As you explore therapy options, you might feel confused about the different types of therapists out there. That’s because many of the terms used for therapists sound alike, and it is hard to decipher the differences between them. In particular, you might want more clarification on what a psychotherapist is and what the difference is between psychotherapists vs. psychologists or psychotherapists vs. psychiatrists.
We get it: These terms can be confusing. This guide will clear up this confusion, and help you figure out what the best type of therapist is for your particular needs.
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What is a psychotherapist?
A psychotherapist refers to a licensed mental health professional who practices psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is often referred to as “talk therapy” and describes any type of therapy that involves identifying and talking about emotions, behaviors, and thoughts.
In psychotherapy, you might focus on what’s currently happening in your life and develop coping skills to help. You may also reflect on the past so you can better understand how it impacts you in your present life. In essence, psychotherapy refers to what most of us think of when we think of one-on-one therapy. Psychotherapy is one of the most common types of mental health support.
Psychotherapist credentialing requirements
Psychotherapy doesn’t describe a therapy credential, but more of a broad term to describe a treatment a licensed mental health professional might provide. Different types of mental health professionals might practice psychotherapy and be considered psychotherapists, including:
Clinical psychologists
Psychiatrists
Licensed social workers
Licensed marriage and family therapists
As such, the type of education, training, and credential you need depends on what type of mental health professional you are. Clinical psychologists usually have doctorate degrees (PsyDs, PhDs, EdDs), and the psychiatrist credential requires a medical degree, like an MD or DO. In general, licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) and licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) have master’s degrees.
In addition to a degree, all of these professionals require clinical hours, meaning hours spent practicing psychotherapy, unusually at least partly under supervision. They also require that the psychotherapist sit for and pass a state licensure exam.
Scope of practice
Psychotherapists usually practice one-on-one, in private practice, at therapy clinics, or online via telehealth. Some psychotherapists practice couples or family therapy, and some do group therapy.
Most psychotherapists are trained to treat a variety of mental health conditions, though they may have particular specialties or areas of interest. With the exception of psychiatrists, most psychotherapists do not prescribe medication, though they may work in collaboration with providers who can.
Psychotherapistsmay be trained in one or various therapy modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, psychodynamic therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy, or supportive therapy.
Did you know?
The word “psychotherapy” dates back to the late 19th century, but the practice as we know it today was largely shaped by Sigmund Freud’s development of psychoanalysis in the 1890s. Since then, the field has expanded dramatically — with more than 400 distinct therapy approaches now recognized, ranging from cognitive behavioral therapy to EMDR to somatic therapies.
How do psychotherapists compare to other mental health professionals?
Here’s where people often feel confused. What exactly is the difference between a psychotherapist and some of the other common mental health professionals? Let’s clarify some of these terms.
Psychotherapist vs. therapist
The terms psychotherapist and therapist are often used interchangeably. It’s actually fine to use them this way, because a psychotherapist is a kind of therapist. However, the term “therapist” can include all different types of providers, both mental health providers and physical health providers. So, a psychotherapist is a type of therapist, and so is a physical therapist and an occupational therapist.
The bottom line? “Therapist” is a broader term to describe various different providers who treat both mental health and physical health conditions, whereas “psychotherapist” describes a specific kind of mental health provider.
Psychotherapist vs. psychologist
Psychologists, or clinical psychologists, refer to providers who have doctorate degrees in therapy. These degrees include PhD (doctor of philosophy) EdD (doctor of education), or PsyD (doctor of psychology). These are rigorous degrees. Most clinical psychologists study for their doctorate for between four and six years, followed by a year or two of clinical training.
Clinical psychologists often practice psychotherapy, and may be referred to as psychotherapists. But “psychologist” describes a specific credentialed therapist, whereas “psychotherapist” refers to a type of therapy practiced.
Psychotherapist vs. psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are mental health specialists who went to medical school and have medical degrees. They either have MDs (doctor of medicine) or DOs (doctor of osteopathic medicine). In addition to attending medical school, they have residencies in psychiatry for three to four years.
Psychiatrists typically focus on biological mechanisms in mental illness, and prescribe psychotropic medication. But many psychiatrists also practice psychotherapy as part of their practice, which means they may sometimes be referred to as psychotherapists.
Again, here “psychiatrist” refers to a specific therapy credential, but “psychotherapist” refers to a type of therapy practiced by a psychiatrist.
Psychotherapist vs. mental health counselor
The term ‘mental health counselors‘ most commonly refers to a type of psychotherapist whose training focuses on clinical counseling. In addition to their extensive training, they also possess a license to practice psychotherapy. Like other psychotherapists, they offer support to individuals, couples, families, and groups, and focus on areas such as work, school, and life transitions. Also like other psychotherapists, counselors may specialize in specific areas, like substance misuse or eating disorders.
Counselors who work as psychotherapists typically hold titles like Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Other types of counselors are not trained to provide psychotherapy but offer other important forms of emotional support. These can include school counselors, career counselors, and grief counselors.
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What issues can a psychotherapist help me with?
Psychotherapists help people deal with specific mental health conditions as well as more generalized anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. The goal of psychotherapy is to help decrease symptoms, navigate daily life with greater ease, and generally improve overall quality of life.
Peoplego to psychotherapists for help with a variety of issues. This includes, but is certainly not limited to:
Managing stress from jobs, school, relationships, or family issues.
Navigating life transitions, like divorce, death of a loved one, or moving.
Managing mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Supporting family members who have mental health challenges.
Understanding your childhood, including childhood traumas.
What can I expect in psychotherapist therapy?
Psychotherapy sessions are typically 45 or 50 minutes long, and can take place in one-on-one, couples, or family therapy settings. These sessions often occur in therapists’ offices, clinics, or online. You may work with a psychotherapist for weeks, months, or longer.
The idea is to build a trusting relationship together that allows you to open up about your emotions and thoughts. As you and the therapist gain a deeper understanding of what’s affecting you, the therapist can support you in developing new skills or strengthening existing ones, like emotional regulation and communication. This can help you feel more confident in better handling current and future challenges.
First session
When you first start psychotherapy, you and your therapist are getting to know each other.
Your therapist may ask you questions about your background and what brought you to therapy. At the same time, you’ll gather important details about your therapist: how they approach therapy, what experience they have — and most importantly, if the therapist is a good match for you personally.
During this first session, you may also establish goals for the future. What do you want to focus on, and what areas of your life would you like to see improvements in?
Signs of progress
Signs of progress in therapy may be subtle, or more obvious. Most of all, you’ll want to look for signs in your day-to-day life that show you are feeling better and more able to cope. This might look like being able to set better boundaries with others, being more functional at work or in relationships, and seeing reductions in some of your mental health symptoms.
In therapy, you can reflect on some of your therapy goals and discuss with your therapist ways to meet your goals, if you aren’t seeing progress. Signs of progress within the therapy setting might look like making discoveries about your internal motivations, and gaining a better understanding of how things that happened in your past impact your present life. Therapy can lead to more tangible effects as well, such as improved sleep or fewer instances of irritability.
Does seeing a psychotherapist mean I’ll be in therapy forever?
Does seeing a psychotherapist mean I’ll be in therapy forever?
Not at all. The length of psychotherapy depends entirely on your goals, the approach your therapist uses, and how you’re progressing. Some evidence-based models — like solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for a specific concern — are designed to produce meaningful results in as few as 6 to 12 sessions.
Others, like psychodynamic therapy, tend to be more open-ended and exploratory by nature. You and your therapist will set goals together and revisit them over time. If you’re making progress and feel ready to wrap up, that’s a conversation worth having — a good therapist will welcome it.
How psychotherapists collaborate
Psychotherapists may collaborate with medical doctors or psychiatrists, especially when it comes to medications. For example, a psychotherapist may help you understand more about the mental health conditions you live with, and may work with your psychiatrist to ensure that you receive targeted medications that help you manage your symptoms.
How to choose the right provider for your needs
Choosing the right psychotherapist for your needs is largely personal. Above all else, you want to find someone you are comfortable with and who puts you at ease. In this way, choosing the right provider is all about trusting your gut.
But it’s more than that, too. Finding the best psychotherapist for you should include:
Making sure you and your psychotherapist are on the same page in terms of your therapy goals and needs and what you are seeking to get out of therapy.
Ensuring that your therapist is trained in a therapy type (such as CBT, interpersonal therapy, DBT, etc.) that is aligned with your treatment needs.
Confirming that your therapist has experience and specialization in the condition or challenges you are facing.
Noting whether your therapist communicates in a way that is open, non-judgmental, and that includes active listening.
Final thoughts
One of the most clarifying things to know about psychotherapy is that the term itself isn’t a credential — it’s a description of what happens in the room. That means a wide range of licensed professionals can be your psychotherapist, and the most important factor isn’t their specific title. It’s whether their training aligns with what you’re working through, and whether you feel safe enough with them to do the work.
If you’ve been putting off starting therapy because the landscape of credentials felt too confusing to navigate, consider this your permission to simplify. You don’t need to understand the difference between every license type before booking a first session. Start with what you’re hoping to address, find someone with experience in that area, and trust your instincts about fit. The rest tends to fall into place.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a psychotherapist the same as a therapist?
Is a psychotherapist the same as a therapist?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but “therapist” is actually broader — it can refer to physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other non-mental health providers. A psychotherapist specifically refers to a licensed mental health professional who practices talk therapy. In everyday conversation, using either term to describe a mental health provider is generally fine.
Do I need a referral to see a psychotherapist?
Do I need a referral to see a psychotherapist?
n most cases, no. You can search for and book a psychotherapist directly without a referral from a doctor. Some insurance plans may require one for coverage purposes, so it’s worth checking your benefits before booking.
How do I know if psychotherapy is working?
How do I know if psychotherapy is working?
Progress in therapy isn’t always linear, and it can look different for everyone. Common signs include improved mood, better coping skills, stronger relationships, reduced symptoms, and a greater sense of self-awareness. It’s worth discussing progress openly with your therapist — a good psychotherapist will welcome the conversation and adjust the approach if needed.
Can I do psychotherapy online?
Can I do psychotherapy online?
Yes. Many licensed psychotherapists offer telehealth sessions, and research consistently shows that online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for most concerns. If you prefer the flexibility of virtual sessions, you can filter for telehealth providers on Grow Therapy.
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