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Chapters

0:00 Introduction
0:38 What Is The Difference Between A Psychologist And A Therapist?
2:19 which one do you need



• Psychologists and therapists are the titles that come up during every conversation about mental health professionals. 
• The terms are used interchangeably, with several people not knowing the difference between the two. 
• Both are educated and trained in therapeutic treatments. However, the kind of education they receive and the types of treatments they can offer differ. 
• Many people are not aware of these differences. So, let us take a look at them and figure out which one you need according to the situation. 
What are the Differences between a Psychologist and a Therapist? 
• Both terms are so interchangeably used that even professionals in the field often fail to make the distinction between them. 
• Psychologists with a doctorate-level education may often adopt the title of a therapist or a psychotherapist. 
• Those who stick around the Master’s education are often called “counselors”. 
• To discuss it in detail, psychologists are treatment-focused professionals who rely on psychological research and aim to further it. 
• They are essential medical doctors who use research to form the basis of their treatments. 
• But psychologists do not have the credentials to prescribe medicine to their patients. 
• Psychologists rely the most on behavioral research, which offers details on how people respond to stress and how they deal with mental health problems. 
• Behavioral research also contains details of clinical trials and tests. 
• On the other hand, counselors, and therapists, while treatment-focused, are more reliant on rhetorical and philosophical theories rather than research. 
• While psychologists are certainly more learned about their field, therapists gather professional experience and utilize their theoretical prowess in the field to offer treatments to patients. 
• Similarly, a therapist cannot prescribe medication as well, with that right being held by only psychiatrists. 
• To summarize the difference between the two, a psychologist has more in-depth knowledge about their field, but a therapist forms a strong theoretical background and social knowledge. 
• Furthermore, a therapist cannot make a diagnosis without being under the direct supervision of a psychologist. 
Which One Do You Need?
• Selecting between a psychologist and a therapist can depend on your situation. 
• However, that does not change the fact that both professions have significant overlap when it comes to their treatment and areas of expertise. 
• Either of them is a good option and a starting point for general counseling, grief counseling, marriage counseling, and dealing with divorce. 
• Both can help you deal with mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. 
• The key difference between choosing either depends on the level of education you are looking for.
• A psychologist has more education than a therapist and is an expert in driving change through behavioral and thought patterns. 
• However, therapists can often help you in the same manner, with differences between them being quite minimal in a professional capacity. 
• However, costs do tend to differ between the two. A psychologist with a private practice is bound to cost more than a therapist. 
• These factors should help you decide whether you need a psychologist or a therapist.