What’s the Difference Between Psychologist and Therapist?
Not all mental health providers do the same work. This guide explains how psychologists differ from therapists (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, etc.) in training and services and when to see each. What’s the Difference Between Psychologist and Therapist?
When you’re ready to get help, the alphabet soup can be confusing: PhD, PsyD, LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, LPC, MD/DO. The good news? You don’t need to memorize it. This article breaks down what psychologists and therapists do, how they overlap, and how to choose the best fit for your goals.
Summary
Psychologist = doctoral training (PhD/PsyD); specializes in psychological assessment and evidence-based psychotherapy; typically does not prescribe medication (with a few state exceptions requiring extra training).
Therapist (umbrella term) = licensed master’s-level clinicians such as LMFT, LCSW, LPCC/LPC who deliver psychotherapy; scope varies slightly by license but no prescribing.
For many conditions, outcomes improve when therapy is coordinated with medical care (e.g., psychiatry) and a structured level of care like IOP.
You don’t have to choose perfectly on day one—Overland IOP can match you with the right clinician and add services as you progress.
What is a Psychologist?
Education & Training
Doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology (typically 5–7 years)
Supervised clinical internship/postdoc; state licensure and continuing education
You want weekly therapy to target specific symptoms or relationship patterns
You’re working a recovery plan (IOP/PHP) and need frequent, practical support
You prefer a relational style or specialty (e.g., family systems, trauma, substance use)
Note: Therapists do not prescribe medication. When medication might help, they coordinate with a psychiatrist or other medical prescriber.
Psychologist and Therapist: Where They Overlap
Both provide psychotherapy and diagnose mental health conditions
Both use evidence-based methods (CBT, DBT, exposure, trauma-informed approaches)
Both can work in IOP/PHP frameworks with shared goals, group therapy, and individual sessions
Both collaborate with psychiatry when symptoms are severe or medication is indicated
Who Should I See First: Psychologist or Therapist?
Try these quick rules of thumb (not medical advice):
Start with a therapist if you want practical skills for anxiety/depression, relationship work, or relapse prevention—and you don’t need formal psychological testing.
Start with a psychologist if you need diagnostic clarity, specialized therapies (e.g., OCD exposure), or outcomes measurement tied to an IOP/PHP plan.
Loop in psychiatry if symptoms are severe (e.g., mania, psychosis, suicidal risk), you’ve had limited response to therapy alone, or medical factors complicate care.
If you’re unsure, start the conversation—Overland will triage and place you with the right clinician (and add others as needed).
Treatment in Context: How IOP Helps
IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) sits between weekly therapy and inpatient/residential care. It typically includes:
Multiple therapy groups per week (CBT/DBT/relapse prevention/trauma-informed skills)
Individual therapy (psychologist or therapist)
Psychiatric support when appropriate (med review/adjustment)
Family/couples sessions, case management, and aftercare planning
This structure accelerates skill acquisition and provides accountability—especially helpful for moderate-to-severe symptoms, dual diagnosis, or relapse risk.
How Overland IOP Coordinates Care
Assessment & Placement: We clarify goals, risks, diagnosis, and level of care (IOP vs. PHP vs. outpatient).
Matched Clinician: We pair you with the right therapist or psychologist based on needs and preferences.
Team-Based Plan: If medication is indicated, we coordinate with psychiatry and your primary care.
Measurable Outcomes: Symptom tracking (e.g., PHQ-9, GAD-7); regular plan reviews and step-down to lower intensity care when ready.
Continuity: After IOP, we help transition to weekly therapy, alumni support, and community resources.
Common Myths About Psychologists and Therapists—Cleared Up
“Therapists aren’t as qualified as psychologists.” Different training, not lesser. Many therapists are experts in evidence-based modalities and family systems.
“Psychologists just do testing.” Many provide extensive psychotherapy; testing is an added capability.
“Medication replaces therapy.” For many conditions, therapy + medication outperforms either alone.
“I must choose one or the other.” The best path may include both, sequenced or together.
FAQs
Is a therapist the same as a psychologist? No. “Therapist” is an umbrella term for master’s-level licensed clinicians (LMFT/LCSW/LPCC). A psychologist holds a doctorate (PhD/PsyD). Both provide psychotherapy; psychologists also perform formal psychological testing.
Can therapists prescribe medication? No. Prescribing is handled by a psychiatrist (MD/DO) or other qualified medical prescriber. Some states allow limited prescribing by specially trained psychologists, but it’s uncommon.
How do I decide between a therapist and a psychologist? Consider your goals: skills and support → therapist; testing/specialized protocols → psychologist. If symptoms are severe or complex, involve psychiatry as well. Overland will help you choose.
What if weekly therapy hasn’t been enough? Ask about IOP. The added structure (multiple groups + individual therapy + psychiatry support) can move the needle when weekly sessions plateau.
Do you work with co-occurring substance use? Yes. Dual-diagnosis care coordinates therapy, relapse-prevention, and medication support when appropriate.
Psychologists and therapists both provide effective psychotherapy; training and added capabilities (like testing) differ.
Many people benefit from coordinated care—therapy plus medical support—in a structured setting like IOP.
Overland IOP simplifies the path: we assess, place, match, and monitor, so you can focus on getting better—not managing a care team.
Published:
July 01, 2025
Last Updated:
August 07, 2025
Natalia Golenkova
Marketing Specialist
Published: August 07, 2025
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