What is the Difference Between a Psychotherapist and a Clinical Psychologist?
Updated May 24, 2024 · 2 Min Read
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If you struggle to understand the difference between psychotherapy and clinical psychology, you're not alone. There's some overlap in the two fields, and some even use the terms interchangeably, but there is a clear difference. Learn the differences between clinical psychologists' and psychotherapists' practices and educational requirements.
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The Difference Between a Psychotherapist and a Clinical Psychologist
Megan Pietrucha, Psy.D. explains a psychotherapist and a clinical psychologist are different types of mental health professionals. "The term psychotherapist is generic and can refer to anyone providing therapy or counseling services. The term psychologist, on the other hand, is protected by the APA to refer to doctoral-level, licensed providers. Thus, a clinical psychologist is a specific type of psychologist who provides clinical services such as therapy and psychological assessment," she says.
It is important to remember that the term psychotherapist may describe psychologists, psychiatrists, licensed social workers, marriage and family therapists, or any other professional with specialized training in psychotherapy. Psychotherapists generally provide therapy services to clients. They may work in schools, medical settings, community health centers, and more.
Clinical psychologists are either research-focused or applied in their emphasis. This professional can work as a researcher in labs and academic settings or become a therapist who works with clients in a clinical or private setting.
Roles and Responsibilities
By examining the duties of psychotherapists vs. psychologists, we can resolve much of the confusion around these terms. Below, we highlight some of the main roles and responsibilities for the two professions, highlighting how they differ despite some professional overlap.
"Psychotherapists can provide counseling or therapy services, similar to a psychologist, however, a psychotherapist will need to be licensed in order to practice independently and to use insurance for billing for services," explains Pietrucha. "Clinical psychologists are trained to provide therapy and assessment services. Most psychological assessments are only allowed to be provided by psychologists."
What Does a Psychotherapist Do?
Psychotherapy typically involves providing counseling or talk therapy to patients. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, psychotherapy may include listening to patients, providing them with coping strategies, or offering supportive counseling.
There are several main types of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, psychoanalysis, and supportive therapy.
What Does a Clinical Psychologist Do?
Clinical psychologists provide assessments, diagnoses, and treatments to clients with various disorders, including behavioral, emotional, and mental health disorders. Along with psychometric testing and clinical observations, psychologists may also apply various types of psychotherapy in their work.
Licensed clinical psychologists often specialize in their work, focusing on health services, schools, families or couples, or mental health and addiction.
Education Requirements for Psychotherapists and Clinical Psychologists
Psychotherapists and clinical psychologists must meet certain educational requirements before becoming licensed or certified. Both professions require a college education, including fieldwork and research projects.
However, there are differences between the education requirements for psychotherapists and clinical psychologists.
How to Become a Psychotherapist
Psychotherapists do not need an undergraduate education in psychology. Psychotherapy training begins at the graduate level, so as long as students have a bachelor’s degree, they are eligible to train as psychotherapists.
This profession requires a graduate education, such as a master's in psychology, counseling, marriage and family therapy, social work, or other mental health-focused field. They may also be required to obtain supervised experience. Some states require psychotherapists to have licensure or certification, depending on the specific title they plan to practice psychotherapy.
How to Become a Clinical Psychologist
Clinical psychologists typically earn an undergraduate degree in psychology and then move on to clinical psychology programs at the doctorate level, which requires four or more years of school. Some of these programs may culminate in a master's degree. They are also required to complete supervised clinical experience.
Only after graduation can this professional seek state licensure; requirements for licensure can differ between states.
Page last reviewed on April 30, 2024