Choosing between a psychologist, psychotherapist or a counsellor depends on what concerns you’re hoping to address. Keep in mind that the terms “psychologist,” “therapist,” and “counsellor” indicate the professional’s level of education and training. Yet all of these professionals are valuable to the mental health field, and they can help clients in different ways.
Either a therapist, a counsellor or a psychologist is a good starting point for:
- general counselling
- relationship, divorce or marriage concerns
- grief
Both psychologists and therapists may be beneficial for treating mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
You might consider a psychologist if you want to make concrete changes to your thought patterns and behaviours, though many counsellors can also address these concerns with more open-ended discussions about your feelings.