A Therapist, Counselor, Psychologist, and Psychiatrist Walk Into A Bar…
Whats the Difference?
Counselor vs. Therapist and Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist
I’m sorry to disappoint but I don’t have a funny punch line but I hope you stick with me while I share and explore the differences between a counselor vs therapist and psychiatrist vs. psychologist.
It starts with recognizing you need some extra support and to talk to someone about what is going on in your life. Maybe it’s stress, depression, or anxiety. Maybe there are relationship issues in your marriage. Maybe you suspect you have ADHD and are interested in testing and medication.
Where do you even start?
If you are like most people the quickest way to figure it out is to go to google. You may type in “therapist near me” or “what does a counselor do” and google will give you a bunch of results but it still may not give you what it is you are looking for so you keep searching.
Hopefully, I can break it down and give some guidance based on your needs.
I am a licensed clinical social worker and Wilmington NC therapist. I provide therapy for women. I specialize in providing anxiety treatment in the areas of imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and burnout.
Ready to start therapy? Click the button below to schedule your free 15 minute consultation with me.
Keep reading to explore these different professions in the mental health field.
5 Common Professions in Mental Health
Type #1: What is a psychologist?
A psychologist is able to do a few things in their profession. A psychologist can provide therapy and can also administer tests and assessments. There are also different types of psychologists. Common psychologist types include educational psychologist, school psychologist, counseling psychologist, clinical psychologist, and developmental psychologist. Psychologists can be found working in schools, the community, hospitals and treatment centers, and in their own practice.
Type #2: What is a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist has a medical background specializing in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. A psychiatrist is able to prescribe medications for behavioral, mental, and emotional disorders. In addition to prescribing medications some psychiatrists will also provide therapy to their clients as well. Psychiatrists can be found in hospitals and treatment centers, community mental health clinics, and in their own practice.
Type #3: What is a psychotherapist?
A psychotherapist or therapist uses talk therapy to treat mental and emotional disorders. Psychotherapy can be long term or short term. A psychotherapist can be a psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor, or social worker. Psychotherapists can provide mental health treatment to individuals, families, and groups.
Type #4: What is counselor?
A counselor often gets a counseling degree and provides counseling. A counseling degree puts more emphasis on human growth and development and the mind. A counselor is also often referred to as a therapist. Counseling can often be more short-term treatment. Counselors also must pass tests and exams to obtain a license to practice. You can find counselors in a variety of settings including schools, clinics, hospitals, treatment centers, rehabilitation centers, and in private practice. Counselors can provide mental health treatment to individuals, families, and groups.
Type #5: What is a social worker?
There are different types of social workers and social workers can play major roles in clinical treatment, community work, and engage in political action. A social worker may also be referred to as a therapist. A clinical social worker must take specific courses and exams to provide therapy and treatment for mental health disorders. A social worker can provide treatment to individuals, families, and groups. Social workers can also be found in the community providing assistance and developing programs. Social workers play a major role in hospitals, school systems, treatment centers, community mental health clinics, and in their own private practice.
Start Therapy with a Social Worker Today
As a social worker, I take into account both what is happening with your mind and what is happening in your environment. I understand and take into account all things that could be impacting your life. The therapy treatment models I use in my practice include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness techniques.
To learn more about these treatment models, check out these helpful blog posts:
If you are interested in starting therapy with me, you can follow these simple steps to get started.
Click the button below and schedule your free 15 minute consultation
Complete the brief questionnaire sent to your email
Meet your new caring social worker
Starting living the life you have always wanted
Services Offered at Calm Waters Counseling
You can learn more about me and my online Wilmington, NC counseling practice here. I provide therapy for women. I specialize in providing anxiety treatment in areas such as perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and burnout.
Check out these helpful blog posts to learn more about each of these areas:
What to Expect When You Start Therapy for Anxiety
What is Perfectionism and How to Treat Perfectionism
Burnout: What to Do When it is More Than Just Hating Your Job
online anxiety therapy
I am licensed to provide therapy services in the state of Maryland and in the state of North Carolina. This takes place on a HIPAA compliant platform where we can see and hear each other. If you are interested in learning more, click the links below.
Online Therapy Maryland
Online Therapy North Carolina
If you have thought about trying online therapy before and would like some additional information, check out these helpful blog posts about online therapy:
Is Online Therapy Right for Me?
Benefits of Using Online Therapy for Anxiety Relief
For more information about Calm Waters Counseling, click the buttons below.
Written by: Laura Rippeon, LCSW, LCSW-C
Updated 3/12/23