What Do Psychologists Do?

There are different terms and titles for professionals working in mental health fields, and it can be confusing to differentiate the unique roles of each one. So, what about psychologists?

The role they play in mental health treatment can take on a few different variations. A psychologist might:

Conduct research on mental health treatment
Study social development to aid communities with better resources
Teach and/or provide mental health services to students in a school setting
Promote physical and mental health through therapy and/or assessments

A psychologist may offer a variety of treatment options while working directly with a client.

Therapy

Some psychologists provide therapeutic services in the form of talk therapy. This is a process where you meet one-on-one with a psychologist, usually every week, to work through specific issues and concerns you have about your mental health.

A psychologist will use their training and knowledge to educate you on psychological problems and possible treatment tools you can use to overcome those problems.

Psychological Assessments

Another treatment psychologists can offer is psychological testing. Many mental health diagnoses are discovered through assessments that will determine what your specific symptoms mean in terms of a condition or disorder.

Psychologists are specifically trained in administering assessments and interpreting the results to make sure you get an accurate diagnosis and receive proper treatment.

Psycho-Education

Many people seeking mental health treatment do not have the vast knowledge and understanding of human behavior and mental and emotional processing as psychologists do. An important role of psychologists is to share some of their knowledge.

The better you understand how your brain functions and the specific issues you are facing mentally and emotionally, the better equipped you will be to produce positive change in your treatment journey.

Psychologist vs. Therapist: What’s the Difference?

Psychologists and therapists have similar roles, but there are also some distinct differences.

Both psychologists and therapists receive education and training through a bachelor’s and master’s program. Both professionals will go through coursework on subjects such as:

Professional ethics
Psychological statistics
Biological and cognitive development in humans
Social bases of behavior
Mental health conditions and evidence-based treatments for them
Training in therapeutic interventions

Both psychologists and therapists are also required to go through a licensing process once they complete their education. The licensing process varies from state to state. However, psychologists must also pass a national licensing exam in addition to their state’s.

One of the main differences between the two is that psychologists will have additional education and training beyond that of a therapist. A psychologist will have a doctoral degree, and their education will dive deeper into the science and practice of psychology.

A psychologist may be more likely to treat severe illnesses such as psychosis or personality disorders. Psychologists also administer tests and can give official diagnoses, while therapists do not.

Therapeutic Interventions

Both psychologists and therapists provide therapeutic interventions to their clients. Some of the most common therapies include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Psychodynamic
Family systems
Solutions focused
Trauma-centered

FAQs

Can Psychologists Prescribe Medication?

No, psychologists are not medical doctors and, therefore, cannot prescribe medication to a client. They can provide testing and give you a diagnosis that you can share with a medical professional to obtain an appropriate prescription.

How Do I Find a Good Psychologist Near Me?

You can use the search tool on our provider database to learn more about the professionals in your area. You can even filter the results based on your specific needs. You can also request a psychologist referral from your doctor or therapist.

What is the Difference Between a Clinical Psychologist and a General Psychologist?

A clinical psychologist has been specifically trained in offering clinical assessments and treatment for mental health conditions. A general psychologist may also offer those services but may have been trained in broader psychological fields such as research, school psychology, or sports psychology.

Is a Child Psychologist Different from a Regular Psychologist?

A child psychologist will specialize in offering treatment for children. This means they have gone through education and training that focuses on the developmental needs of children as opposed to those of adults.

Do Sports Psychologists Only Work with Professional Athletes?

No, sports psychologists work with athletes at all levels. Many sports psychologists work in schools and local communities to provide care for non-professional athletes.

Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist: Who Should You See?

The key difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist is that psychiatrists can prescribe medication while psychologists can not. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have finished medical school and completed a residency program in psychiatry.

While both psychiatrists and psychologists can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, there are some reasons why you might choose one over the other.

You might want to see a psychiatrist if:

You need medication
You have an immediate or urgent need for mental health intervention
You are experiencing psychosis

You might want to see a psychologist if:

You want a diagnosis for your mental health concerns
You are looking for ongoing therapeutic treatment
You want to discuss your diagnosis or potential medication options with a professional

Types of Psychologists and Their Specialties

There are many different types of psychologists, and each will have specific training and education in their field.

Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologists play an important role in mental health care. They are trained in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, and many more. Clinical psychologists may offer talk therapy as part of their services.

Child Psychologist

A child psychologist specializes in working with children and adolescents. The developmental needs of young people vary greatly from those of adults, so having a professional who is specifically trained to work with this age group is necessary.

Child psychologists will sometimes work in schools and hospitals to support staff members with the mental health needs of patients and students.

Sports Psychologist

A sports psychologist works with athletes to enhance mental performance and well-being. They may focus on areas like motivation, anxiety, and stress management for athletes.

Finding the Right Psychologist Near You

If you are wondering, “How do I find psychologists near me?” then we welcome you to start with our online directory. You can also utilize search engines, such as Google, by typing specifically what you are looking for, such as “find a clinical psychologist near me.”

Whichever way you choose to search for a psychologist, here are a few questions to keep in mind when making a final decision:

Do they take your insurance?
Are they properly credentialed and licensed to practice in your area?
What do patient reviews say about their services?
Do they offer a free consultation?
What therapeutic approaches do they use?
What is their availability like?
Do they offer in-person or online appointments?

You can also ask other medical or mental health professionals in your life for referrals to a psychologist. Help is only a few steps away.