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What's the difference between a therapist and a psychologist?

I am curious to know the difference between the two types of occupations. I want to know the differences to see which job I would like to work in.

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Aaron’s Answer

Here is a great resource that compares the two professions to help you understand the differences:

https://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/psychiatrist-vs-therapist/#:~:text=Key%20Takeaways,or%20a%20combination%20of%20both.

https://doctorondemand.com/blog/mental-health/difference-between-therapy-and-psychiatry/

Here is one from the patient perspective that may be helpful in differentiating the two as well:

https://elitedna.com/do-i-need-a-therapist-or-psychiatrist-or-both-a-guide-to-finding-the-care-you-need/
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Annah’s Answer

Ava, I am going to give you an 'in a nutshell' description. Someone who is a licensed therapist (psychotherapist, clinical counselor, mental health practitioner) will have a master's degree, The graduate degree might be in social work, counseling psychology, marriage and family therapy, child and family therapy, and school counseling). My degree was an MA in clinical counseling with art therapy, for instance. With such a degree you can work in a variety of settings providing mental health therapy. You are able to perform some clinical assessments except those that require a doctorate level degree. You can also diagnose psychiatric disorders except for those that are developmental in origin. A psychologist is someone with a doctorate degree (Ph.D or Psy.D). A doctorate degree can be combined with a master's program or completed post-master's degree. A Ph.D will be more research heavy while a Psy.D program is more focused on looking at research that has already been performed. All doctorate programs will allow the student to train in additional (more complex) assessment measures. A doctorate degree in psychology can take anywhere from 3-8 years depending on the program requirements and other factors. It will allow you to work in higher education, take on leadership roles, or simply offer a broader range of services to patients in private practice. Potential salary will be commensurate with experience, training and degree. How far you choose to go will truly be unique to your own goals. It may be dependent upon how much time you plan to train, financial constraints, and career satisfaction. You have an advantage in knowing what field you may want to enter at a young age! This means you can really take the time to plan things out. Just remember, it is okay to make changes along the way and take a different direction. Your ability to be fluid in life will serve you well as a therapist or psychologist! Great luck to you!
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Annah’s Answer

Ava, I am going to give you an 'in a nutshell' description. Someone who is a licensed therapist (psychotherapist, clinical counselor, mental health practitioner) will have a master's degree, The graduate degree might be in social work, counseling psychology, marriage and family therapy, child and family therapy, or school counseling). My degree was an MA in clinical counseling with art therapy, for instance. With such a degree you can work in a variety of settings providing mental health therapy. You are able to perform some clinical assessments except those that require a doctorate level degree. You can also diagnose psychiatric disorders except for those that are developmental in origin. A psychologist is someone with a doctorate degree (Ph.D or Psy.D). A doctorate degree can be combined with a master's program or completed post-master's degree. A Ph.D will be more research heavy while a Psy.D program is more focused on looking at research that has already been performed. All doctorate programs will allow the student to train in additional (more complex) assessment measures. A doctorate degree in psychology can take anywhere from 3-8 years depending on the program requirements and other factors. It will allow you to work in higher education, take on leadership roles, or simply offer a broader range of services to patients in private practice. Potential salary will be commensurate with experience, training and degree. How far you choose to go will truly be unique to your own goals. It may be dependent upon how much time you plan to train, financial constraints, and career satisfaction. You have an advantage in knowing what field you may want to enter at a young age! This means you can really take the time to plan things out. Just remember, it is okay to make changes along the way and take a different direction. Your ability to be fluid in life will serve you well as a therapist or psychologist! Great luck to you!
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