With the rise in focus of social services in recent years, many people are seeking to break into the field. However, one of the struggles of joining the helping professions is knowing where to begin and what branch of the field to work in. Mental health has been at the forefront of the increase in social services in recent years. When people look to get into the field of mental health, they may ask themselves, what is the difference between a counselor and a therapist? The answer to that would be that there is not much of a difference between the job responsibilities of each title, however, it is important to note who can become a therapist and who can become a counselor. The rest of the article dives into the difference between the two roles, and focuses on the educational and licensing requirements for each.
What is a Counselor?
According to Southern New Hampshire University, a counselor is “a mental health professional who helps individuals work through issues in all stages of life.” Counselors can provide individual, group, or family therapy in various settings, including hospitals, private practices, community clinics, and schools. Counselors in most states must have a master’s or doctoral degree in clinical mental health counseling, plus the applicable state required license.
What is a Therapist?
While a counselor has a master’s or doctoral degree in clinical mental health counseling, therapists can come from various backgrounds. According to Verywell Mind the term therapist “is often applied to psychologists, but it can also include others who provide a variety of services, including, social workers, counselors, life coaches, and many others.”
Differences and Similarities Between Counselors and Therapists
While there are many similarities within the roles of counselors and therapists, there can also be many differences. Some similarities between counselors and therapists include providing individual and group mental health services to community members, creating treatment plans, and cooperating with interdisciplinary teams.
What does a counselor do?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), counselors provide evaluations to those struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues, create treatment plans, identify behaviors that interfere with recovery, and refer clients to other community resources. The most common work environments for counselors include:
- Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers (18%)
- Individual and family services (15%)
- Offices of other health practitioners (12%)
- State, local, and private hospitals (9%)
- Residential mental health and substance abuse centers (9%)
What does a therapist do?
Following the definition by Verywell Mind, therapists can provide counseling services just like counselors but can also be social workers, psychologists, and life coaches. For the sake of this article, we will focus on therapists who provide counseling services. Just like counselors, therapists can provide mental health and substance abuse services, create treatment plans, and refer patients to other local resources. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), therapists who work in mental health are employed in the following settings:
- Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers (18%)
- Individual and family services (15%)
- Offices of other health practitioners (12%)
- State, local, and private hospitals (9%)
- Residential mental health and substance abuse centers (9%)
Education
Job Outlook and Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary of counselors and therapists providing individual, group, family, or substance abuse services is $53,710. The salary can vary based on setting, level of licensure, and experience.
The outlook for those seeking to become counselors or therapists is good with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reporting a growth of 18% by 2032.
How to become a counselor
To become a counselor, one must attend a master’s or doctoral program in clinical mental health counseling. In most states, the clinician is also expected to pass either the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE). Sometimes, the clinician is expected to pass both examinations at different stages in the licensure process.
How to become a therapist
Although there are similarities in the job responsibilities of counselors and therapists, the routes to becoming a therapist can be different. While counselors must have a graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling, therapists can attend school for counseling or social work in most states. To become a therapist, one must graduate with a master’s or doctoral degree in either clinical mental health counseling or social work. In some states, psychologists can provide therapy services but often have a doctoral degree. Therapists must also pass either of the exams listed above or the Association of Social Worker Boards licensure exam to practice.
Which Suits Me Better?
If you are looking to strictly provide individual, group, family, or substance abuse counseling and not stray from that, counseling would be the best option for you. Obtaining a graduate degree in clinical mental health can be limiting to the work that one provides, however, obtaining a graduate degree in social work often opens up more doors. If you obtain a graduate degree in social work you can provide the same services as counselors with the appropriate licensure, however, you have more options should you decide to leave the field.
Resources
Southern New Hampshire University
https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/social-sciences/what-does-a-counselor-do
Verywell Mind
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-therapist-2672019
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
National Board of Clinical Counselors (NBCC)
Association of Social Worker Boards (ASWB)
