What’s the Difference Between a Counselor, Therapist, Psychologist & Psychiatrist?
Your Guide to Choosing the Right Mental Health Provider
Searching for mental health support can feel overwhelming — especially when different professionals use similar titles. To help you find the right care, we’ve answered common questions people ask about these roles, what they do, and how they differ.
Q: What’s the difference between a counselor and a psychiatrist?
A Counselor is a licensed mental health professional trained in talk therapy and emotional support. They help people manage anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, life transitions, trauma, and other concerns. Counselors typically hold a master’s degree and are licensed to provide psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-focused therapy, and skills-based approaches.
A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in mental health conditions. Because of their medical training, psychiatrists can:
Diagnose psychiatric conditions
Prescribe and adjust medications
Evaluate biological and medical contributors to symptoms
Psychiatrists may also offer therapy, but their primary focus is on medical evaluation and medication management — especially for complex or severe conditions.
At Anxiety & Depression Clinic of Columbia, our psychiatry services are designed to integrate with counseling so your care feels coordinated and supportive.
Q: What’s the difference between a counselor/therapist, a psychologist, and a psychiatrist?
These terms are often searched together and confused — here’s how they differ:
Counselor/Therapist
A counselor or therapist are broad terms for anyone who provides talk therapy. This includes Master’s level counselors, licensed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and psychologists. All of these professionals can diagnose mental health conditions and offer psychotherapy that helps you understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Psychologist
A psychologist typically holds a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology. They are trained to diagnose mental health conditions, conduct psychological testing, and provide in-depth psychotherapy. Psychologists do not prescribe medication.
Psychiatrist
As described above, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in mental health with the ability to prescribe medication. Their training includes medical school and specialized residency in psychiatry.
Q: Is a counselor the same as a therapist?
In everyday conversation — and at Anxiety & Depression Clinic of Columbia — the terms counselor and therapist are used interchangeably. All of our counselors are Master’s level licensed therapists and provide evidence-based talk therapy to support emotional and behavioral well-being.
Q: What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychiatric physician assistant?
In short, both psychiatrists and psychiatric physician assistants help diagnose and treat mental health conditions and can prescribe medication.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who completed medical school and specialized training in psychiatry. They often work with more complex or medically involved cases and provide diagnostic evaluations and medication management.
A psychiatric physician assistant (PA) is a highly trained medical provider who specializes in mental health care and works in collaboration with psychiatrists. Psychiatric PAs also evaluate symptoms, diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and provide ongoing treatment and follow-up care.
At our clinic, both providers work as part of a collaborative team to ensure you receive high-quality, personalized mental health care.
Q: How do I choose which mental health provider I need?
Here are simple guidelines:
Looking for ongoing therapeutic support?
A counselor or psychologist can help you with anxiety, depression, coping skills, grief, life stressors, and more.Considering medication options?
A psychiatrist offers medical management and evaluation.
Many people benefit from a combination of therapy and psychiatric care — which is why integrated services at our clinic (talk therapy + medication support) can make treatment easier and more effective.
Q: Why integrated mental health care matters:
Studies show that mental health outcomes improve when therapy and medical care work together. At Anxiety & Depression Clinic of Columbia, we bring counseling and psychiatry services together in one place, connecting and personalizing your experience. Our counselors and psychiatry providers can easily collaborate with one another to provide you with the most comprehensive mental health care.