A psychotherapist is a broader term that includes all professionals who deal with the management of mental health problems or emotional issues. A psychotherapist can be a clinical psychologist, counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist.

A therapist is someone who provides professional therapy solutions usually in various fields including mental and physical health.

In a society where there are numerous treatment options, it can be difficult to decide if a person is not well-versed in what each professional does.

Learn the fundamental distinctions between a therapist and a psychotherapist.

Therapist

• Depending on their education and specialty, therapists treat a variety of patient concerns, issues, and categories.
• Marriage and family therapists, for example, specialize in assisting people to manage their interpersonal relationships.
• They use their advanced communication skills and psychology knowledge to assist clients to express their emotions and share their experiences in a safe environment.
• This can assist clients to replace negative thoughts and feelings with a positive attitude that can positively impact the future of their relationships.
• Mental health counselors help people who are struggling with mental, behavioral, or addiction issues.
• Other types of therapy are less concerned with interpersonal communication and more concerned with physical treatment.
  • Occupational therapists, for example, assist people with disabilities recover and improving skills that may have been hampered by their disabilities.
• A bachelor’s degree in a specific therapy concentration is sufficient to enter this field, but many therapists find greater career opportunities after completing a master’s degree and earning additional certifications.
  • Depending on the nature of the position, a state-issued license may be required.
• Another type of therapy specialist is a physical therapist.
  • They use their extensive knowledge of human physiology to assist people with injuries or disabilities improve their body’s strength and mobility through rehabilitation techniques.
• Because this is a highly specialized field, the only way to become licensed and start practicing is to obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
• Therapists in these fields are inherently focused on treating a narrow range of problems.
• They may be experts at certain tasks, such as assisting clients repair relationships or increase physical strength, but they are typically not equipped to provide services other than mental or physical therapy.

Psychotherapist

• The psychotherapist has the same training and experience as a psychologist.
  • They are required by their state of practice to have additional degrees, training, and licensing.
• Psychotherapists do not have the authority to prescribe medication, but they can assess whether a person would benefit from seeing a psychiatrist.
• Psychotherapists diagnose and treat their patients using a “whole picture” approach, considering their upbringing, environment, and any underlying conditions.
• Psychotherapists frequently have extensive training and experience in fields, such as social work, mental health counseling, and marriage and family therapy.
• Working with a psychotherapist will most likely require a person to meet with them one to two times a week.
• This can last anywhere from a few months to a few years, and many people choose to work with their therapists for an extended period.

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Medically Reviewed on 12/30/2021

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