Many people use the words “therapist” and “psychologist” interchangeably, not realizing they are two different (but similar) roles in the realm of psychology. On the surface, they do seem like different terms to describe the same thing: someone who helps improve your mental health and emotional well-being. An adult psychologist and a therapist must obtain licensing to practice, as well as thorough education and training to understand mental and behavioral disorders.
The differences between adult psychologists and therapists lie in their education level, ability to make diagnoses, and their approach to treatment. Read on to learn more about these two roles, and how to determine which specialist is right for you.
Understanding Adult Psychologists and Therapists
Let’s break down the specific differences between psychologists and therapists:
Professional Licensing
To become licensed, a therapist must obtain a master’s degree in the field of psychotherapy. A psychologist, however, must have a doctorate: a PhD or PsyD. Therapists with a master’s-level background may also refer to themselves as counselors or psychotherapists.
Types Of Focus
The American Psychological Association (APA) requires that psychologists obtain extensive training in areas of human behavior and development. This typically includes a thorough understanding of peer-reviewed, scientific literature and research studies in order to prescribe treatment for certain disorders. Therefore, the strategies and tools offered to clients are all evidence-based.
Therapists also focus on treatment, but their training focuses more on therapeutic techniques and theories rather than academic findings. For this reason, their educational background tends to be shorter compared to that of psychologists. This doesn’t mean their treatment methods are less effective, only that they may not be a good fit for clients with certain disorders.
Therapists may focus on interpersonal issues surrounding relationships or communities, whereas a psychologist may focus on depression or anxiety.
Treatment Methods
“Talk therapy” is a common treatment used by both therapists and psychologists. Most commonly used is a technique called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which aims to help clients become aware of unhelpful or harmful thought patterns in order to “redirect” them and change their behavior.
Both counselors and therapists can also employ their treatments in various settings, such as social work environments, outpatient clinics, or through their own private practices.
Diagnosing and Prescribing
Psychologists and therapists have the training to assess a client and offer a diagnosis, such as clinical depression or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). However, they are unable to prescribe medication and may refer to a psychiatrist for that purpose. The range of diagnoses that licensed adult psychologists and therapists can provide may vary by state.
Who Should I See?
The decision of whether to see a psychologist or therapist is completely up to you. It depends on your specific concerns and goals for therapy, so it’s a good idea to ask your provider about their training, therapeutic approach, and specialty areas when making your decision.
Some reasons to seek help from a psychologist or therapist may include:
- Marital problems
- Relationship struggles within a family
- Dealing with grief or loss
- Anxiety, depression, or addiction
Additional reasons to seek help from an adult psychologist or therapist could be if you’re experiencing:
- Persistent, disruptive thought patterns or behaviors that are interfering with your quality of life
- Severe symptoms of mood disorders, such as chronic unhappiness lasting longer than two weeks
- You need additional support based on the results of a psychological assessment or research-driven method
What To Expect During Therapy
Every new client will start with an initial consultation to determine which mode of care best suits their situation. We want your therapy to be a positive, life-changing experience, so building trust and rapport is important to us.
From there, you can expect:
A Personalized Assessment
In order to provide appropriate care, we need to fully understand your struggles and strengths, as well as short and long-term goals. This can involve a questionnaire as well as conversations with your potential provider.
Individualized Sessions
Therapy sessions are both structured and flexible in order to help you develop the right strategies to manage and overcome your struggles.
Collaborative Support
Your therapeutic provider is just as invested in your progress and well-being as you are. That’s why we are actively involved in your progress, offering appropriate tools and guidance to help you apply the strategies and skills learned in every session.
Why Choose An Adult Psychologist At Weston Family Psychology
Choosing the right mental health provider can be challenging, but if you’ve made it that far, you’ve already done something much more important: admitted you need help. Next, you’ll want to find someone who understands your experiences, can offer appropriate, evidence-based treatment, and offers a safe, supportive space to process emotions and feelings.
Weston Family Psychology in Weston, Florida, offers compassionate, evidence-based care. With highly trained, licensed professionals on our staff, we’ve helped many adults process and manage depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and much more. Our therapy is personalized to the unique circumstances of our clients – not a “one size fits all” approach. We want each person’s treatment to be adaptable to fit their lifestyle and goals.
Find An Adult Psychologist In South Florida
Some people are afraid to seek professional help due to the stigma surrounding therapy or fear of being vulnerable in front of a stranger. You can rest assured that our space is safe and judgment-free: a place to feel heard, understood, and empowered to make positive life changes. To help facilitate such an environment, we offer in-person sessions as well as virtual ones, if you prefer to receive help in the comfort of your home.
Take control of your mental health and your future. Call today at 954-388-8336 to schedule a consultation and start building a better life.
