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:
- Traumatic experiences: If you’ve experienced trauma, either recently or in the past, a psychologist can help you process what happened and recover.
- Grief: Losing someone or something you love often feels crushing—and getting support can help you both feel and heal.
- Life transitions: A psychologist can help you work through big changes such as divorce, job loss, moving to a new place, or having a child.
- Mood disorders: These disorders, which primarily affect your emotional state, can be diagnosed and treated by a psychologist, often in partnership with your broader care team.
- Addictions: If you’re struggling with substance use, compulsive gambling, or another addiction problem, a psychologist can help.
- Anxiety disorders: A psychologist can diagnose anxiety disorders and help clients learn techniques for lessening or eliminating the symptoms.
- Eating disorders: If you’re struggling with disordered eating behaviors or an eating disorder, a psychologist can become a partner with you and your recovery team.
- Personality disorders: Although these disorders can be hard to treat, psychologists are often trained in techniques shown to help, such as cognitive therapy and dialectical behavior therapy.
- Schizophrenia: A psychologist with appropriate training and experience can support clients with schizophrenia, a mental illness, alongside the client’s treatment team.
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.
