A lot of people usually mistake “counselor” for “therapist” and vice versa when talking about mental health. These people think that both of them refer to the health professionals who offer counseling or therapy. Without really thinking about anything, they casually tend to call counselors as therapists or vice versa.
What are mental health counselors and therapists? Are they really the same? Contrary to popular beliefs, the terms “counselor” and “therapist” are two different things. It means these two are different. While it is true that some of their skills and interests may be the same, their training and licensing are not the same.
Treatments
Counseling:
As informed by the American Health Counselors Association, the kind of approach that is taken by the licensed clinical mental health counselors to mental health is a holistic approach. For those who are not familiar with this approach, it focuses on the overall well-being as a person. Aside from this approach, another approach that is taken by them is a strength-based approach, the one that focuses on unique strengths and abilities.
According to the American Counseling Association, counseling usually focuses on the goals. One is able to see a counselor if they want to work on goals for their mental health, overall wellness or career or education milestones.
There are several treatment areas for counselors, including depression, trauma, loss or grief, anxiety, alcohol or substance use, marital or relationship issues, struggles with anger or low self-esteem, multiple issues (such as PTSD with substance use), and individual, couples, family, and group therapy.
It should be noted that different counselors may use different frameworks. Those who are considering seeing a counselor have to ask them about the approach that they will use so that they can find out what to expect.
Therapist:
Similar to counselors, therapists also focus on treatments that can give the advantage to the mental health and the well-being of the patients. The therapy sessions vary from one-on-one or individual therapy), with the partner or family, to in a group setting.
Actually, the kinds of conditions that are usually treated by therapists are usually the same or similar to the ones treated by counselors. The conditions that are treated by therapists according to the National Institute of Mental Health include stress, anxiety, depression, grief or loss, relationship or family issues, bipolar disorder, PTSR, and some other mental illnesses.
The main goal of the therapists should be to relieve the symptoms of the patients and help them improve their quality of life. During the meeting, the patients can ask the therapists the types of techniques and approaches that they will get.
Compared to counselors, therapists are believed to do a better job when focusing on human behavior and research. However, it is not always the case as it can be due to an individual’s training and approach. In fact, some of them with higher level training may work on more complex issues compared to counselors.
Qualifications
Counseling:
It is a must for the counselors to have a minimum of a master’s degree in counseling if they want to treat patients in a clinical setting. When they are still at college or university, they will have to take some courses that are related to their specialty, such as therapy techniques. Before they are able to get a license, they will also have to get some experience. During the training periods, they will be under supervision and will be guided by a more senior counselor. For those who are curious how much experience one should have to be able to get a license, it is around 2,000 to 3,000 hours. During this period of time, they are allowed to offer mental health services even though they have not received their full license yet.
Along with therapists, it is also possible for the counselors to pursue additional certifications, such as the ones that are related to addiction or marriage counseling.
Therapist:
It is a must for therapists to have a master’s degree in a subject that is relevant to psychotherapy. All these degrees are Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, Master of Arts in Psychology, and Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. In some cases, they may also have to get doctoral level education.
Just like counselors, it will also need for the therapists to earn experience before being able to qualify for a license. During gaining the experience, a trainee therapist will be supervised and guided on developing their skills.
Which one should you see, counselor or therapist?
If you are wondering which one to see between counselor and therapist, the answer will depend on your treatment needs. While some counselors and therapists offer their services in private, lots of them also work in schools, universities, group practices, clinics, social services, assisted living facilities, and so on.
There are some tips on how to choose a professional based on what treatment outcomes that you are looking for. Check out everything below!
- Short versus long term treatment
- Education and background: The next thing that you may want to consider is their education and background. The most recommended one is the professional with experience.
- Budget and location: These things clearly should be considered. If you have insurance in your hand, you can get mental health coverage from your insurance company. Besides, you can also get a list of the in-network professionals so that you can save money. If you are a student, you may be able to get this service for free.
- Online and remove options: With the pandemic is still ongoing, you are suggested to choose the online option. For this, you will usually be asked to download an app.
In conclusion, mental health counselors and therapists are different. They are two different things, even though they share some similarities. If you are one of the patients, it is a must for you to know the differences so that you can decide which one to visit.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
