Different Types of Therapists: Why It Can Be Confusing
If you find the different titles of mental health professionals confusing, you are not alone. The field uses many overlapping titles, and it can be difficult to remember what each title and acronym means. Knowing between the different types of therapists can help you get the care you need.
Different types of therapists can be licensed and educated in different ways, which makes the list of titles long as you consider how to find a therapist. Some therapists have doctorates or medical degrees, while others have Master’s degrees and licenses or certifications.
Adding to the confusion, different states have different licensing protocols, which influence the titles mental health professionals use and the role they play in treating mental health. The sections below break this down in plain language so you know what each title means and the type of therapist that might best fit your needs.
Psychiatrist (MD or DO)
What is a psychiatrist? Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They are the only mental health professionals who can prescribe medication in most states.1 Most psychiatrists focus on medication management, though some also provide therapy.
However, if you are wondering how much therapy costs, you will find that psychiatrists typically charge more than non-medical professionals. The designations of MD and DO after a doctor’s name specify the training and education they received. MD stands for Doctor of Medicine, while DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
One of the main differences between the two is in the philosophy. Training for DOs often emphasizes holistic, preventive care, while MDs follow a more traditional, allopathic medical model that reacts to illness after it has happened. Both are trained and educated in treating mental health conditions.
Seeing a psychiatrist may be best when you require a medication evaluation, and if you have complex psychiatric diagnoses, such as:
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Psychosis
- Severe depression
Some people may see a therapist for ongoing psychotherapy and also see a psychiatrist for medication management.
Psychologist (PhD, PsyD, or EdD)
A psychologist has doctoral-level training and focuses on assessment and psychotherapy (talk therapy). When comparing a psychologist vs. a psychiatrist, the former is not a medical doctor and cannot prescribe medication, except in seven states as of 2024.
What is the difference between a therapist and a psychologist? Psychologists conduct psychological testing and evaluations to help you get the most thorough diagnoses before beginning treatment.1 These evaluations may include:
- Interviews to gather information about your history and any relevant information related to your treatment
- Observations of behaviors and patterns
- Tests and assessments for specific disorders
Psychologists can be found in hospitals, private practice settings, schools, universities, and VA Centers. While psychologists do sometimes have specialty designations, such as clinical or counseling, they are all trained for assessments and therapy. Seeing a psychologist may be best when you:
- Require a comprehensive assessment of your conditions and treatment needs
- Need treatment for complex conditions
- Seek research-backed treatment
LCSWs have Master’s-level training with an emphasis on social systems, environment, and psychotherapy. This is among the most common types of mental health professionals you may encounter. LCSWs often work in hospitals, agencies, schools, and private practice, where they provide:
- Counseling
- Case management
- Crisis intervention
- Diagnosis and treatment planning
One of the unique benefits is the holistic approach an LCSW takes to mental health treatment, considering social and environmental factors with psychological states when providing treatment. While LCSWs can be specifically trained in community work, they can also provide individual mental health services. Receiving therapy from a clinical social worker may be best for:
- Individual therapy
- Addressing family issues
- Support with life transitions
- Community mental health support
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
LMFTs have Master’s-level training that focuses on relationships. They specialize in relational and systemic approaches to therapeutic intervention. These professionals often work with couples, families, and those experiencing co-parenting issues, but they also see individuals.
When comparing LCSW vs LMFT, the latter often uses a family systems approach to therapy, treating issues by focusing on the dynamics and communication patterns within a family unit or partnership.2 These therapists view relationships as an interconnected emotional system that must be considered even in individual therapy. Seeking therapy with an LMFT might be best for:
- Family therapy
- Relationship counseling
- Improving conflict resolution and communication skills
- Individual therapy
- Â
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC, LPCC, or LPC-MHSP)
What is an LPC? The title for a licensed professional counselor varies by state and can include LPC, LPCC, and LCPC. They are Master’s-trained therapists with a broad scope of practice covering individual, group, and career counseling. This title is very common in the outpatient private practice setting.
What does a licensed counselor do? LPCs are equipped to provide many types of therapeutic intervention including:3
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Solutions focused
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Receiving treatment from an LPC might be a good fit if you are looking for a mental health professional to treat anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or life stresses.
Therapist vs. Counselor: Is There a Difference?
There is a significant overlap in the roles of a therapist and a counselor. In fact, the two titles are often used interchangeably. However, there is a subtle distinction: counselors focus on specific short-term issues, while therapists utilize longer-term treatment plans. In most cases, the terms refer to the same professional role. Both professional counselors and therapists are:
- Professionally trained
- Master’s level educated
- Board certified
- Use psychotherapy to treat mental health issues
Which Type of Therapist Do You Need?
When you are questioning what kind of therapist you need, it’s helpful to consider your options. The following is a summary of the types of therapists and what they treat.
- If you think you may need medication to help treat your mental health issues, a psychiatrist is the best fit.
- If you are dealing with relationship problems, you may want to seek an LMFT who specializes in relationship and family dynamics.
- If you need a comprehensive evaluation, a psychologist may be your best option, as they are trained in assessment.
- If you need help addressing family or community issues, a clinical social worker (LCSW) is a good choice.
- If you want an individual therapist to help you cope with life challenges, you may want to seek out an LPC.
Find a Therapist by Credential on Therapy.com
Use the Therapy.com directory to access a full list of therapists in your area. The directory can be filtered by provider type to find the therapist who is a good fit for your needs.
Types of Therapists FAQs
In most cases, only psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication. However, in seven states as of 2024, a psychologist’s license allows them to prescribe. In all states, LCSWs, LMFTs, and LPCs are not licensed to prescribe medication. If you believe medication may be part of your treatment, ask your therapist for a referral to a psychiatrist or your primary care physician.
Both are highly trained mental health professionals, but their roles differ. Psychologists typically hold a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and focus on psychotherapy and psychological assessment. Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD or DO) who specialize in mental health and are primarily trained to diagnose conditions and manage medications. Some psychiatrists also provide therapy, but most focus on medication management.
Many types of therapists are qualified to treat anxiety and depression effectively. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), and psychologists commonly treat these conditions using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The most important factor is finding someone with experience treating your concerns and with whom you feel comfortable.
In most cases, no, you can contact a therapist directly without a physician’s referral. However, your insurance plan may require a referral or prior authorization for reimbursement. Therapy.com lets you search for therapists and check insurance compatibility before calling.
These are state-issued licenses for mental health professionals. LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LPC for Licensed Professional Counselor (though the exact title varies by state, such as LPCC or LCPC), and LMFT for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Each requires a master’s degree, supervised clinical hours, and passing a licensure exam. All are qualified to provide individual therapy.
You Might Also Like
- What is a Psychologist?
- The Role of a Psychiatrist
- What is a Mental Health Counselor?
- The Role of a Clinical Social Worker
References
- UCLA Health. (2023). What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist? https://medschool.ucla.edu/news-article/psychologist-vs-psychiatrist-what-is-the-difference. Accessed May 20, 2026.
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. (2025). About marriage and family therapists. https://www.aamft.org/web/About-Marriage—Family-Therapy/About-Marriage—Family-Therapists.aspx?WebsiteKey=8e8c9bd6-0b71-4cd1-a5ab-013b5f855b01. Accessed May 20, 2026. [VERIFY: source returned 403 error during formatting — confirm URL is live before publishing]
- Alliant University. (2025). LPC vs. LCSW: Understanding the key differences in therapy careers. https://www.alliant.edu/blog/lpc-vs-lcsw. Accessed May 20, 2026.
