If you’re newly researching therapy, you most likely have come across the terms “therapy” and “clinical psychology.” Perhaps you’re now wondering – what’s the difference?

Therapy and clinical psychology are both terms used to describe treatment for mental health issues. While the terms are often used interchangeably, the distinction between therapy and clinical psychology is a rather important one. Both specialists show good outcomes, with the right kind of care depending on the patient.

Here’s a look at the differences and similarities, as well as how to decide which focus is right for you. 

General Therapy 

Simply put, “therapy” is a general term that includes psychologists, psychiatrists, marriage counselors, life coaches, and social workers. It’s a type of treatment used to help people with a wide range of mental health issues and emotional difficulties understand their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors and learn how to manage them.

Therapists help you gain a better understanding of your life by addressing your feelings and helping you see the bigger picture. Therapists, along with clinical psychologists, provide support and guidance for their clients by offering counseling for individuals, couples, families, and groups. You’ll meet with them regularly to talk about what you’re going through, and they’ll help you overcome your struggles. 

Clinical Psychology 

Clinical psychology is a branch of psychology that aims to assess and treat mental illness, disability, and distress. It differs from general therapy in that it focuses on more serious problems like addiction and mental disease. Their approach to treatment is described as a type of psychotherapy involving additional research into a client’s mind and behavior, including scientific research and structured assessments like personality tests. 

They’ll typically diagnose a mental health condition based on their research and observations, help you work through your emotions to better understand and make constructive decisions, then work with a psychiatrist for medication as needed. 

Clinical psychologists seek to understand how and why people think, feel, and act the way they do. Then, they use this information to help their patients cope with stressful situations, overcome addiction, and improve their relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. While it’s not normally the case, be aware that some psychologists only conduct research rather than provide therapy. 

Educational Differences 

In the fluctuating healthcare economy, many people believe psychology is little more than psychotherapy, while others believe clinical psychologists are a kind of therapist. To keep things simple, all clinical psychologists are qualified to work as therapists, but not vice versa. 

The key difference between therapists and clinical psychologists is their educational background. You’ll find most clinical psychologists have a doctoral degree from an accredited university, along with having passed a state licensing test. Doctoral degrees in psychology are required in all 50 states. Meanwhile, only a master’s degree in a field related to psychotherapy is required for therapists. For mental health counselors, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement. 

This means, in practice, that clinical psychologists are expected to have a more in-depth knowledge about the science of their treatment while therapists are trained with a more theoretical background. That being said, both professionals rely on talk therapy techniques to help a client work through their concerns. 

Consider What is Right For You

It’s great that there are so many options available, but it can be difficult to know what type of therapy is right for you. When it comes to choosing between therapy and clinical psychology, it really comes down to educational backgrounds and the severity of your issue. 

If the issue is relatively straightforward, general therapy may be for you. If your issue is longstanding and complex, seeing a mental health professional who is licensed in clinical psychology would be more beneficial. When in doubt, reach out to a professional and ask about their licensing and training along with what concerns they specialize in.

Seeking help? Contact Dr. Phil Chanin, a licensed and board certified clinical psychologist who provides psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and groups in Nashville, TN.