Who Must I See: A Therapist or a Psychologist?

Now that you have finally made up your mind about seeking help for professional intervention, you are likely to ask whether you would see a psychologist or a therapist. To have a methodical approach, differentiating the different types of emotional health professional would be sensible. It may also help if early on you can decide if you can benefit more from online counseling, or from in-person type of counseling.

Pointing Out the Resemblances

  • Same objectives. The end results that these two experts on emotional health are fundamentally alike. Their aim is to enhance the general condition of their clients’ lives. This is possible with the restoration of their functioning, the control of the controllable facets of their lives, and the enabling of their decision-making skills.
  • Identical clinical approaches. The methods that these professionals use in their clinical observations, assessments and diagnosis of signs and symptoms are the same. They can also tailor treatment plans following comparable philosophies and approaches.
  • Similar nature of work. Embracing identical goals and utilizing comparable approaches and philosophies, it isn’t entirely surprising if their work would also overlap. This is the reason why many people are often confused about their specific roles and functions.

What a Psychologist Does

A licensed psychologist has a baccalaureate, and usually a master’s degree, and a doctorate degree – a PhD or PsyD. Aside from finishing their academic requirements, and years of supervised practice, they must also pass a licensure exam in the state where they are supposed to practice.

What a Therapist Does

Therapy connotes an umbrella of several licensed emotional health professionals. To be able to do counseling or therapy work, they usually have a master’s degree ‘tucked under their belt.’ They may even have a doctorate or post-doctoral degrees and trainings. To be a therapist, they can be in any of the following fields: social work, marriage and family counseling, and substance abuse, among others.

With that said, a counselor/ therapist can be a social worker, family therapist, marriage counselor, clinical psychologist, etc. Psychology can be a good background for a therapist. You have alternatives. Make the right choice by exploring and asking the right queries. Check out their education, competence, connections, and their personal qualities.

Your Right-Match

Which is the better fit for you? Better yet, who could be your right match? The process can be confusing. Cutting corners is not advisable. It is important that you answer basic questions, such as: “What is the problem that needs to be treated?” and “What is the best treatment?” says Bridgett and Lilly (2013). The former detects the goal of treatment, which can suggest who can be your best-match. The second acknowledges the standard treatment of the identified condition or issue.

The Internet is a vast cyber space. Finding the right online counselor or therapist can, therefore, be a tall order. The process can be simplified by looking at the right ‘window,’ which can be the Carolina Counseling Services – West Fayetteville Office –Fayetteville, NC.

CCS- West Fayetteville, NC is supported by more than two decades of counseling experience. With its online counseling, you can now do therapy without the challenges of in-person or face-to-face (FTF) therapy. Contact us today.

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