What is the difference between a psychotherapist and a psychologist?

What is the Difference Between a Psychotherapist and a Psychologist?

It is important to understand that both psychotherapists and psychologists fall under the umbrella of psychology. Psychology is the study of people, their thoughts, and their behaviors. Psychologists seek to understand the motivations and trigger responses. The main difference between a psychotherapist and a psychologist is the treatment of the patients. Not all psychologists treat patients, but all psychotherapists treat patients with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapists can be any mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, that has completed specialized training in psychotherapy. Psychotherapists work with patients to overcome a variety of mental health issues, mental illnesses, and relationship or personal problems.

Psychologists are not typically medically qualified. Most people who study psychology do not prescribe medications or treatment plans unless they are a psychiatrist. Instead, they focus on the brain's functioning processes and the motivations behind the thoughts and actions of individuals.

What is a Psychotherapist?

A psychotherapist is a person who treats mental conditions and emotional problems through talking and interacting with a patient. A psychotherapist provides psychotherapy to analyze a patient's mental state, the cause, and effect of previous trauma or situations, and to adjust future processes that the individual takes to address a similar problem.

For example, if a patient tends to avoid a trigger such as groups, projects, or problems, rather than working through it. The psychotherapist uses the patient's historical or present information to address the cause of this reaction. Then works to adjust the patient's thought process to handle the situation and not avoid it.

What is a Psychologist?

A psychologist is someone who specializes or is an expert in psychology. There are various types of psychologists, including clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, and school psychologists. These are general categories to classify the psychological subfields for professionals.

Clinical Psychologist: assess, diagnose & treat psychological problems with or without prescribing medicine depending on their credentials.

Counseling Psychologist: A focused evaluation in therapy

School Psychologist: apply psychology to mental health, learning, & behavior of children & youth

In other words, psychologists can work with patients to conduct psychotherapy or guide students with counseling services. There are more specific subfields for psychologists such as forensic psychology, educational, cross-cultural, and more.

Therapy & Treatment: From a Psychotherapist vs Psychologist

Psychotherapists that are also psychiatrists can prescribe medications or medical treatments for mental health conditions. Psychotherapists are certified to diagnose and treat mental issues such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and addictions through psychotherapy.

Psychologists cannot prescribe medical treatment but rather offer different types of psychotherapy to address one’s stress, emotional turmoil, or relationship problems. Therapy options include cognitive behavior and psychoanalytic therapy and counseling.

Psychotherapy, also known as ‘talking therapy’ is conducted over a course of time that seeks to gain insight into a person’s problems. It is important to note that a psychiatrist can offer medical treatment whereas a psychologist can only diagnose, not prescribe medical treatment. The difference is in the credentials acquired in their specified training and schooling.

Is a Psychotherapist a Psychologist?

Yes. A Psychotherapist is a Psychologist, but not every psychologist is a psychotherapist. A psychotherapist is someone who offers psychotherapy. Psychologists do not typically work with patients but rather focus on the analysis of psychology. That is the main difference between a psychotherapist and a psychologist. Psychotherapists offer psychotherapy or psychologist focus on the study and development of psychology and behavior.

Do you want to learn more about Psychotherapy?

If you are interested in learning more about psychotherapy, check out our Masters in Clinical Counseling & Psychotherapy. Here at ICSW, we offer the perfect opportunity to pursue your future career as a mental health professional with our part-time and full-time programs. These programs include a strong understanding of psychotherapy, preparation for the comprehensive certification exams, and active fieldwork.