What's the difference between a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a psychotherapist and a counsellor?

[robinwong]

I have a feeling this person has little understanding of what actually a psychologist is… psychology is indeed the study of the mind, but are require a minimum of 7 years of training. There are many different branches of applied psychologists in the UK including clinical, counselling, forensic, health and occupational psychologists. A psychologist (clinical or counselling) do not need to go on to do further training to provide psychotherapy, as these are core skills that are covered in their training. To become a clinical or counselling psychologist in the UK, you need to do a 3 year degree, (optional) MSc, one year of clinical experience as a minimum and then a three year doctorate.

[SuperCarottesRapees]

Thank you for this video. From my experience in psychology and psychotherapy training, I agree with the differences you present. In particular, your distinction between psychology and psychotherapy is exactly on point. Applied psychology is the application of a science whereas psychotherapy is an art.

To answer the comment by @robinwong8880, clinical and counselling psychology are types of applied psychology, not psychotherapy. In practice, applied psychologists apply research onto their patients whereas psychotherapists focus on their individual client using knowledge as appropriate. From the perspective of the person receiving therapy, this is likely to feel very different and some people may be more attracted to one or the other.

Finally, I believe that this video and my explanation are accurate representation of the pure forms of applied psychology and psychotherapy; however, clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists and psychotherapists are human beings and do not neatly fit into their own categories. It is possible to have a psychologist who practices psychotherapy and it also possible to have a psychotherapist who practices applied psychology (in particular with CBT psychotherapists) but I would think that these people are somewhat outsiders to their own profession (which is completely fine in my opinion!).

[triki]

nice video, Im really thankful for all the information you have share.

currently my major is health&proffession to be college counselor but I was wondering if I need to change my major to be psychologist ?

thank you

[RockDove]

I wish you had told us what you are. What are your qualifications? What field do you work in specifically? What experience have you had? Why would someone call someone if they don't know who they are? Why would we trust your company?