Here are some basic differences to be aware of when you are choosing a counselor or psychotherapist. They all fit under that category. They all provide psychological guidance.
What is the difference between: Psychiatrist, Counseling Psychologist, MFT or LCSW?
What is a psychiatrist?
They are the only ones that can write a prescription for medication, other than your MD. They are MD’s that specialize in psychiatric medication for emotional difficulty. Most do not do on-going psychotherapy, some do however. They primarily diagnose and manage the type of medication and dosage to fit your particular situation.
What is a psychologist?
A psychologist has a Masters degree and Ph.D in counseling psychology. Most psychologist see people for counseling and psychotherapy, as do MFTs and LCSWs, but their academic training has an additional Ph.D. They tend to do more testing and evaluations than the masters level credential, commonly found in the school psychologist.
What is an MFT and LCSW?
MFT is a Marriage and Family Therapist. LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. They both have Master’s degrees in counseling psychology but have emphasis in marriage and family or social work. Also, most MFTs and LCSWs see people for counseling and on-going psychotherapy.
My recommendation if you need medication is to have someone you trust or your MD recommend a psychiatrist. Then I highly recommend finding a therapist. The medication will help with the painful symptoms but the on- going therapy with a psychologist, MFT or LCSW will help with the underlying confusion. Counseling gives support and guidance to navigate emotional entanglements within yourself and various relationships in your life.
As I said in the previous post, Finding a Psychotherapist:
The most important aspect is in finding a psychotherapist you like and feel that you can trust, until you don’t, until it is time to move on. It may be time to take a break from psychotherapy or to find another therapist that suits your newly discovered need; such as, a need to go deeper, marriage therapist, or a women’s or men’s group, etc.
This is a very simple explanation of a psychiatrist, psychologist, MFT or LCSW because the primary decision you need to make is; Do you feel comfortable working with the person you have chosen for psychotherapy? If you do not, then move on, ask some people you trust for a recommendation. Then find a counselor that helps you live and find meaning in your life.
