’s the Difference Between a Therapist and a Psychologist?

When seeking mental health support, you may encounter various types of mental health professionals. Determining which one to consult can sometimes be confusing. Often, psychologists and therapists can appear synonymous. However, their roles, qualifications, and methods differ. So, if you are trying to figure out your mental illness or just need help navigating mental stressors, understanding the difference between a therapist and a psychologist will help you get the right assistance. In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between these two disciplines and find out which professional would better fit your needs.

Therapist vs Psychologist

Therapist

Therapist is a broad term that covers professionals like mental health counsellors, licensed professional counsellors, social workers, and even clinical psychologists. It is a generic way of referring to professionals trained to help with mental health. The help typically involves talk therapy to guide you with the management of everyday emotional issues like stress, anxiety, and personal or professional triggers. Therapists focus on improving your coping mechanisms.

The treatment plan would depend on the type of concerns you have. There is no clinical diagnosis or medication prescribed in most cases unless any serious symptoms are noticed. Therapists help in improving your emotional and behavioural habits to improve your mental wellbeing. They use supportive and relaxing techniques.

Psychologist

A psychologist often deals with more severe health conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders. They specialise in both short-term and long-term treatment. They use an evidence-based approach. This involves psychological testing, assessment, cognitive behavioural therapy, and other tests.

They start with talk therapy, but the goal is to treat the mental disorder with clinical diagnosis and psychological evaluations. Since psychologists focus on the science behind your mental health, they hold advanced degrees and are licensed to perform psychological tests. You get comprehensive care with psychologists as they collaborate with psychiatrists and other medical professionals.

Difference Between a Therapist and a Psychologist

Although both work in the same field of mental health, psychologists and therapists primarily differ in their qualifications, approaches to treatment, and the type of mental health conditions they treat. Here’s a close look at these differences:

• Scope of Work

Therapists generally focus on improving your overall emotional well-being. They often address short-term challenges like stress, emotion regulation, navigating life changes, etc. They offer valuable support through professional advice and coping mechanisms to manage daily stressors, emotions, and behaviour.

Psychologists, on the other hand, deal with comparatively complex and long-term mental health conditions. They look at comprehensive treatment options and study your condition through assessments. They then diagnose and use structured therapy plans tailored to treat your illness or mental disorder. These mental health doctors identify underlying emotional, cognitive, or behavioural issues.

• Diagnostic Ability

Therapists do not typically diagnose mental health conditions. Instead, they focus on helping you work through your mental and emotional distress through therapeutic techniques. They help you navigate through your feelings, stress and anxiety and come up with plans and activities to cope with them. However, they aren’t licensed to offer a clinical diagnosis.

Psychologists work by conducting psychological assessments and providing clinical diagnoses. They use tools like psychological tests and behavioural evaluation to determine whether you have a diagnosable condition. The conditions can range from depression and anxiety disorders to chronic cases like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and bipolar disorder, to name a few.

• Mental Health Issues Treated

Therapists are concerned with treating day-to-day emotional struggles like work-related stress, relationship stressors, anxiety, etc. You can seek therapy if you need someone to help you navigate challenging life transitions, emotional distress, or improve mental health.

Psychologists are trained to handle more severe cases. They help with the management of chronic mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other major mental disorders. Additionally, they work with other mental health crises that come from trauma, substance abuse, domestic violence, etc.

• Work Settings

Therapists commonly offer their services in a variety of settings. You can find them operating from their private practice, community health centres, hospitals, and non-profit organisations. They also work in settings dedicated to specific mental health needs, such as family counselling centres, substance abuse clinics, or hospitals specialising in behavioural health.

Psychologists work in specialised settings as opposed to therapists. While they also have private practices, they are employed in hospitals, universities, research institutions, and clinics where they provide in-depth treatment for mental disorders. You can also visit or take your loved one to seek help for a specific concern in specialised clinics.

• Client Focus

Therapists, in general, work with individuals experiencing day-to-day emotional issues that do not necessarily involve a diagnosable mental illness. The treatment approach will depend on the type of therapist. However, the aim is to help you manage your condition and provide you with tools and support. This includes attending regular therapy sessions at your convenience.

Psychologists typically focus on long-term care for clients with complex mental health disorders. They provide more structured treatment based on diagnostic assessments. Depending on the condition, they may conduct regular evaluations, make therapy adjustments, and sometimes prescribe or collaborate with professionals to prescribe medications.

Therapist vs Psychologist

Qualification of Therapists: Therapists in India need to hold a master’s degree in fields like counselling psychology, clinical psychology, or social work. Some of the qualifications specific to the area of expertise are as follows:

• M.A. or M.Sc. in Counselling Psychology.
• M.A. in Social Work combined with credible license and clinical experience.
• Some therapists also pursue diploma courses and certifications in specific therapeutic techniques like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Trauma Therapy, Family Therapy, etc.

Additionally, to become licensed therapists, they are required to:

• Get supervised clinical training, which involves at least one or two years of hands-on experience under the supervision of a licensed professional counsellor.
• Although there is no centralised licensing system for therapists in India, many professionals can register under legal bodies like the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).

Qualification of Psychologists: Psychologists in India follow a more structured and extensive educational path than therapists. Typically, they hold one of the following degrees:

• M.A/M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology or Applied Psychology
• M. Phil. In Clinal Psychology. It’s a two-year program that includes supervised clinical practice.
• Ph.D. in Psychology. Some Psychologists may pursue a Ph.D. after completing their Master’s or M.Phil. With PhD, they indulge in extensive research and contribute to the advancements in the field of psychology.

Additionally, psychologists are required to have:

• A supervised clinical internship is either included in their degree or completed after their education. The internship typically lasts for 1-2 years under the supervision of a licensed professional.
• Certifications with the RCI are required to provide legal services in the country. Additionally, they can also register with the Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists (IACP).
• Training to conduct psychological assessments and neuropsychological evaluations.

Should You See a Therapist or a Psychologist?

Choosing between a therapist and a psychologist depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Here are some points worth considering to make an informed decision:

• Nature of Your Concerns

You can evaluate your mental health concerns to identify which professional can help you better. If you’re dealing with everyday stress, anxiety, or struggling to regulate emotions, a therapist might be a better fit. For anything more severe, you can consider a psychologist.

• Need for Diagnosis and Expertise

Some serious mental health conditions, like chronic depression, severe anxiety, personality disorders, etc., require clinical diagnosis and expert evaluation. In such cases, seeing a psychologist is more appropriate. They are trained to identify and treat complex mental conditions as opposed to therapists.

• Type of Treatment

Consider the kind of treatment you want to undergo. Therapists often focus on providing short-term support and practical strategies to improve your daily functioning and improve mental health. For in-depth therapeutic interventions and specialised treatments, a psychologist is a better fit.

• Professional Qualifications

Look into the qualifications and the area of expertise. As discussed earlier, therapists have various specialisations, such as counselling for substance abuse, marriage and family therapy, etc. Psychologists, on the other hand, have clinical expertise to help you with mental disorders.

• Compatibility

Many psychologists and therapists offer initial consultations to discuss your concerns and treatment options. You can use this opportunity to assess their approach, qualifications, and treatment style. You can gauge which professional is more apt for your condition and your comfort level to make the choice.

Benefits of Seeing a Therapist vs Psychologist

Seeing a therapist vs psychologist involves the following benefits:

Therapist

• Support for Everyday Struggles

Therapists provide valuable support for everyday mental struggles and emotional stressors. They can help you develop practical strategies to overcome such issues.

• Variety of Therapeutic Approaches

Therapists employ a range of therapeutic techniques tailored to your needs. They include mindful practices, solution-focused exercises, and cognitive behavioural therapy.

• Flexible Interaction

With therapists, your immediate concerns are addressed with actionable advice. They use a relatable and flexible approach to make the process easier and manageable through everyday challenges.

• Holistic Wellbeing

Many therapists use a holistic approach to address emotional, behavioural, and situational aspects of life. This can include fostering personal development, improving self-esteem, and taking control of your mental wellbeing.

Psychologist

• Psychological Assessments

As psychologists are equipped to conduct detailed psychological assessments, they can accurately diagnose complex mental health conditions and understand underlying cognitive patterns.

• Evidence-based Treatment

Psychologists use evidence-based therapies that are based on extensive research and have some scientific relevance. This ensures that mental illness is treated with a more targeted approach.

• Specialised Expertise

With advanced training in psychological theories and practices, psychologists offer specialised expertise. Their in-depth knowledge allows for nuanced and effective treatment strategies.

• Integration with Other Professionals

As psychologists treat complex mental health conditions, they often collaborate with psychiatrists and other medical professionals. Such collaboration enables you to get a comprehensive treatment.

Don’t Wait. Get Help Now!

Once you know the difference between psychologists and therapists, you can find the right mental health professional to address your concerns. Now that you’ve understood what they do, their approach, main distinctive traits, and qualifications, you can make an informed choice. The key is to consider your needs and choose between the two that can help you better.

After making your selection, ManipalCigna Health Insurance offers various options to help you navigate through the cost of seeing a therapist or a psychologist. Explore the insurance policies and find your match today!

FAQs

How long does a therapy typically last?

There is no specified duration for therapy. It can range from half an hour to 2 hours, depending on the mental health professional’s approach. They may also choose the number of sessions based on your individual circumstances, lasting a few months or even years.

Can I switch from a therapist to a psychologist later on?

Yes, it’s common for individuals to switch from a therapist and later seek a psychologist if their needs change or become more complex.

Are online consultations and sessions effective?

Yes, in most cases, online consultations and sessions are just as effective. It offers you the flexibility and convenience of seeking help without compromising on the quality of service. However, in some advanced cases, psychologists might want you to visit occasionally for advanced tests and recommendations.

How do I find a qualified therapist or psychologist?

You can search through professional directories online, check testimonials to understand their expertise and ease of service and ask for recommendations from healthcare providers.