Psychologist vs. Counselor: What Is the Difference?

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A counselor in a session with a patient

It’s difficult to overstate the prevalence of mental health concerns in our day-to-day lives. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that about 1 in 5 U.S. adults lives with a mental illness, which may include anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Such issues can make it more challenging to navigate school, work, and relationships, but intervention from the right mental health specialist can provide strategies to cope and, in many cases, thrive.

Those who wish to help people with mental health concerns navigate daily life have several career paths to choose from, including psychologist and counselor roles. While both positions are impactful, they differ in some critical ways, including educational paths. Before deciding between the psychologist vs. counselor paths, it may be helpful to compare and contrast the two.

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Defining the Roles 

Both of these roles can be pivotal in helping individuals or families cope with the effects of mental illness.

What Is a Psychologist?

Psychologists specialize in the study of human behavior, in particular emotional and mental processes. Some psychologists focus on research or academia, while others provide direct intervention and counseling services to clients. .

The duties and responsibilities of psychologists who work in a direct clients care role can include the following:

  • Evaluating symptoms and providing a clear diagnosis
  • Determining a treatment plan that may involve talk therapy or inpatient care
  • Administering psychological testing

What Is a Counselor?

A mental health counselor, on the other hand, is a professional who has completed the training and licensure requirements to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC). Counselors work directly with clients, helping equip them with strategies to deal with stress, depression, anxiety, and other mental health symptoms.

A good mental health counselor will usually complete the following duties:

  • Evaluating client well-being and assessing overall mental health
  • Encouraging open communication and self-reflection
  • Meeting with individuals or families to discuss particular obstacles or challenges they’re facing

Psychologist vs. Counselor: Important Similarities 

The two roles overlap in several key respects. Some of the main similarities between psychologists and counselors are as follows:

  • Both are mental health practitioners. Both psychologists and counselors have the opportunity to meet directly with individuals experiencing mental health disorders and provide clinical intervention and care.
  • Both roles require accreditation. Both psychologists and counselors need to be licensed to practice within their chosen state. This requires meeting specific academic, testing, and training requirements.
  • Both positions can diagnose and treat mental health concerns. Both psychologists and counselors can diagnose and provide treatment for mental health disorders, such as depression, PTSD and anxiety.
  • Both positions can specialize in particular demographics. Both psychologists and counselors can choose to focus on specific disorders or demographics, such as adult clients, children, and even couples and families.
  • Both positions can work in diverse environments. Both psychologists and counselors can find work in hospital settings, mental health clinics, private practices, and academic environments.

These are just a few of the primary similarities between the psychologist and counselor positions.

Psychologist vs. Counselor: Key Distinctions 

While plenty of overlap exists between these roles, they also differ in significant ways. Before choosing a particular career path, understanding some of the distinctions between the psychologist and counselor roles is helpful.

  • The educational requirements can differ. To enter a counseling role, it’s typically necessary to have a master’s degree, such as a master’s degree in counseling psychology. For psychologist roles, however, a doctorate is generally required.
  • The roles can have a clinical vs. academic focus. Psychologists not only provide client care but also have the option to devote their work to research or training. By contrast, counselors primarily work directly with clients.
  • Their practical services can differ. A psychologist has greater authority to diagnose significant mental health pathologies, while a counselor focuses more on providing practical tools and strategies to handle relationships and other everyday concerns.
  • The roles can have different work settings. Psychologists generally work in career settings, such as schools or academic institutions, whereas counselors usually work in mental health clinics or medical settings. This means they may also have different professional networks.

Choosing a Path in Mental Health

To make a difference in the lives of individuals who live with mental health disorders, multiple career paths are available to choose from. While the roles differ, both psychologist and counselor roles can make a significant impact on the lives of individuals who they support. 

To prepare for a long-lasting vocation in mental health counseling, consider enrollment in Felician University’s online Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MACP) program. Our 60-credit program offers a Forensic track option and three intakes per year. Through online coursework and in-person fieldwork, our program can help you build the skills needed to serve diverse populations and become licensed mental health professionals.

Explore the online MACP program, and find out how it can help you pursue a career as a counselor. 

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