What is the difference between a counselor, therapist, and psychologist?

Certain phrases that come to many people’s mind are:

• Who are therapists in Wichita
• Who are counselors in Wichita
• Who are psychologists in Wichita
• What, or are there differences between counselors, psychologists, and therapists?

The short answer is, their training. I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and I received my training and education from Washburn University. My degree is a Master of Social Work. My diploma doesn’t say anything about being a therapist, however, I provide Psychotherapy services to individuals. So I am considered a therapist.

You will often hear or be more familiar to the term “Counselor” in the school setting. Counselors do various jobs within the school setting such as checking in with children to ensure that they are doing fine (just short term), and will only meet with them for fifteen to twenty minutes per time. They will also run groups within the school if that is something that is needed. This is where it becomes a little confusing. Like I stated before, I am a LMSW. LMSW’s can also be School Based Counselors. In fact, I know many of them! Here is the difference. Their job title is completely different than mine. I focus on psychotherapy where sessions are 45 to 60 minutes long, and School Based Counselors are 15-20 minutes long.

What about psychologists? Psychologists also provide psychotherapy and can also work in the school setting. They are referred as Psychologists because they have a Master’s degree in Psychology. So again, it goes back to their education and their training degree. Psychologists can administer psychological testing and assessments, whereas I cannot administer those tests.

So you may be wondering who are therapists in Wichita, who are counselors in Wichita, or who are the psychologists in Wichita? One of the easiest ways to figure out what you are needing is to ask your primary care physician, school counselor or any school staff, looking on PsychologyToday.com. Most therapists, counselors, and psychologists are on this database, and they list their specializations.

Fiat Family Services loves being able to help anyone get into contact with one of our trusted therapists or psychologists, because we know their work and background. We develop a network of trusted people who we can refer specialized cases to. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, and do your research before booking an appointment with someone! Read reviews (if they have them) or contact them and ask for their specialization, other trainings they have done or other certificates that they completed.