Difference Between Psychologist And Therapist?

Question

I have currently booked an appointment with a therapist. What I plan to discuss is issues of possible symptoms that I think can be bi-polar, OCD, or something like that. But is going to a therapist rather than a psychologist the right person to go to? Can they diagnose these things as well? Should I keep the appointment or find a psychologist? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

Psychologists have a PhD in psychology, whereas a therapist has a Masters. If you wanted a diagnosis, you would have to go to a psychologist, because they are the only ones who can legally diagnose patients. If the psychologist recommends that you be medicated, you would have to visit a psychiatrist, because they have MDs and are the only ones in the field to can prescribe. If you want counseling, go to a therapist, because they often have the most training in applied psychology.

Answer 2

A psychologist is really a subset of the group of mental help therapists, which is more of a general term. The major types of mental health therapists include social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists. You might need to see two types at the same time because our health care system makes it hard for doctors to be reimbursed for BOTH psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy) AND as a psychiatrist who prescribes medication [only a psychiatrist can prescribe meds because they're medical doctors, while you don't need to be an M.D. to be a social worker or psychologist]. Consequently, very few psychiatrists have any real talk sessions with their patients anymore. On the contrary, psychotherapy is the bread and butter of social workers and psychologists.

Any good mental health therapist with a background in your types of disorders may be able to diagnose you. As stated above, only a psychiatrist can prescribe medications. This doesn't mean that a psychiatrist is the right person for you, but you should know this difference.

Whatever you do, see if you're comfortable with the person with whom you meet. If not, find another person. There are lots of mental health therapists out there and not every one is right for every person. You know it, and they know it.

Good luck on your journey. Nothing will change overnight, but it's good that you're seeking help.

Answer 3

An experienced therapist should be able to diagnose as well as a psychologist. Psychologists have extra experience in research but rarely in therapy. Keep the appointment. Make sure the therapist is licensed.


And no Gypsy, psychologist cannot prescribe meds. Only psychiatrists can

Answer 4

A psychologist has a doctoral degree in psychology - either a PhD, PsyD, or EdD. Some psychologists work as therapists, but others are researchers, professors, or consultants. A psychologist may have a specialization in clinical, counseling, forensic, developmental, social, cognitive, industrial/organizational, or neuropsychology. There are many different types of therapists. A person can work as a therapist after attaining a masters degree in psychology or a masters degree in social work. As previously mentioned, those with doctoral degrees in psychology can also work as therapists. Psychiatrists (medical doctors) can also be therapists.

Answer 5

A therapist or counselor and a psychologist usually focus on the -psyche, spiritual (and I don't mean religious) or mental aspects of issues, where a pyschiatrist will also focus on any biological imbalance, and has the capacity to prescribe medication (Bi-Polar, OCD......caused by chemical imbalances and can be corrected by medication)

One important thing to remember........neither the therapist or psychologist is there to give you the answers.......you have to do the work, look at the issues, and come to the conclusions yourself. The therapist/psychologist is there to guide, and support. If the therapist/psychologist goes beyond these boundaries, be careful.

Answer 6

The psyh can order drugs! The therapist let's ya talk!

Answer 7

One can prescribe meds.the other can only offer talk therapy. Good Luck