Capella University : Master's and PhD in Counseling (CACREP Accreditation. Master's and PhD options avaialble. )
Northwestern University : Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
NYU Steinhardt : Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (MPCAC accredited, GRE not required)
Pepperdine University : Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor) (No GRE required) NYU Steinhardt : Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance: School and Bilingual School Counseling (Accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) under the Masters in Counseling Accreditation Committee (MCAC) standards.)
Our Lady of the Lake University : Online Master of Arts in Counseling (No entrance exam required to apply)
University of West Alabama : Online Counseling and Psychology Degrees (100% Online. Bachelor's and Master's programs available.)
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology : M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online Programs. CACREP Accredited.)
Lamar University : Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (100% Online, Affordable Tuition, Study on Your Time)Therapist vs. Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist: Which Career Choice Is Right for You?
If you’re passionate about finding a career that will allow you to make a direct impact in people’s lives by helping them navigate complicated issues related to work, family, past trauma, or mental health, you may be considering the roles of therapist, psychiatrist, and psychologist. All three professions offer the opportunity to directly engage with patients and provide assistance during difficult times. But, although the three terms are sometimes used interchangeably, the jobs are different in several crucial ways.
As you think about your career trajectory and your educational path, it’s worth comparing therapist vs. psychiatrist roles, as well as psychiatrist vs. psychologist roles.
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Capella University
Master's and PhD in Counseling
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required |
Choose from Addictions, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Human Behavior. Marriage and Family Therapy, or School Counseling specialties Learn More |
| Northwestern University
Online MA in Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months Learn MoreFull-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available |
| NYU Steinhardt
Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
 MPCAC Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE not required; Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required |
As few as 21 months to complete Learn More |
| Pepperdine University
Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor)
|
✔ Online
No GRE Required Bachelor's Degree Required |
Bachelor's holders can prepare to become a licensed professional counselor online. With no GRE scores required to apply, the 24 month online MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine allows you to advance your career and be a catalyst of change. Learn More |
| NYU Steinhardt
Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance: School and Bilingual School Counseling
MPCAC Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's required. GRE scores are not required. |
Prepare to become a school counselor with NYU Steinhardt’s online master’s in Counseling and Guidance program. The online MA degree gives you the knowledge and skills to pursue certification and employment in pre-K–12 schools nationwide in as few as 18 mos. Bachelor’s required: Learn more. GRE scores are not required. Learn More |
| Our Lady of the Lake University
Online Master of Arts in Counseling
|
✔ Online
No GRE required. |
Help students navigate the emotional terrain of getting an education, empower people of all ages to overcome mental health hurdles, or support someone recovering from drug addiction as they obtain or maintain a job, with the Master of Arts in Counseling from OLLU. Learn More |
| University of West Alabama
Online Counseling and Psychology Degrees
|
✔ Online
Multiple online counseling degree options |
Programs in experimental psychology, clinical mental health counseling, family counseling Learn More |
| The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree Required. |
This online CMHC program prepares students for a career offering mental health services in a variety of settings; helping diverse clients through issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, stress, relationship difficulties, and suicidal impulses. Learn More |
| Lamar University
Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
SACSCOC Accredited |
✔ Online
No GRE Required Minimum 3.25 Undergrad GPA |
This online degree program prepares you with knowledge, training and practical experience to guide persons coping with substance abuse, marriage, family, career and other emotional issues through difficulties by giving them tools and techniques to manage their lives and decisions. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
What Is a Therapist?
Therapists help people manage problems with their relationships, with their family, or with unaddressed shame or trauma. One of the most common types of therapist is the marriage and family therapist, who focuses on helping individuals, families, and couples navigate conflicts within their relationships.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a therapist’s basic duties can include:
Most therapists work in private practice, and they may draw on a range of different tools to help them do their job, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Becoming a Therapist
To become a therapist, it is generally required to earn a bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s degree in mental health counseling, psychology, or a related field. Licensing is also required. Licensing requirements vary by state, but usually involve a certain number of hours of supervised clinical work.
Therapist Salary
BLS data shows that the annual median salary of marriage and family therapists was $51,340 in 2020. The profession is projected to grow at a rate of 16% between 2021 and 2031, which is a much higher rate than the average projected for all professions.
Capella University - Master's and PhD in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
NYU Steinhardt - Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (MPCAC Accredited)
Pepperdine University - Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor)
Our Lady of the Lake University - Online Master of Arts in Counseling (SACSCOC Accredited)
University of West Alabama - Online Counseling and Psychology Degrees (SACSCC Accredited)
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology - M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Lamar University - Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (SACSCOC Accredited)
What Is a Psychiatrist?
When comparing therapist vs. psychiatrist roles, what are the key points of distinction
While therapists can play an invaluable part in helping their patients cope with mental health issues, psychiatrists are medical doctors who play a more direct clinical role. The psychiatrist’s job description can include any of the following:
- Assessing patients and diagnosing them with mental health disorders, such as clinical depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Diagnosing chemical imbalances in patients that can lead to developmental disorders or delays
- Developing clinical plans for patients to prevent, remedy, or manage the symptoms of mental health disorders
- Coordinating with other medical professionals as needed
- Prescribing medications or other forms of treatment to patients
- Referring patients to counselors or therapists when appropriate
Becoming a Psychiatrist
Becoming a psychiatrist requires completion of an undergraduate degree, a medical degree, and a four-year residency in psychiatry. Many psychiatrists also choose to complete a fellowship in a psychiatric subspecialty.
Psychiatrist Salary
BLS data shows that the annual median salary of psychiatrists in 2020 was $217,100. The profession is projected to grow at a rate of just under 4% between 2021 and 2031, which is slightly below the average growth projected for all professions.
What Is a Psychologist?
When looking at psychiatrist vs. psychologist roles, it’s clear there are some key differences between the two. Psychologists specialize in the study of human behavior and mental processes, including the ways in which people interact with others and with their environment. A psychologist may help patients manage difficulties in their life, or cope with the effects of mental health disorders.
Much like a psychiatrist, a psychologist can assess and even diagnose mental health disorders or developmental disorders. The primary difference is that psychologists are not physicians. They do not have comprehensive medical training, and they are not able to prescribe medications. However, they can develop treatment plans, which can include referring patients to psychiatrists or other medical professionals as needed.
Becoming a Psychologist
Most psychologist roles require a doctoral-level degree in their field, though some organizations may permit psychologists to practice with only a master’s degree. According to the BLS, this is particularly true of psychologists employed by schools or in industrial settings. Psychologists must also pursue licensing, with requirements that differ from state to state.
Psychologist Salary
The annual median salary of psychologists in 2020 was $82,180, according to data from the BLS. The field is projected to grow at a rate of 8% between 2021 and 2031, which is about as fast as average.
Choosing the Right Profession: Therapist vs. Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist
As you decide which field is right for you, you can consider a number of factors, including:
- Differences in educational requirements (psychiatrists require the highest level of education)
- Differences in salaries (psychiatrists typically make the most money)
- Differences in responsibilities (psychiatry is recommended for those who want to prescribe medicine, while becoming a therapist may be the best route for those who want to help patients talk through their problems)
- Differences in job opportunities (therapy is the field that’s growing fastest)
Explore the different academic paths available and start a journey toward a rewarding new career today.
