The Difference Between Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Psychology
Clinical mental health counselors and clinical psychologists share many similarities but are also distinctly different.
At a glance, both counselors and psychologists:
- are state-licensed,
- serve clients directly,
- diagnose and treat clients,
- offer services covered by insurance, and
- seek to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for their clients.
Clinical mental health counselors and psychologists differ in that they:
- obtain different degrees,
- receive different philosophical training,
- develop unique approaches to providing care, and
- have different career outcomes.
Explore the different components of these two occupations and their corresponding degrees below.
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Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling
Requirements
A clinical mental health counselor should have a master’s or doctoral degree in the field of study, which typically includes a practicum and fieldwork hours with direct client contact. Clinical mental health counselors can also choose to focus on various concentrations, such as substance misuse or special populations, including children and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Length and Format of Study
A clinical mental health counseling master’s program typically lasts between two and three years. Some programs can be completed in as few as 18 months. Length of program depends on the credit requirements. Additionally, some clinical mental health counseling programs are offered both on campus and online.
Topics
Most counseling programs focus on providing students with the practical skill set to guide clients through life challenges. The core concepts covered typically include:
- human growth and development,
- diversity and multicultural issues,
- career guidance for clients, and
- contextual and cultural issues.
A master’s in clinical mental health counseling focuses on the holistic treatment, assessment, and diagnosis of individuals.
These programs train students to be discerning consumers of research who responsibly incorporate current and credible information into their practice. Clinical mental health counselors may administer therapeutic tests with the proper education, training, and supervised experience.
Clinical mental health counseling programs tend to focus on caring for the whole person, though every curriculum has its own approach or perspective.
Master’s Degree in Psychology
Requirements
Psychologists will typically need an advanced degree, such as a doctoral degree, in psychology. However, in some states, those with a master’s degree may have to work under the supervision of a doctorate-level licensed clinical psychologist. Psychology master’s programs follow standards set by the American Psychological Association (APA). In most states, you must hold a doctorate in psychology to become a licensed psychologist. Because of these limitations, many students pursue a doctorate, such as a PhD or PsyD, in clinical psychology. These competitive degree programs usually take five years to complete.
Length of Study and Format
A master’s degree in psychology typically takes between one and two years to complete. You can pursue a master’s in psychology through various on-campus programs, or you can enroll in an online master’s in psychology program.
Topics
A typical psychology master’s program curriculum emphasizes psychometric assessments. These standardized scientific tests measure an individual’s mental capabilities, behaviors, and personality.
Students explore:
- quantitative and qualitative research methods,
- statistical procedures in detail, and
- psychological lifespan development.
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Similarities Between Clinical Mental Health Counselors and Psychologists
Both clinical mental health counselors and psychologists:
- provide therapeutic services to help people navigate the mental health or emotional issues that affect how they function;
- work directly with clients, often in weekly sessions, engaging in talk therapy and giving homework assignments; and
- require state licensure to practice, although the scope of practice differs according to their training.
These roles can overlap. Clinical mental health counselors can use assessments in their practice, and psychologists also receive training to provide therapy.
If you are choosing between these two professions, consider which kind of work you find most interesting and how you want to spend the majority of your time and energy in your practice.
Mental Health Counselor Individualities
Clinical mental health counselors:
- deliver general therapy, with an emphasis on talk therapy,
- assist people in day-to-day life management,
- offer sessions that can be more cost-effective for clients,
- may conduct research, and
- consume and apply research according to clients’ needs.
Psychologist Individualities
Psychologists:
- administer a wide range of tests, including IQ tests and tests of neurological function,
- may administer tests to clients they don’t see on a regular basis, and
- frequently conduct research.
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Clinical Mental Health Counselor1
- 2023 median annual pay: US$53,710
- Clinical mental health counseling jobs are expected to grow 18 percent between 2022 and 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
- Careers in various settings, including mental health, educational, agency, and corporate settings.
Psychologist2
- 2023 median annual pay: US$92,740
- Counseling, clinical, and school psychologist jobs are expected to grow six percent between 2022 and 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
- Many practitioners with a master’s in psychology work in private practice. Others seek employment in research labs, school settings, or on health care teams.
Become a Clinical Mental Health Counselor
The differences between mental health counselors and psychologists include education requirements, career settings, industry growth, and clientele. The primary difference, however, is the kind of treatment each professional delivers to their clients.
Why should you choose Counseling@Northwestern? Our students can answer this question best. Hear more about how Counseling@Northwestern helped students succeed in their careers as clinical mental health counselors.
Request information if you’re ready to learn more about the online program.
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. (2024). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved February 5, 2024. ↩︎
- Psychologists. (2024). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved February 5, 2024. ↩︎