Psychologist vs. Therapist

What Degree Do You Need To Be a Psychologist?

Psychologists are not only concerned with the treatment and diagnosis of mental illnesses in fact some psychologists study human behavior and patterns of their thoughts and emotions. So, a psychologist’s degree and training depend on the field he is working in. For example, industrial or organizational psychologists are concerned with human behavior in their workplace and may not study individual mental health. Similarly, a clinical psychologist is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of mental health illnesses and they have to master all therapies along with the study of each disorder.

Psychologist VS. Psychiatrist

To work, a psychologist should have at least a master’s degree. A doctorate in psychology is required for most practicing psychologists. Pursuing a higher-level degree can boost your demand and efficiency. Clinical and counseling psychology are two of the most frequent psychology degrees. After earning a master’s degree in psychology and an undergraduate degree in any area, psychologists must complete an internship or postdoctoral training period of at least one year. Anyone holding a bachelor’s degree in psychology can apply for a master’s degree in psychology.

Psychologists can provide counseling and psychotherapy, as well as testing and treatment for mental illnesses, once they have obtained their license and satisfied the state’s requirements, as well as any further specialist qualifications. However, because they are not medical experts, they are unable to prescribe medications. Rather, psychologists work in tandem with medical professionals to provide these services.

What Qualifications Do you Need to Be a Therapist?

A bachelor’s degree in psychology or a similar subject is required to work as a psychotherapist. Following that, one can pursue a master’s degree in psychotherapy. While pursuing a master’s degree, one can begin accumulating the requisite clinical experience for licensure.

Before being formally “licensed” to practice, a candidate who has completed their supervised hours must obtain approval from their region’s licensing board to sit for a standardized clinical licensure exam. They can practice while waiting for licensure with a conditional license that commonly includes the words “associate” or “intern” before their credentials.