Programs Currently Accepting Applicants

Walden University : MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited, five specializations to choose from)

Walden University : MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited, six specializations to choose from)

Grand Canyon University : Master's Degree in Counseling (Affordable Program with No Out of State Tuition)

Capella University : Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Capella University is HLC accredited)

Capella University : BS in Psychology - Applied Behavior Analysis ((Online))

Liberty University : MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (Online with required intensives)

Northwestern University : Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Capella University : Counseling & Therapy (CACREP Accreditation. Master's and PhD options available. )

Pepperdine University : Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor) (No GRE required)

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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
Walden University MS in School Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online GRE scores not required	School counselors help students overcome obstacles and shape successful futures. Walden’s online MS in School Counseling program will give you a solid foundation in school counseling theories, approaches, and best practices while enabling you to gain hands-on experience. Learn More
Walden University MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online GRE scores not required	Mental health counselors play a valuable role in helping people cope with life’s challenges. Walden’s online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program can help you become the competent, compassionate counselor you know you can be. Learn More
Grand Canyon University Master's Degree in Counseling HLC and NASAC Accredited	✔ 100% Online Over 14 Specializations Available	Affordable with No Out of State Tuition Learn More
Capella University Bachelor of Science in Psychology	✔ Online	Choose from General Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis or Pre-Counseling specializations Learn More
Capella University BS in Psychology - Applied Behavior Analysis	✔ Online No GMAT or GRE required	Gain skills and knowledge to help transform the lives of people living with autism and other intellectual disabilities. Study with confidence in a program that meets the educational requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® (BCaBA) examination. Applicants must meet additional requirements to qualify. Learn More
Liberty University MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) CACREP Accredited	✔ Online Online with required intensives	Our CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling degree online can help you become an ethical, well-trained mental health counselor with the knowledge, values, and skills you need to empower others to make positive changes in their lives. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. 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 Full-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available Learn More
Capella University Counseling & Therapy CACREP Accredited	✔ Online GRE Not Required	Offering master’s degree programs in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling. Doctoral degree program available in counselor education & supervision. No GRE required. 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

*Sponsored Counseling Programs

☰ For detailed degree information, view the guides to:
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:

Encouraging patients to talk about their emotions and life experiences

Providing patients with tools to help them adjust to difficult life changes, such as divorce, getting laid off, or losing a loved one

Guiding patients through difficult decisions

Referring patients to support groups or to inpatient mental health services

Maintaining confidential documents and records on behalf of their patients

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.

MS in School Counseling Program at Walden University

Walden University - MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Walden University

Walden University - MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Master's Degree in Counseling Program at Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (NASAC Accredited)

Bachelor of Science in Psychology Program at Capella University

Capella University - Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Capella University is HLC Accredited)

BS in Psychology - Applied Behavior Analysis Program at Capella University

Capella University - BS in Psychology - Applied Behavior Analysis (Capella University is HLC Accredited)

MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) Program at Liberty University

Liberty University - MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (CACREP Accredited)

Online MA in Counseling Program at Northwestern University

Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Counseling & Therapy Program at Capella University

Capella University - Counseling & Therapy (CACREP Accredited)

Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor) Program at Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University - Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor) (ABAI 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 psychology 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.

Still Looking for a Counseling Degree?

Here are some of the most popular online counseling programs. On each page you will find a detailed write-up of the program, specific courses, and schools that offer that program that are currently accepting applicants.