Clinical vs. Counseling Psychologist: 5 Key Differences You Need to Know

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Clinical vs. Counseling Psychologist: 5 Key Differences You Need to Know

Introduction

When it comes to mental health, there are two types of psychologists that people often confuse: clinical psychologists and counseling psychologists. While both professionals work with individuals with mental health issues, there are some key differences between the two fields.

Education and Training

Clinical psychologists typically have a doctorate in clinical psychology (PsyD) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in clinical psychology. Counseling psychologists typically have a doctorate in counseling psychology (PhD) or a Master's degree in counseling psychology (MA).

Clinical psychologists typically receive more extensive training in research methods and psychopathology. Counseling psychologists typically receive more extensive training in counseling techniques and theories.

Scope of Practice

Clinical psychologists are licensed to diagnose and treat mental health disorders. They can also provide psychotherapy, psychological testing, and other mental health services. Counseling psychologists are licensed to provide psychotherapy and counseling services. They can also provide psychological testing and other mental health services, but they are not typically licensed to diagnose mental health disorders.

clinical psychologist vs counseling psychologist

Work Settings

Clinical psychologists typically work in hospitals, clinics, and private practice. Counseling psychologists typically work in private practice, schools, and other community settings.

Salary

According to the American Psychological Association, the median salary for clinical psychologists is $82,180. The median salary for counseling psychologists is $79,630.

Which Type of Psychologist Is Right for You?

The best type of psychologist for you depends on your individual needs. If you are looking for someone to diagnose and treat a mental health disorder, you should see a clinical psychologist. If you are looking for someone to provide psychotherapy or counseling, you can see either a clinical psychologist or a counseling psychologist.

Table 1: Clinical vs. Counseling Psychologist

Characteristic	Clinical Psychologist	Counseling Psychologist
Education	Doctorate in clinical psychology (PsyD) or PhD in clinical psychology	Doctorate in counseling psychology (PhD) or Master's degree in counseling psychology (MA)
Scope of practice	Diagnose and treat mental health disorders, provide psychotherapy, psychological testing, and other mental health services	Provide psychotherapy and counseling services, provide psychological testing and other mental health services, but not typically licensed to diagnose mental health disorders
Work settings	Hospitals, clinics, and private practice	Private practice, schools, and other community settings
Salary	$82,180	$79,630

Benefits of Seeing a Clinical or Counseling Psychologist

There are many benefits to seeing a clinical or counseling psychologist. These benefits include:

Clinical vs. Counseling Psychologist: 5 Key Differences You Need to Know

Improved mental health
Reduced symptoms of mental health disorders
Increased coping skills
Improved relationships
Increased self-esteem
Increased productivity

How to Find a Clinical or Counseling Psychologist

If you are interested in finding a clinical or counseling psychologist, there are a few things you can do:

Ask your doctor for a referral.
Contact your insurance company to see if they cover mental health services.
Search for psychologists in your area online.
Read reviews of psychologists online.
Interview potential psychologists before making a decision.

Tips for Choosing a Clinical or Counseling Psychologist

Here are a few tips for choosing a clinical or counseling psychologist:

1. What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a counseling psychologist?

Make sure the psychologist is licensed and has experience treating the type of mental health issue you are experiencing.
Ask the psychologist about their approach to therapy and make sure it is a good fit for you.
Feel comfortable with the psychologist and trust that they can help you.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a counseling psychologist?

Clinical psychologists are licensed to diagnose and treat mental health disorders, while counseling psychologists are licensed to provide psychotherapy and counseling services.

2. Which type of psychologist should I see?

3. How much does it cost to see a psychologist?

The cost of seeing a psychologist varies depending on the type of psychologist, the location, and the insurance coverage. The average cost of a session with a psychologist is $100-$200.

4. How do I find a psychologist?

You can find a psychologist by asking your doctor for a referral, contacting your insurance company, searching for psychologists online, or reading reviews of psychologists online.

5. What are the benefits of seeing a psychologist?

There are many benefits to seeing a psychologist, including improved mental health, reduced symptoms of mental health disorders, increased coping skills, improved relationships, increased self-esteem, and increased productivity.

6. How do I choose a psychologist?

Here are a few tips for choosing a psychologist:

Make sure the psychologist is licensed and has experience treating the type of mental health issue you are experiencing.
Ask the psychologist about their approach to therapy and make sure it is a good fit for you.
Feel comfortable with the psychologist and trust that they can help you.