Thankfully, psychology has greatly evolved throughout the years. It is human nature to seek help, and mental health issues are not different from physical illnesses, as both require immediate professional care. So, if you think that you might benefit from talking to a professional, then you might have thought about the difference between psychologists and therapists. Because we use these two terms interchangeably, you may be understandably confused. However, psychologists and therapists have key differences. Therefore, if you are interested in learning more about such differences, just read on to find out.
Qualifications
Both psychologists and therapists exhibit a vast understanding of the human mind and behavior. If you live in big cities such as Austin, Texas, then you can find both types of psychology experts. Regardless of whether you need a psychologist or a therapist, when looking for a psychologist Austin based or located in other cities in Texas, you need to check their certifications and license first. Psychology centers, in particular, have different qualified professionals who can help you sort out your issues.
However, psychologists and therapists do not have the same educational background. Psychologists have to get a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Then, they need to earn a master’s degree in the same field. Their education does not end here; they also have to get a doctorate degree, either a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or Ph.D. Psychologists who hold a PsyD. care more about practical knowledge while Ph.D. holders are more into research. In any case, if they wish to practice, they need to get at least two years of training, so they can specialize in certain fields of psychology. Finally, they need to pass a test to get their license and start working. Nonetheless, an extra step is required in some states; individuals who want to practice psychology may need to present a case study to earn their license.
On the other hand, therapists are not required to major in psychology-related fields in college. However, doing so can improve their chances after graduation. After they get their bachelor’s degree, they must earn a master’s degree in their preferred field. Then, they need to finish the required hours of training to pass an exam that allows them to practice. The process can take up to 10 years after graduation. While therapists do not have to get a doctorate degree, they can still opt for that if they need more credentials.
Treatment Methods
While there is not much difference between the methods employed by psychologists, and therapists, psychologists do not usually work alone, as they work in conjunction with psychiatrists. A good psychologist melbourne, or another location, can help patients understand their thought processes and why they might be suffering from mental health issues. After they diagnose a case, psychologists seek the counsel of psychiatrists to see if medications can help mitigate the symptoms, as psychologists cannot prescribe medications. Nonetheless, therapists work on their own and cover a variety of different fields. They usually use cognitive therapy, which refers to changing negative thoughts into positive ones to eliminate conditions like depression and anxiety. They may also work exclusively with certain age groups like children and teenagers. So, basically, both can diagnose mental health problems, but if you think your case might need medications to improve, bipolar disorder, for example, then you’d better seek the help of psychologists due to their direct contact with psychiatrists.
Types
The terms “psychologist” and “therapist” are very broad and encompass many specialties. In fact, there are many types of specialized psychologists who include:
- Clinical psychologists who diagnose severe mental health problems, like psychosis, through interviews and tests
- Forensic psychologists who specialize in treating criminals that exhibit psychological problems
- Neuropsychologists who study how the brain affects behavior and causes mental health problems
- Counseling psychologists who specialize in treating individuals who suffer from psychological issues like trauma and anxiety
Similarly, therapists also focus on certain fields. So, there are different types of therapists as well, including:
- School therapists: They focus on helping teens overcome obstacles and set their goals for rewarding careers after college.
- Divorce therapists: They offer counseling to couples who want to file for divorce.
- Clinical therapists: Like clinical psychologists, they help patients overcome mental health issues.
- Addiction therapists: People who suffer from substance abuse resort to addiction therapists to overcome their addiction and lead normal lives.
As you can see, while therapists and psychologists may have overlapping methods, they have different qualifications and specialties. Both can offer you help if you are suffering from mental health issues. So, there is not really a big difference; it all boils down to finding a professional who specializes in your condition to be able to help you improve.
