Difference Between Psychology and Psychotherapy

Since the fields of psychology and psychotherapy frequently cross over, it can be difficult to distinguish between their various responsibilities and areas of emphasis. Practitioners from both professions are able to offer therapeutic services because both deal with mental health and wellness. These professions do have different entry requirements, practice areas, and techniques.

The purpose of this article is to make clear how these two professions relate to one another, how they differ from one another, and when it might be appropriate for you to seek help from a psychologist or a psychotherapist.

Relationship between Psychology and Psychotherapy

The study of the human mind and behavior, including emotions, ideas, and behaviors, is a topic shared by both psychology and psychotherapy. By recognizing and resolving problems that may impair mental health, both areas work to assist people in leading more meaningful, fruitful, and healthy lives.

The human mind and behavior are studied by the large scientific field of psychology. It uses a range of approaches to comprehend how individuals see the world, think and feel, learn and make decisions, and interact with others. Psychologists frequently work in academic, industrial, or therapeutic contexts, and the range of their research interests includes anything from cognitive and neuropsychology to developmental and social psychology.

Psychotherapy, on the other hand, is a subset of psychology that focuses on treating individuals, couples, families, and groups with a variety of emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues. Psychotherapy aims to improve an individual's well-being and mental health, to resolve or mitigate troublesome behaviors, beliefs, compulsions, thoughts, or emotions, and to improve relationships and social functioning.

What Psychologists Do

Psychologists employ a range of strategies to assist clients in comprehending and resolving their problems. They frequently work with patients who have mental or behavioral issues, employing a range of therapy approaches, evaluation techniques, and behavioral therapies to lessen discomfort and increase and improve psychological functioning. Psychologists can do research, teach, and create public policy in addition to offering therapy. Some psychologists offer psychotherapy services, especially clinical and counseling psychologists.

What Psychotherapists Do

Psychotherapists are experts who employ a variety of methods and therapies based on developing experiential relationships, conversing, communicating, and changing behavior in order to enhance a client's or patient's mental health or the relationships of a group of people (such as a family). Psychotherapists may have backgrounds in psychology, psychiatry, social work, counseling, nursing, and other fields. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, or humanistic therapy are just a few examples of the approaches or techniques that a psychotherapist could specialize in.

Key Differences

While psychologists and psychotherapists share a common goal—improving the mental health of their clients—their roles, training, and approaches can differ in several key ways.

Areas of Focus

• Psychologists: Psychologists often focus on the broader aspects of human behavior and mental processes. They may specialize in a variety of areas such as child psychology, neuropsychology, sports psychology, or health psychology, among others. While some psychologists offer psychotherapy, not all do.
• Psychotherapists: Psychotherapists' work is primarily treatment-focused. They often specialize in specific types of therapy, such as CBT, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or psychodynamic therapy. Psychotherapy can be provided by professionals from a variety of backgrounds, including psychology, but it is their specific training in therapeutic techniques that qualifies them as psychotherapists.

Education, Training, & Licensing

• Psychologists: To become a psychologist, an individual usually needs a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology, followed by a period of supervised practice, and they must pass a licensing exam. Psychologists who provide therapy services are trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques, and they must adhere to professional standards and codes of ethics.
• Psychotherapists: The educational pathways to becoming a psychotherapist can vary. Psychotherapists may come from backgrounds in psychology, psychiatry, social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy, or nursing. Depending on their background, they may have a master's degree or doctoral degree. Like psychologists, they also typically need to complete a period of supervised practice and pass a licensing exam. They are trained in one or more therapeutic modalities, and they must adhere to professional standards and codes of ethics.

Salary & Work Setting

• Psychologists: Psychologists can work in a variety of settings, including private practice, hospitals, schools, government agencies, corporations, and nonprofit organizations. The salary of a psychologist can vary widely, depending on their specialization, work setting, and geographical location.
• Psychotherapists: Psychotherapists typically work in private practice, mental health clinics, hospitals, or community health centers. Their salaries can also vary depending on their professional background, specialization, work setting, and geographical location.

Which One Should You See?

Psychologists and psychotherapists are both prepared to handle a variety of mental health conditions. The individual's needs and the kind of approach that would be most effective in addressing those needs typically determine whether to see a psychologist or a psychotherapist.

A psychologist or a psychotherapist might be an excellent choice if you are struggling with mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, phobias, or post-traumatic stress disorder. A psychologist may be especially beneficial if you need help with more general problems like strengthening your general well-being, dealing with work stress, or improving your relationships. On the other side, you might look for a psychotherapist who specializes in that strategy if you're interested in particular therapeutic modalities, like CBT or DBT.

It's important to note that both psychologists and psychotherapists can provide a safe and supportive environment where you can share your feelings, thoughts, and experiences, gain insights, learn more effective coping strategies, and work towards your mental health goals.

FAQs

Is psychotherapy a type of psychology?

Psychotherapy is a branch of psychology that specializes in providing therapeutic solutions for problems with one's mental health. It is one of several methods that psychologists may employ in their work, although experts from other fields such as psychiatry, social work, counseling, and nursing also use it.

Can a psychotherapist diagnose or prescribe medication?

Psychotherapists typically do not recommend medication. Typically, psychiatrists—who are licensed medical professionals—play this function.

However, depending on their education and licensure, psychotherapists are able to make a diagnosis of mental health issues. It's crucial to remember that laws and regulations governing who can diagnose and treat mental health disorders might differ significantly from place to place. For this reason, it's always a good idea to examine the credentials and experience of a practitioner in your area.

Can a psychologist do psychoanalysis?

If a psychologist has the necessary training, they can perform psychoanalysis. Sigmund Freud created a unique form of in-depth counseling called psychoanalysis. A psychologist would require substantial extra training in a psychoanalytic institute beyond their doctoral degree in order to conduct psychoanalysis.

References

Understanding psychotherapy and how it works (2023). Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/understanding

Clinical Psychology (2022). Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/clinical

Bell, Debora (2020). Training and Education in Professional Psychology. ISSN: 1931-3918

Levitt HM, Pomerville A, Surace FI. A qualitative meta-analysis examining clients' experiences of psychotherapy: A new agenda. Psychol Bull. 2016 Aug;142(8):801-830. doi: 10.1037/bul0000057. Epub 2016 Apr 28. Erratum in: Psychol Bull. 2016 Oct;142(10 ):1067. PMID: 27123862.