whats the different between therapy and counseling?

Question

My friends insurance wouldn't pay for counseling but would for therapy... what the heck is the difference???

Noooo..... A psychologist doesn't give drugs, but a psychiatrist can... but both can do therapy

Answer 1

It's sometimes a difference in semantics, but let's see if we can clear it up....and you are right; only psychiatrists (of the mental health professions) can prescribe medication.

I have a feeling her insurance company was referring to "psychotherapy"; which again, sometimes people shorten to the term "therapy"; even though therapy as a term covers all forms of mental health assistance. In counseling, the goal is usually for growth, development, or for prevention. However, the goal in psychotherapy (or what she's calling therapy) is remediation (vs. prevention), treatment, and sometimes personality reconstruction.

And not just anyone can be a counselor; in most states you either have to have your Master's or Ph.D. in a mental health field, and some states also require you to have your LPC with additional training after receiving this education (except for Psychiatrists who have MD's, but it looks like you already know that). Substance abuse counseling is a bit different; these professionals do not always have advanced degrees, but they do have some form of education and training.

The best advice I can offer is to tell your friend to get better clarification from her insurance company and to also check their website. They should have a list of preapproved mental health professionals for her to seek assistance from, depending on what her circumstances are. And tell her to ask for just that; a list of "preapproved mental health professionals" so that she doesn't get bogged down with the semantics again!

Answer 2

It could be the difference because there's a difference in the educational background between a counselor and therapist.

Usually a therapist is a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed social worker. They've gone through many years of study and most likely formalized training.

A counselor can be just about anyone especially if you're going in for counseling on drugs and alcohol. A lot of times ex-addicts become counselors and their only credentials are having gone through the same situation themselves.

BTW - Therapy doesn't always include drugs or medication.

Answer 3

Your friend needs to ask her insurance company for their definitions. Anybody else's answers won't matter, in this case. I hope she or he gets help, whether it's called counseling or therapy. Maybe the difference is whether the one doing the counseling is a mental health professional rather than a minister or other helpful person like a school counselor. Encourage your friend to find out what the requirements are and then to find help.

Answer 4

It's just different specialities. A psychologist has to have a doctorate degree and a counselor may only be a "LPC" licensed practical counselor. I guess for more advanced cases, a counselor would be just as good; but for serious debilitating mental problems, I would see the psychologist. Usually they all have a psychiatrist they can recommend you see if you need medicating. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

therapy has drugs involved

Answer 6

nothing