What’s the difference between a Therapist, Psychologist, and Psychiatrist?

Have you ever wondered on your search for mental health treatment what the difference is between a therapist (i.e., counselor, psychotherapist), psychologist, and a psychiatrist? It’s easy to get these terms mixed up. Here’s a simple hack for knowing which person is right for you. 

Therapist
(AKA psychotherapist, counselor, mental health therapist, licensed therapist/counselor)
A therapist is someone who is called by different names. Often people will ask me if I’m a therapist or a counselor. It’s understandable that people would get confused as these terms are used interchangeably. It really just depends on what the therapist feels personally fits them. 

A therapist is someone who has a masters degree in counseling and may be licensed by their state board to practice counseling or are working towards licensure in their state (meaning they have graduated with a masters degree, but are under supervision completing the 2,000+ hours of therapy before submitting for licensure.

These people are able to diagnose mental health disorders that are listed in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual: Fifth Edition). They are able to treat different types of mental health disorders dependent upon their individual training and scope of practice. They cannot conduct official diagnostic tests such as ADHD testing or Autism testing, unless they got additional training.

I am a licensed therapist in the state of Colorado and fit in this category. 🙂

Psychologist

This one is one I’ve been called before and I always have to correct, though I can see why people get confused. When I was looking to become a therapist I had to google the differences between a psychologist and a therapist. 

Psychologists are people who have a doctorate degree in psychology. They are able to do all of the things a therapist does, plus they are able to conduct research (and have), know more in depth knowledge around the research that is out in the field, can do diagnostic testing such as ADHD or Autism and can be professors at a university. 

So, if you are looking to become a therapist yourself and not sure which route to take – I’d consider whether or not you want to focus on just counseling or if you want to lean more into conducting research and potentially becoming a professor at a major university. 

Psychiatrist
Lastly is the psychiatrist. This one tends to be understood on its own as many people have gone to see a psychiatrist at some point. Psychiatrists are doctorate level clinicians who have a medical doctorate degree. That means they specialize in the psychology side of being a medical doctor. They can prescribe medication and can give you the best treatment for your psychiatric illness (or just mental health struggles like anxiety or depression). 

Of course it’s totally okay to go to your primary care physician for medication relating to your mental health, it is much better if you can see a psychiatrist as they are specialists in the mental health field and understand the medications and can diagnose you properly. 

If you are looking to find a therapist, check out 4 Easy Ways to Find a Therapist Near You and What Kind of Therapy Do I Need? for more info!