Why Choosing a Psychologist Matters for Your Mental Health

Choosing who you see for mental health care truly matters. While the titles psychologist, therapist, and counselor are often used interchangeably, the differences in training, expertise, and scope of practice are significant and they can greatly affect your outcome in therapy or psychological care.

• Psychologist

  Licensed Psychologists (PhD or PsyD) hold both master’s and doctoral degrees in psychology, completing over 10,000 hours of advanced education and clinical training. Their expertise spans human behavior, neuroscience, psychological assessment, and evidence-based treatment. Through doctoral coursework, supervised practice, research, and licensing exams, psychologists are uniquely qualified to evaluate, diagnose, and treat a wide range of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral conditions. They provide therapy too.

• Therapist or Counselor

  Master’s-level therapists and counselors (LCSW, LPC, LMHC, or LMFT) with degrees in social work, counseling, and therapy, complete 2,000 to 3,000 hours of graduate study centered on counseling techniques and supportive interventions. They help clients manage stress, relationships, and life challenges through talk therapy and guidance. However, their training is more limited in psychological theory, behavioral science, and treatment methodology, making their approach less clinical and comprehensive than that of doctoral-level psychologists.