Therapy FAQ

How Psychologists Can Support Your Well-Being

A psychologist studies how people think, feel, behave, and react to other people and their environments. Psychologists are one of many types of healthcare professionals who often provide psychotherapy, just as psychiatrists, social workers, licensed professional clinical counselors, and pastoral counselors do. “They tend to be more research-based,” says Taylor Hayden (LCMHC), a clinical therapist […]

Grow Therapy therapist Gregorio (Greg) Lozano III LPC By Greg Lozano, LPC
Female psychologist listens to man speak.

Updated on Jul 15, 2024

A psychologist studies how people think, feel, behave, and react to other people and their environments. Psychologists are one of many types of healthcare professionals who often provide psychotherapy, just as psychiatrists, social workers, licensed professional clinical counselors, and pastoral counselors do.

“They tend to be more research-based,” says Taylor Hayden (LCMHC), a clinical therapist with Grow Therapy. “Or if they’re clinical psychologists, they’re going to be the ones that do your assessments for conditions like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or mood disorders.”

A psychologist may focus on a particular condition or serve in a particular place. There are several different types of psychologists; school psychologists, for example, work in educational settings. They use their mental health training to help students thrive, educators teach, and families support their kids’ learning and well-being at home.

Where Psychologists Work

Many but not all psychologists work one-on-one with clients to treat mental health conditions. Some psychologists become researchers, educators, or consultants. It all depends on the specialization of their choosing. They may partner with sports teams, policymakers, community health organizations, or even open a private practice.

A forensic psychologist works in the legal and justice systems, helping the courts understand the psychological elements of a case. Practicing psychologists work with people—with individuals, couples, or groups—to understand what’s happening in their minds and learn ways to better cope with difficult things or mental health issues and concerns.

How Psychologists are Trained

Mental health care is complex and can be delicate—that’s why psychologists need a doctoral degree including both clinical skills and academic training to work with people. Becoming a psychologist usually requires at least four to six years of full-time doctoral study.

Becoming licensed as a psychologist also requires supervised clinical experience, typically one year during the doctoral program (called an “internship”) and one year after receiving the doctoral degree (called a “postdoc”). Different states or jurisdictions require different numbers of supervised clinical hours. According to the American Psychological Association, most states require 2,000 hours during the program and 2,000 during postdoc, on average.

Generally, psychologists can choose one of two doctoral tracks: a Ph.D. in psychology, which uses a “scientist-practitioner” model that trains them to both conduct research and practice therapy, and a Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.). The latter track tends to focus on a “scholar-practitioner” model that emphasizes practice more than research.

After completing their studies and internship training, psychologists may take the national exam and any exams required by their state to become licensed to practice. Throughout their careers, psychologists take continuing education courses as required by the state where they practice.

The American Psychological Association notes that six states—New Mexico, Louisiana, Illinois, Idaho, Iowa, and Colorado—allow licensed psychologists to pursue further licensure as prescribing psychologists. Becoming a prescribing psychologist (or “medical psychologist” in Louisiana) requires additional postdoctoral training and education, practical experience, testing, and licensure. Each state determines its own clinical requirements, which can be incredibly rigorous. The APA recommends 400 hours of supervised prescribing experience with at least 100 clients, plus an 80-hour supervised practicum.

Psychologists Compared to Other Mental Health Professionals

Which type of mental health provider you choose depends on your concerns, needs, goals, and preferences. Your budget and insurance options may factor in as well. Here’s a breakdown of how psychologists in particular differ from other types of providers.

Practicing Psychologists vs. Therapists and Counselors

Both practicing psychologists and therapists help people feel better and cope better with difficult things in life. They may even use similar methods. For instance, either might use cognitive behavioral therapy to help someone struggling with anxiety.

While both require advanced degrees, their training is different—psychologists need a doctoral degree, while therapists typically have a master’s degree—and these different backgrounds tend to shape how they work.

For instance, counselors and therapists tend to focus on a wellness model that centers the client’s strengths. Hayden, who often works with kids and adolescents, compares a therapist to a guide on a journey. “That’s what I talk to my younger clients about. We’re on this adventure together, and maybe I have some tools or some tricks that I might be able to teach you that might make it a little bit easier, especially in areas where it’s difficult.”

A practicing psychologist can play this guide-like role as well. However, Some (but certainly not all) psychologists may operate from a medical model, which focuses on symptoms as opposed to strengths.

“A psychologist is somebody who, if you feel stuck in life, they’re going to come in and ask you lots of questions,” says Hayden. “Maybe they do some formal puzzles for your brain and see how you do with those puzzles. And then they’re going to tell you what they think is most likely making you stuck in your adventure.”

If you’re weighing your options, consider asking potential providers if they have authority to diagnose in your state; you can also check with your state’s licensing board. It’s up to you whether this qualification influences your choice in provider—providers with and without diagnosing authority can provide excellent care. For instance, Hayden notes that as a therapist he doesn’t necessarily need a formal diagnosis to start helping someone.

“Oftentimes I can figure out a diagnosis that’s pretty on par with what a psychologist might recognize,” he says. “I can still treat the symptomatology without that diagnosis.”

Practicing Psychologists vs. Psychiatrists

Practicing psychologists and psychiatrists have several things in common: both focus on mental health, both have terminal degrees (the highest degree achievable in a field or discipline), and both can diagnose and treat mental health disorders.

Their education and training, however, are different—and these differences may shape their approach to care. Psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in mental health in the same way that a gynecologist specializes in women’s health. Psychiatrists have completed medical school and a residency, and they can diagnose and treat mental health disorders through therapy and medication. However, these roles depend on the individual provider. For instance, some psychiatrists lean more toward medication management, focusing on prescribing and adjusting medications. Others might focus more on a combination of medication management and therapy.

Psychologists can also diagnose conditions and treat people using therapy. As previously mentioned, some states allow licensed psychologists to pursue further education, clinical experience, and licensure as prescribing (or medical) psychologists; this gives them the authority to prescribe medications for mental health disorders.

How Psychologists Work

Practicing psychologists can help people recover from addictions, cope with stress, manage chronic conditions, and more. They may use clinical tests and assessment tools to evaluate a client’s behavior, diagnose any concerns, and develop a treatment plan.

Often psychologists use therapy, also called talk therapy or psychotherapy, to help you work through challenges. Together you’ll decide which type of therapy best fits your needs and the ways you like to communicate. Your treatment will also be shaped by your provider’s approach to care and by current psychological research.

For example, dialectical behavioral therapy helps people learn to accept and better cope with intense emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be especially helpful in dealing with anxiety disorders, depression, and marital problems, among many other mental health concerns.

Your psychologist may also consider medication in your care. In most states, psychologists work with primary care providers or psychiatrists on this type of treatment.

When to Reach Out to a Psychologist

A practicing psychologist can help anyone going through a tough time. If you’re experiencing challenging life events or long-lasting distress that’s making your life worse, you might consider checking in with a psychologist or another mental health provider. These challenges could include:

These challenges are just a few of the many ways that psychologists support people. Also, remember that there’s no threshold or criteria you have to meet to deserve care.

Choosing a Mental Health Provider

If you’re trying to decide between seeing a psychologist or seeing another type of mental health provider, Hayden suggests considering this question: What do you want to get out of it?

If you’re seeking assessment and diagnosis, then a psychologist may be a great fit. If you want someone who joins you on your journey, teaching you skills and offering support, then you may want to consider a therapist or counselor. Of course, a practicing psychologist can also work with you over time.

Grow Therapy is a great place to begin your search. The “find a therapist” feature is easy to use and lets you browse providers based on your state, insurance provider, and the therapist’s specialty.

If we’re not in your state yet or don’t accept your insurance at this time, you can try online therapy directories, professional associations such as the American Psychological Association (APA), or your insurance provider to find a mental health professional.

FAQs

  • No, a psychologist is not a psychiatrist. Psychologists have doctoral degrees in psychology, such as a Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) or a Ph.D. in psychology with clinical training. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who completed both medical school and a residency.

  • Yes, psychologists must be licensed by their state or territory to provide client care. Getting licensed to practice requires a doctoral degree in psychology, supervised clinical practice, and passing a national exam. Many states and provinces also require passing a supplemental exam that covers practice in that area.

  • No, a psychologist usually cannot prescribe medications. Instead, they can make a diagnosis, develop treatment recommendations, provide therapy, and partner with primary care providers or other prescribing providers (e.g., nurse practitioners or psychiatrists) to help clients get further care. However, several states have given psychologists who have been rigorously trained, supervised and vetted the right to prescribe medications. For example, someone who wants to become a medical psychologist in Louisiana must complete a postdoctoral master’s degree in clinical psychopharmacology, complete supervised clinical experience, take a national examination, and attain licensure.

  • Yes—a psychologist has a doctoral degree in psychology. However, psychologists aren’t considered medical doctors and haven’t completed medical school.

  • Which type of provider you see depends on at least three factors, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. The first is symptom severity—a clinical psychologist might be more appropriate if your symptoms are severe, complex, and/or co-occurring with another condition. The second is the therapeutic approach and specialization; regardless of their title, each provider has a unique set of specializations and approaches to providing care. You’ll want to confirm that your provider specializes in evidence-based treatment for your specific condition or concern. Third, can you see yourself building a trusting relationship with your provider? This is essential for effective therapy and can happen with either a therapist or a psychologist—what matters is your comfort and the client/provider fit.

About the author
Grow Therapy therapist Gregorio (Greg) Lozano III LPC Greg Lozano, LPC

Greg Lozano is a licensed professional counselor who specializes in mood disorders, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and relationships.

This article is not meant to be a replacement for medical advice. We recommend speaking with a therapist for personalized information about your mental health. If you don’t currently have a therapist, we can connect you with one who can offer support and address any questions or concerns. If you or your child is experiencing a medical emergency, is considering harming themselves or others, or is otherwise in imminent danger, you should dial 9-1-1 and/or go to the nearest emergency room.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Grow Therapy connects clients, therapists, and insurance companies to make mental healthcare simple to access.

  • We make it easy to find a therapist who looks like you and can support your needs. The right therapist is one who ensures you feel safe and comfortable. If you need help choosing, read these tips or contact our matching team by phone at 786-244-7711. More contact options are available here.

  • We conduct an intensive interview process to ensure our therapists have the skills, training, and experience to help you grow.

  • People who use their insurance save an average of 73% on the cost of therapy. Sessions cost an average of $22 with insurance, but will vary depending on your plan. Get a cost estimate, learn more about how to check your coverage, or contact your insurance company for more details.