So I’m actively looking to get into some form of much needed therapy for myself. I’ve come across a directory for local therapists in my area, but there’s Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, and Clinical Social Workers, to name a few.. What’s the difference?
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Speaking for the USA only,
Psychologists= ph.d. or psy.d. its a protected term. You have a doctorate and are licensed. They are who someone would see If your kid has suspected autism or adhd for example. They give an evaluation, battery of tests. And interpret those tests.
I’ve heard generalizations before that imo aren’t great. That clinical psych focuses on severe pathology. They tend to do much less therapy and engage in much more research. I don’t think those quite summarize the key differences.
Therapist is an umbrella term for a person administering a therapy.
Counselor would generally refer to someone who has a degree in counseling and licensure. But there are also guidance counselors and peer counselors.
These last two you could see for a wide range of problems. Marriage/family. Mental illness. Career/vocational guidance. Generally speaking these are the individuals you see weekly/every two weeks in an office.
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