If you're looking for a psychologist, you may have questions about what they actually do, how they differ from other mental health professionals, and whether one is the right fit for what you're going through. We're here to help you understand your options and find the right person for you.
By the numbers:
Psychologists complete a minimum of 10 years of education and supervised training before practicing independently
75% of people who engage in psychotherapy experience meaningful benefit
GoodTherapy has thousands of licensed psychologists available across the U.S. — searchable by specialty, location, and insurance
What a psychologist actually does
A psychologist is a doctoral-level mental health professional — meaning they hold either a PhD or PsyD and have completed years of supervised clinical training before they can practice independently. They specialize in understanding how the mind works: how people think, feel, behave, and make sense of their experiences.
Most psychologists offer psychotherapy — talk-based treatment for a wide range of mental health concerns. Many also provide psychological testing and assessment, which can help diagnose conditions like ADHD, learning disabilities, depression, anxiety disorders, and more. This depth of training makes psychologists particularly well-suited for complex or longstanding concerns.
In most states, psychologists cannot prescribe medication — that's the role of a psychiatrist. But many people work with both: a psychologist for therapy and a psychiatrist or physician for medication management. The two approaches often work well together.
"The more you invest in understanding yourself and collaborating with your therapist, the more you'll gain from the process."
Ryan Howes, PhD, ABPP — clinical psychologist and GoodTherapy contributorPsychologist, therapist, or psychiatrist — what's the difference?
These terms get used interchangeably, but they mean different things. Here's a quick breakdown to help you figure out who you're actually looking for.
Psychologist (PhD or PsyD)
Doctoral-level training in psychology. Provides psychotherapy and psychological testing and assessment. Cannot prescribe medication in most states. Best for complex or long-standing mental health concerns, or when a formal assessment or diagnosis is needed.
Therapist or counselor (master's level)
Licensed at the master's level (LMFT, LPC, LCSW, etc.). Provides psychotherapy and counseling for a wide range of concerns. Cannot prescribe medication and typically does not conduct formal psychological assessments. A great fit for most people seeking talk therapy.
Psychiatrist (MD)
A medical doctor who specializes in mental health. Can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. Some also provide psychotherapy, though many focus primarily on medication management. Often works alongside a psychologist or therapist.
When a psychologist might be the right fit
A psychologist is a strong choice in many situations, but particularly when:
You want a formal psychological evaluation or assessment
You need testing for ADHD, a learning disability, autism, or a specific diagnosis
You're dealing with complex, longstanding, or treatment-resistant concerns
You want evidence-based psychotherapy from a highly trained clinician
You're navigating major depression, severe anxiety, OCD, trauma, or personality concerns
You've tried therapy before without success and want someone with deeper clinical training
You want to understand yourself more deeply — not just feel better, but genuinely understand why
Types of psychologists
Psychology is a broad field. Most psychologists who work in private practice are clinical or counseling psychologists — but there are many specialties.
Clinical psychologist
Assesses, diagnoses, and treats a wide range of mental health conditions through therapy, assessment, and sometimes research. The most common type of psychologist in private practice.
Counseling psychologist
Focuses on helping people navigate life challenges, transitions, and personal growth — often with a strengths-based approach. Overlaps significantly with clinical psychology in practice.
Child and adolescent psychologist
Specializes in assessing and treating mental health concerns in children and teenagers. Often works closely with families and schools.
Neuropsychologist
Specializes in the relationship between the brain and behavior. Performs detailed assessments for conditions like traumatic brain injury, dementia, learning disabilities, and developmental disorders.
Read more from our therapists
Helpful reading from licensed professionals on what therapy is, how it works, and how to find the right fit. Take what's useful.
Ryan Howes, PhD, ABPP — practical guidance on how to get the most from therapy from a clinical psychologist
GoodTherapy Editorial Team — how to navigate credentials, find the right fit, and take the first step
On recognizing when something is affecting your life enough to warrant professional support
A clear breakdown of the different types of mental health professionals and what they do
The right psychologist can make a real difference.
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