What is the difference between a psychologist, a psychotherapist, and a counsellor?

A psychologist is a mental health professional who has a doctorate in psychology and is registered with the British Psychology Society (BPS) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). They are not medical doctors, meaning they cannot issue prescriptions or perform medical procedures, but they can diagnose more severe mental health conditions. A psychologist is trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and is qualified to provide psychological assessments, psychotherapy, and other evidence-based treatments. Counsellors, on the other hand, typically have a master's degree in counselling or a related field and are trained to provide counselling services. Depending on the individual's needs, a psychologist may be the better choice if they require more intensive treatment or if they have a more complex mental health issue.

Whats the difference between a counselling psychologist and clinical psychologist?

Counselling psychologists tend to focus on less severe mental health concerns, such as helping you overcome stress or resolve an emotional crisis, while clinical psychologists work with the NHS and prison services and focus more on research and theory.

A psychologist can help you understand and manage your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They can provide you with evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you cope with mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and stress. Psychologists can also provide support and guidance to help you make positive changes in your life.

A counsellor's approach usually focuses on the present and helping you overcome what's causing your distress now. They can specialise in general issues or a specific area, such as stress, depression, low self-esteem, or relationship problems. Becoming a certified counsellor requires academic training of two years, but ideally, you should only work with someone who is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).

A psychotherapist is a psychologist or registered counsellor who specialises in psychotherapy. This is usually a long-term process that aims to boost your emotional wellness by helping you overcome issues from your past. Psychotherapy is also referred to as talk therapy because, during the sessions, the psychotherapist will try to identify the root of the problem by talking with you in a safe, non-judgmental setting.
Psychotherapy treatment plans can be complex and may span across several years.


Ultimately, choosing between a psychologist, psychotherapist, and counsellor depends on your needs. All of them can be a good starting point for treating mental health conditions, so if you are struggling with a mental health condition, don't hesitate to reach out and ask if they can help you with your particular issue. Make sure you feel 100% comfortable with your mental health professional before starting any treatment.