Difference between psychologist and therapist

Hi,

Just wondered what is 'better', really. A psychologist or a therapist, and the differences between these, if any.

A psychologist probably has a master's degree in psychology. A therapist might have a master's degree in social work, or a master's degree in marriage and family therapy, or a master's degree in psychology. It's hard to say which is "better". It depends on the personal fit of the clinician and the client, the experience of the clinician, the rapport between the two, and a variety of other things.

In referring to the degrees I was talking about what is common in the US. I am unfamiliar with the UK.

Some, but not all, therapists are psychologists. Some, but not all, psychologists are therapists. Most states require that to be licensed as a clinical psychologist you must have a doctoral level degree (either PsyD, Doctor of Psychology and a more clinically oriented degree, or PhD which is usually more research focused though it can be in clinical psych).

The only therapists I see are licensed psychologists (who are required to have a doctoral level degree, either PsyD, Doctor of Psychology and a more clinically oriented degree, or PhD which is usually more research focused though it can be in clinical psych).
It's personal preference. I've had bad experiences with LCSWs and I feel like on average someone with a doctoral level degree is better equipped to handle the mess that is my psych issues. Though years in practice probably makes a bigger difference, and there are plenty of terrible PsyDs/PhDs and plenty of really good LCSWs/MFTs/other degrees I can't remember.

For me personally there's also the fact that I'm currently in a PhD program and someone who's done a PhD kind of "gets" what it's like. There are differences between programs depending on the field, but there are also a lot of similarities and it's a pretty unique process and set of stressors and a culture of academia that it's hard to understand unless you've been through it.
I hope that doesn't sound pretentious? Like if I was doing an MSW I might find it helpful to see an LCSW who could "get" what it was like to be in an MSW program in ways that a PsyD/PhD psychologist wouldn't.

I have had both, and I have had better luck with therapists over my psychologist. Definitely. LCSW, LMFT, etc. When I started therapy, I went for the PhD. Now I'll steer clear....

For trauma I believe a psychologist is best, just because trauma therapy is based on the scientific understanding of how trauma affects the brain and has quite specific, research based interventions. It isn't just "talk" therapy or about the relationship. It's about learning to recognize the neurobiological responses of the brain to triggers and how to respond to those triggers to create different outcomes.

But this might be different in my country than it is to the US. "Therapists" here only have to have a counselling diploma, which may or not be equal to a bachelors degree.

they are all therapists. the only difference is in degree of education and the focus of that education.


licensed clinical social worker

marriage and family therapist: both have masters degrees, but the coursework is pretty different, but noth can do the exact same job as a therapist.


a psy.d is a clinical psychologist and can do testing

a ph.d has a masters degree plus a few extra years of schooling (usually they do research) but they cant do testing. more philosophy/theory based at times.


they are all therapists and can do each others jobs with the exception of teaching at certain levels and doing psych testing- only psychologist can do that.



personally i see a licensed clinical social worker and a phd. for my therapy...I like them both. but i do emdr with the social worker.

Don't forget, there also exist those that call themselves a counselor which is a whole different ball game. Generally a counselor doesn't have the years of schooling and clinical experience. It is really wise to iron out just what your therapist really possesses in the way of schooling and certification(s). Some employee benefits plans only cover the cost of the more cheaper 'counselors' even though they may not be appropriate to your needs.

If you have a benefits plan AND if you have an EAP (Employee Assistance Plan) how lucky for you. For, if you go through your EAP they can assign to you several options of what and who would be more appropriate to your particular issue(s). ie. they can put you in touch with a therapist that specifically deals with stress in the workplace if this is the source of the problem, etc.

I also want to point out that some psychiatrists also offer therapy. If you are lucky, you can find one of them.

The only practical difference I know of is that people are often willing to pay psychologists more money.