Psychology and counseling – degrees and careers

A psychologist is an expert in the human mind and behavior. Psychologists work in a variety of settings, meaning there is no ‘one size fits all’ description of what it is like to be in this profession. Studying psychology at the undergraduate level can lead to other careers in mental health, including becoming a therapist or counselor. Becoming a psychologist in most cases requires a doctorate as well as state-specific licensure.

There are 2 major types of psychologists: those who do research and those who work in applied settings. Research psychologists collect information through interviews, surveys, clinical interactions with patients, or direct observation. They use this data to test hypotheses about how and why people do what they do. Applied psychologists work directly with patients or clients, helping them with their mental health or other issues.

What is psychology?

Psychology is the study of the human mind, including behavior, feelings, and mental states. The word psychology comes from the Latinized Greek words psyche (breath, spirit, or soul) and logia (study of).

What do psychologists do?

Psychologists specialize in understanding cognitive, emotional, and social processes. They do this by observing behavior and interpreting how people relate to themselves, one another, and the environment.

Is a psychologist a therapist?

Psychologists can call themselves therapists, and may choose to do so if they offer therapeutic services to patients or clients in private practice. The term ‘psychologist’ is typically reserved for someone who has completed a doctoral degree in psychology. It’s possible to become a therapist without a psychology degree.

Clinical vs counseling psychology

Clinical psychologists help individuals manage diagnosed mental illnesses like depression or bipolar disorder. Counseling psychologist offer their services to a greater variety of individuals, which can include those struggling with mental illness as well as individuals seeking help with everyday emotional, interpersonal, and physical stressors.

What education is needed to become a psychologist?

In most cases, a doctoral degree in psychology is required to become a licensed psychologist. Before entering a doctoral program, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree. Studying psychology at the undergraduate level is an option, but not required for becoming a psychologist.

Do you need a master’s to get a PhD in psychology?

Psychology master’s programs are frequently embedded into doctoral programs, meaning you do not have to first earn a master’s but rather complete it during the initial years of your doctoral degree.

Psychology specializations

A psychology career offers many opportunities to specialize. Many psychologists seek advanced training in a specific field to enhance their research or practice.

One option is to become board certified in a specialty area. There are several agencies that offer board certification, but the American Board of Professional Psychology is most prominent.

Therapy vs psychology

Those interested in mental health and offering therapeutic services to the public may want to consider a career as a therapist. The branch of psychology closest to therapy is counseling psychology, and some counseling psychologists call themselves therapists. However, it’s possible to become a therapist without a psychology degree.

How to become a therapist

Becoming a therapist or licensed counselor requires completing at least a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field. Choosing a CACREP-accredited program helps ensure a high-quality education. Following that, candidates complete supervised professional experience hours as set by their state. The final step is to get licensed. Licensure requires completing a master’s or doctoral degree in a relevant field and passing state licensing exams, such as the NCE or NCMHCE.

Titles for counseling and therapy licenses vary by state, but the most common are:

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
• Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

Mental health counselor vs therapist

Although the terms ‘counselor’ and ‘therapist’ are often used interchangeably, even by mental health professionals themselves, differences between the 2 do exist. The main distinction to be aware of is that the term ‘counselor’ can be applied more freely. For instance, life coaches may advertise counseling services without holding any type of mental health license. Using the terms ‘therapist’, ‘licensed’, and ‘clinical’ requires licensure.

Final thoughts

Psychology is a popular major for college students, ranking sixth overall. More than 90% of psychologists in the United States report high job satisfaction. However, there are many related professions that draw on similar skills. If you are interested in working in the mental health field but do not want to get your doctorate, counseling or social work are other career options to consider.