Therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist or counsellor?

If you have started looking for help, you have probably met a wall of job titles. The short version: most of them offer talking therapy, one of them prescribes medication, and the exact rules depend on where they are registered.

Psychiatrist

A medical doctor who specialised in mental health. Psychiatrists can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication. Some also offer therapy, but appointments are often shorter and focused on diagnosis and medication.

Psychologist

Someone with a university degree in psychology, usually followed by postgraduate clinical training. Clinical and counselling psychologists assess, and in many countries diagnose, mental health conditions and provide therapy. They do not usually prescribe medication.

Psychotherapist

A professional trained specifically to deliver talking therapy, often over several years and in one or more approaches. In some countries the title is protected by law and requires a licence. In others it is regulated by professional bodies.

Counsellor

Counsellors are trained to help with life difficulties such as loss, stress, relationships and change. Training routes vary, so check that a counsellor is registered with a recognised professional body.

“Therapist”

An umbrella word for anyone who provides talking therapy. On its own it tells you little, which is why registration matters more than the title.

Who should you see first?

• For most everyday difficulties, such as anxiety, low mood, stress or relationship problems, start with a psychologist, psychotherapist or counsellor.
• If you think you may need medication, or have symptoms such as hearing voices, extreme mood swings or thoughts of suicide, see a doctor or psychiatrist.
• Many people do both: medication from a doctor, therapy from a therapist.

At mymind every profile shows the therapist’s exact title, qualification and registration, so you know who you are talking to. Read how we vet therapists.

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you are in crisis, please use the resources on our Get help now page.