What's the difference?

Question

I need to know the difference between a counselor, thereapist, and psychologist. I'm interested in becoming one of them, lol! Also, what exactly does a social worker do??

Answer 1

Counselor/Therapist: The term counselor and therapist can be used interchangibly. It all depends on where and what they are doing. Counselor does not always denote Bachelor's level, however therapist usually means Masters level. For example, I my job is a Child and Family Therapist-but my credential is a Licensed Professional Counselor-and I have a Masters. So I wouldn't get too hung up on the difference between them because many times they can be used interchangibly (I know it's confusing!). Either way, they provide counseling or therapy (again used interchangibly). They are educated on the practice of mental health treatment and with Masters level usually have a specialty-Drug and Alcohol, Child and Family, Marriage, Community etc.

Psychologist-PhD level, again usually with a specialty, provides therapy or counseling and can diagnose and do psychological testing.

Psychiatrist-MD (medical doctor-means med. school), specializes in the medication aspect of mental health treatment. They can provide therapy and at times do, however their vantage point is from a medical perspective. Many people on medication from a psychiatrist will go to a therapist or psychologist for counseling.

Social Worker: Different types of social workers do different things. Clinical Social workers can be employed as therapists and work in the same function. Other types of social workers provide support for families and individuals and are more engrained in their everyday life, assisting them and coordinating resources.

I would recommend that you look into your state's requirements for education and licensing, since each state has their own requirements.

Answer 2

Counselor and therapists are, essentially, the same thing. They have a masters degree, which, at best is 6 years of school. You can choose your subfield. Counselors work on a one on one or in a group basis.

In my area, you can be a social worker with just a bachelors degree. Though it does depend on the agency. A social worker usually works with a larger agency, a hospital, police force, etc.

Psychologists and psychiatrists are doctors. Psychiatrists are medical doctors, they usually do not see patients on a regular basis with the exception of providing prescriptions for medications or other procedures. Schooling will take at least 8 years to become one of the above.

Answer 3

A counselor is one who provides "counsel, " or in other words, advises and assists others in making decisions and choices in their lives. Typically, a "counselor" is a bachelor's degree leveled person.

A therapist is a licensed professional who provides a special type of therapy that improves a person's mental and/or physical health. Typically, a therapist has a master's degree.

A psychologist is a specialist who can talk with patients and their families about emotional and personal matters, and can help them make decisions. Typically, a psychologist has a doctorate degree.

A social worker is also a licensed professional who gives families emotional support, help in adjusting to hospitalization, help planning for hospital discharge, and referral to community resources. There are also "Clinical" social workers who provide mental health therapy.

Answer 4

A psychiatrist has a M.D. and can prescribe prescriptions. A psychologist has a PhD and cannot prescribe prescriptions. As far as Social Workers, it depends on what type of Social Work they go into, for example Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, etc.