Psychotherapist vs Therapist: What’s the Real Difference and Does It Matter?
When beginning your mental health journey, you may find yourself wondering: What is a psychotherapist vs therapist? Are these terms interchangeable? Do they involve the same kind of treatment or require different qualifications? The short answer is that while they are closely related, they are not exactly the same. Each plays a distinct role in helping people improve their mental and emotional well-being.
At Wellman Psychology, we believe that clarity leads to confidence, especially when it comes to something as personal as mental health care. In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential differences and overlaps between therapists and psychotherapists, explore how they compare to psychologists, and help you determine which professional might be the best fit for your needs.
What Is Therapy?
The word therapy refers broadly to treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder. It doesn’t apply exclusively to mental health. For instance:
Physical therapy helps patients recover movement and strength after injury.
Occupational therapy aids people in regaining daily living skills.
Massage therapy focuses on relieving physical tension and pain.
Mental health therapy, or talk therapy, is where terms like “therapist” and “psychotherapist” typically come into play. This type of therapy addresses emotional and psychological challenges through structured conversations, strategies, and support systems.
What Is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy—often called talk therapy—is a specific type of mental health treatment used to explore underlying emotions, behavioral patterns, and thought processes. Delivered by trained and licensed professionals, psychotherapy dives deep into the mind to address complex and chronic issues.
Unlike brief, problem-focused conversations, psychotherapy:
Often unfolds over months or years
Encourages deep self-reflection
Focuses on healing from trauma, managing mental disorders, and fostering long-term personal growth
It is especially helpful for individuals dealing with conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and more.
Types of Therapists
“Therapist” is a general term that applies to professionals in a wide range of therapeutic disciplines. Below are some of the common types:
Mental Health Counselors: Provide support for anxiety, depression, grief, and substance abuse.
Marriage and Family Therapists: Help couples and families navigate communication, conflict, and emotional intimacy.
Occupational Therapists: Assist patients recovering from physical limitations to improve independence in daily tasks.
Physical Therapists: Specialize in helping clients regain strength, flexibility, and mobility following injury or surgery.
While they all carry the title of "therapist," each focuses on a very different kind of healing. Educational requirements vary as well, from bachelor’s degrees for some roles to doctoral degrees and licensing for others.
Is a Psychotherapist the Same as a Therapist?
This is one of the most common questions asked in mental health circles. The answer is no, they are not the same, though the terms are often used interchangeably in casual conversation.
A therapist is a broad title that can refer to professionals working in both physical and mental health.
A psychotherapist is a specific type of therapist focused on treating mental and emotional issues using psychological methods.
For example, a psychotherapist might use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help a client change harmful thinking patterns, while a physical therapist might use strength training to help a patient recover from knee surgery.
What Is the Difference Between a Psychotherapist and a Psychologist?
Understanding the distinction between psychotherapists and psychologists is also important:
Psychotherapists may be counselors, clinical social workers, or marriage and family therapists who have advanced training in talk therapy. They typically cannot prescribe medication and focus purely on therapeutic interventions.
Psychologists hold doctoral degrees in psychology and are trained in diagnosis, psychological testing, and research in addition to psychotherapy. In some U.S. states, psychologists can prescribe medication if they receive additional training and certification.
In essence, all psychologists can be psychotherapists, but not all psychotherapists are psychologists.
Core Duties of a Psychotherapist
Psychotherapists are specially trained to:
Assess emotional and psychological health
Diagnose mental health disorders
Deliver long-term treatment plans using various therapeutic models
They use a range of evidence-based techniques, including:
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) – changing negative thought patterns
DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) – managing intense emotions
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) – embracing thoughts while committing to change
Sessions are usually held weekly and can span several months to years, depending on the client’s goals and mental health needs.
Main Types of Psychotherapy
Each client is different, and psychotherapists use various modalities depending on the client’s needs:
Psychodynamic Therapy
Explores unconscious thoughts and early childhood experiences to understand present behavior.Cognitive Therapy
Targets distorted thinking patterns that negatively impact emotions and behavior.Behavior Therapy
Uses conditioning techniques to reinforce healthy behaviors and eliminate harmful ones.Humanistic Therapy
Promotes personal growth and helps clients reach self-actualization through empathy and authenticity.Integrative Therapy
Combines several methods to provide a holistic, customized approach to care.
Psychotherapy vs. Counseling
Key Differences
Psychotherapy
Counseling
Long-term focus on deep emotional issues
Short-term focus on current life challenges
Guided by theories and structured protocols
More flexible and informal
Involves chronic or complex mental health concerns
Often helps with adjustment, stress, or grief
Delivered only by licensed professionals
May be offered by trained professionals or volunteers
Addresses root causes
Focuses on coping strategies and problem-solving
Shared Features
Foster therapeutic relationships
Encourage emotional expression and self-reflection
Help reduce symptoms of distress
Empower clients to set and achieve goals
Can complement each other in a treatment plan
Choosing the Right Approach
To determine which path is best for you, ask yourself:
Do I need help with long-standing emotional struggles or recent life stressors?
Am I looking for deep self-exploration or practical guidance?
Do I prefer a structured, long-term process or a short-term solution?
Am I comfortable with seeing a specialist for a diagnosis?
What are my goals for therapy—healing, growth, coping, or clarity?
Both psychotherapy and counseling can be transformative—it all depends on your unique situation.
Final Thoughts
The difference between a psychotherapist and a therapist may seem subtle, but it has meaningful implications. A therapist can serve many roles across different types of care, while a psychotherapist specifically provides psychological support for mental and emotional wellness. Understanding these differences empowers you to make better choices for your mental health, and the right professional can make all the difference in your healing journey.
Take the First Step with Wellman Psychology
At Wellman Psychology, we understand that no two people are alike, and neither are their mental health needs. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply seeking greater self-awareness, our team of compassionate and licensed Chicago psychologists is here to support you.
We offer both psychotherapy and counseling to guide you toward lasting healing.
Our personalized approach ensures that you receive the care that works best for you.
Don’t wait for the “right” time to prioritize your mental health—the time is now.
Reach out today and schedule your first session. Let’s take this step forward together.
Feel free to check out our social media links below:
Find out more articles that can help you below: