I remember a patient, let’s call him David. He walked into my clinic one Tuesday, shoulders slumped, a tired look in his eyes. He told me, “Doc, I just feel… stuck. Like I’m wading through treacle every single day.” He wasn’t sleeping well, work felt overwhelming, and the joy he used to find in his hobbies had just… vanished. We talked for a while, exploring what was going on. It became clear that while I could rule out some physical causes for his fatigue, what David really needed was a different kind of support. That’s when I suggested he might find it helpful to chat with a psychologist. Sometimes, understanding the ‘why’ behind our feelings is the first step to feeling better.
So, What Exactly is a Psychologist?
It’s a question I get asked quite a bit in my practice. Simply put, a psychologist is someone who has an advanced degree – usually a doctorate – in the science of human behavior. Think of them as experts in how we think, feel, and act. Many psychologists have specialized professional training and clinical skills to help you. They can evaluate and treat your mental health, often using psychotherapy (you might know this as talk therapy), as well as psychological evaluations and testing. Their goal? To help people like you and me learn to cope more effectively with life’s curveballs, relationship issues, and various mental health conditions. They’re there to help you navigate the complexities of your mind and emotions.
Clinical Psychologist vs. Counseling Psychologist – What’s the Deal?
You might hear different terms, like “clinical psychologist.” A clinical psychologist often has a very thorough knowledge across a wide range of psychological areas. Their training is broad and allows them to provide comprehensive mental and behavioral healthcare for individuals and families, across all ages and often for more severe mental health conditions. You’ll find them in all sorts of places – schools, hospitals, counseling centers, and community organizations.
Now, what about a counseling psychologist? There’s a lot of overlap, honestly. But if we were to draw a fine line, a clinical psychologist might focus more on psychopathology – that’s the study of mental health conditions themselves. A counseling psychologist, on the other hand, often helps people address emotional, social, and even physical stressors in their day-to-day lives. So, a clinical psychologist might be more involved if the mental health issue is considered more serious. Some experts even argue whether we truly need two separate terms!
Is a Clinical Psychologist a Medical Doctor?
This is a common point of confusion. Despite “clinical” in the title, a clinical psychologist isn’t a medical doctor (MD or DO). This means they generally can’t order medical tests like blood work or imaging scans, and – this is a big one – they usually can’t prescribe medication.
They do hold a doctoral degree, either a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in a psychology field or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). But it’s a different path than medical school.
Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist vs. Counselor – Clearing Up the Confusion
Alright, let’s tackle another frequent question: how is a psychologist different from a psychiatrist or a counselor? It can feel like a bit of an alphabet soup with all the different titles!
- Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist:
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO). This is key. Because they’re medical doctors, they can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, and importantly, they can prescribe medications and other medical treatments. Psychiatrists often manage more complex mental health conditions, especially those where medication is a cornerstone of treatment.
A psychologist, as we’ve discussed, has that PhD or PsyD and primarily uses psychotherapy or talk therapy. They typically cannot prescribe medication (though there are a few exceptions in some US states, which we’ll touch on).
Think of it this way: psychology is the study of the mind, emotions, and behavior. Psychiatry is a branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.
- Psychologist vs. Counselor:
A counselor (sometimes called a therapist) typically holds a master’s degree in a field like psychology, counseling psychology, or marriage and family therapy. They are definitely qualified to evaluate mental health and use therapeutic techniques, like talk therapy.
A psychologist, with their doctoral degree, often has more extensive training, particularly in psychological research or deeper clinical practice.
What Does a Psychologist Do, Really? And When Should You See One?
Psychologists are there for a huge range of people and can help with so many different kinds of behavioral and mental health challenges. It’s not just about “big” problems; they can also help with everyday life and relationship struggles.
Maybe you’ve been feeling down or anxious for a while, or perhaps your self-confidence just isn’t where you’d like it to be. Or it could be something more short-term – feeling totally swamped by a new job, or hitting a rough patch with a loved one. These are all valid reasons to reach out.
I’ve also seen how valuable psychologists are in helping people who are dealing with medical conditions. For instance, they can assist with:
- Sleep difficulties
- Chronic pain
- Managing eating behaviors
- Coping with a chronic illness
Assessments and Therapies a Psychologist Might Use
One of the tools a psychologist has is the ability to conduct tests and assessments. These aren’t like school exams! They’re designed to help diagnose a condition or simply give a clearer picture of how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. These tests might look at:
- Intellectual skills
- Cognitive strengths and weaknesses (how you reason and think)
- Vocational preference (what kind of career might suit you)
- Personality characteristics
When it comes to treatment, psychologists use a variety of evidence-based approaches. The most common is psychotherapy, or talk therapy. This is all about building a supportive, talking relationship to explore and understand your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. You might hear about specific types, such as:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Often used for intense emotions and relationship difficulties.
- Interpersonal Therapy: Focuses on your relationships with others.
- Humanistic Therapy: Emphasizes your capacity to make rational choices and develop to your maximum potential.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious patterns that might be influencing current behavior.
Therapy can be just for you (individual), or it can involve your partner (couples therapy) or your family. Your psychologist will work with you to figure out what approach feels right for your specific needs and goals. And if it turns out that a combination of talk therapy and medication might be best, they’ll collaborate with your primary care doctor (like me!) or a psychiatrist to make sure you’re getting well-rounded care.
Can a Psychologist Prescribe Medication?
Generally, the answer is no. As we said, they aren’t medical doctors. However, things are slowly changing. In five U.S. states – New Mexico, Louisiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Idaho – licensed psychologists who have undergone additional, specialized training can prescribe a limited list of medications for certain mental health conditions, like depression and anxiety. But this is the exception, not the rule.
What Sorts of Things Can You See a Psychologist For?
The list is pretty long, which just goes to show how versatile their support can be. You might consider seeing a psychologist if you’re dealing with:
- Alcohol use disorder or other substance use disorders
- Anger issues
- Anxiety
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Coping with a new diagnosis or managing a chronic illness
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Family and relationship issues
- Gambling disorder
- Hoarding disorder
- Grief and loss
- Issues with work or school performance
- Obesity
- Pain
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Postpartum depression
- Sleep disorders
- Stress management
- Self-confidence issues
- Phobias
- Unhealthy habits
- Trauma
It takes courage to reach out when you’re struggling with your mental or behavioral health. It can feel overwhelming, I know. But please remember, these conditions are incredibly common. Your mental and emotional health are just as vital as your physical health.
The Journey to Becoming a Psychologist
Ever wondered what it takes to become a psychologist? It’s quite a commitment!
Typically, it involves:
- Four years of undergraduate study for a bachelor’s degree.
- Then, another four to six years of graduate school for that doctoral degree (the PhD or PsyD).
- A full-year internship during their graduate studies.
- Passing a national exam, plus state-specific exams.
And in most places, there’s often another year of supervised practice after all that before they can get their license. Many also do post-doctoral fellowships to specialize even further. Phew! It’s a long road, usually taking eight to twelve years, sometimes more. And even once they’re licensed, they have to keep learning through continuing education each year.
Different Flavors of Psychology: Subspecialties
Psychology isn’t a one-size-fits-all field. There are many subspecialties, including:
- Child psychology
- Clinical psychology (which we’ve talked about)
- Counseling psychology (also covered!)
- Brain science and cognitive psychology (how we think, learn, remember)
- Developmental psychology (how we change throughout life)
- Experimental psychology (research-focused)
- Forensic and public service psychology (psychology and the law)
- Health psychology (how psychological factors affect health)
- Rehabilitation psychology (helping those with disabilities)
- Sport and performance psychology (for athletes and performers)
Key Takeaways About Seeing a Psychologist
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all this information, let’s boil it down to a few key things to remember about seeing a psychologist:
- They are experts in behavior and mental health: Psychologists use talk therapy and other tools to help you understand and manage your thoughts, feelings, and actions.
- They are not medical doctors (usually): This means they typically don’t prescribe medication, though they often work with those who do.
- They can help with a wide range of issues: From anxiety and depression to relationship problems, stress, and coping with illness.
- Seeking help is a sign of strength: Reaching out to a psychologist is a positive step towards improving your well-being.
- Different types of mental health professionals exist: It’s okay to ask for clarification on who does what if you’re unsure. We’re here to help guide you.
Warm Closing:
Remember, you’re not alone in whatever you’re going through. Sometimes, just talking things through with someone who understands the human mind, like a psychologist, can make all the difference. It’s about finding the right support for you, and that’s always a brave step to take.