Therapist Vs. Psychologist Vs. Psychiatrist: What's The Difference?

Over the past few years, there has been an increasing amount of confusion about what all three terms mean. Many people don't know the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist. Some even believe that they are the same!

In this article we will go in depth to explain the differences among these professionals so you can sort through your own mental health needs with greater confidence.

It is very important for anyone seeking help for their mental health to be able to identify who each professional is. This way, you'll know if your doctor, nurse or counselor is right for you and your situation.

Psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists all have different levels of training and certification. They may also work under different job titles as well. For example, a clinical psychotherapist is someone who practices therapy using the framework of cognitive behavioral theory. A psychiatric nurse is a registered nurse (RN) with additional education in psychiatry. And a clinical psychologist has at least a bachelor's degree in psychology and some formal training in psychological testing and/or therapies.

They all work with clients

All three types of professionals work directly with individuals to help them deal with mental health issues they are experiencing. However, not every professional is trained in the same area or depth. For example, while psychiatrists may focus more on medication, psychologists are better at talking through things and psychotherapists have extended their training to include both medications and talk therapies.

Psychiatrists and clinical psychologists go beyond just prescribing medicine and offering therapy, however. Both can offer other related treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or motivational interviewing (MI).

These additional treatments are helpful for everything from mood disorders to anxiety to eating disorders. Because they aren't formally part of psychology or psychiatry, these practices are not licensed by APA but are instead regulated via state boards and institutions.

While they're not officially part of your doctor's field, many people find that CBT and MI are effective supplements to traditional treatments. Many employers also provide time off for treatment so it becomes affordable, if not free, which helps facilitate recovery.

Therapy is based on the client and the therapist

There are three major types of therapists that do different things depending on who you are, what problems you're trying to treat, and your personal goals. They all have their place but some are better than others for certain people and situations.

Understand that not everyone fits into every type box! It really depends on the individual person and how they define therapy and these labels.

A psychologist or psychiatrist can both perform psychotherapy as well as prescribe medication. A therapist that focuses only on counseling cannot prescribe medicine nor offer lifestyle coaching. And while there are some non-directive (no set structure) counselors, most require a structured approach to treatment with regular sessions.

There are many great Long Island therapists and of course many elsewhere, but unfortunately, like any profession, there are also poor quality ones. 

Therapy is based on the psychologist or the psychiatrist

As mentioned before, a therapist does not have a special degree like a doctor. Rather, they have their own set of qualifications and what is referred to as their license. A licensed professional counselor (LPC) can help you with anything from stress management to relationships to career counseling.

A psychotherapist has at least an MSc in psychology or a BA level qualification in mental health from an accredited university. They must then go through several years of training and certification that include completing a graduate program in clinical psychology or psychiatry.

The term psychologist comes from the word psychologistis which means “one who studies nature of mind”. A psychologist uses scientific methods to evaluate and treat psychological disorders, conditions, and/or problems.

Psychiatrists use medical techniques when treating psychiatric patients. This includes prescribing medications and doing physical exams.

Therapy is based on science

 

While psychology and psychiatry are both based on science, there is one important distinction between them. A psychologist takes responsibility for their clients’ mental health to include counseling, psychotherapy, and/or psychiatric treatment.

A psychiatrist can also prescribe medication as part of your therapy, which they may recommend for you or yourself.

But only psychologists have an advanced degree in therapeutic counselling that requires at least two years beyond the doctorate level. This means that they have the most thorough understanding of how to help you deal with your emotional issues.

Furthermore, unlike psychiatrists who get paid more because they administer medicine, licensed professional counselors don't receive higher paychecks than others with the same qualification. That is why it is considered ethical for professionals to work outside of profit-driven facilities.

There are many great reasons to consider seeking individual therapy from a trained counselor instead of a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Therapy is based on a treatment plan

As discussed before, therapists do not have a formal degree or certification as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Rather, they are trained in therapeutic skills such as cognitive therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy, etc.

These techniques are focused on changing thinking patterns and behaviors to improve mental and/or physical health. For example, using mindfulness practices to focus on present-moment experiences instead of past thoughts can reduce stress and inflammation.

The term therapist comes from the word therapeutist which means someone who treats patients for illness or medical conditions. In fact, most psychiatrists and psychologists now are self-identified as being a psychotherapist.

However, some still use the title doctor to make themselves more important. This isn't necessarily bad unless you feel threatened by their professional status. Take your time to evaluate if this is the case and whether it impacts how much you trust them.

Therapy is based on a mental health condition

A therapist is not like a doctor, where they have a degree or certification that allows them to practice medicine. A psychologist has a masters or doctoral degree in psychology and can prescribe medication and other treatments for mental health conditions, but they do not have a medical license like a psychiatrist.

A therapist does not need to be licensed by any state agencies like a doctor or a psychologist must be. They are instead regulated through organizations such as The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) or the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

These two groups set standards and regulations for what being a qualified professional therapist means. These include things such as having at least a bachelor’s degree in counseling or psychotherapy from an accredited school, passing certain requirements to become certified, and undergoing additional training and/or certifications depending on their area of expertise.

There are many different types of professionals who fit under the umbrella term “therapy,” including clinical psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, and more. All of these professionals share one thing in common, however: helping you achieve your goals and solving problems in your life.