Guide
Therapist vs Counselor vs Psychologist
Different titles, overlapping work. Here's how to tell them apart — and which one is right for what you're facing.
The mental-health field uses a lot of titles. Most of them can do therapy; they just got there by different paths.
Therapist / Counselor (LPC, LMFT, LCSW)
Master's-level clinicians trained to provide psychotherapy. LPCs and LMHCs focus on individuals and families; LMFTs specialize in couples and family systems; LCSWs bring a social-work lens. All can treat anxiety, trauma, depression, grief, and life issues — especially with additional trauma training like IFS or Trauma-Focused CBT.
Psychologist (PhD, PsyD)
Doctoral-level clinicians. They do therapy, and many also do psychological testing (ADHD, learning, personality assessments) that master's clinicians typically don't.
Psychiatrist (MD, DO)
Medical doctors who prescribe medication. Some do therapy; most focus on med management and pair with a therapist.
FAQ
Common questions
Which one should I see?
For most adults seeking talk therapy for anxiety, trauma, grief, or life issues, a licensed therapist (LPC, LMFT, LCSW) is a great starting place. Psychologists (PhD/PsyD) also do testing; psychiatrists (MD) manage medication.
Are LPCs qualified to treat trauma?
Yes — when they have additional training (like IFS or Trauma-Focused CBT training), which Brittany does.
Do all of them take insurance?
Coverage varies by provider and plan. Haven & Harbor is in-network via Headway for Aetna, BlueCross and BlueShield, Cigna and Evernorth, UnitedHealthcare (UHC | UBH), Oscar Health, Ambetter, Carelon Behavioral Health, WellCare, Ascension SmartHealth, Aetna Medicare, and Humana Medicare.
Take the first step
You don't have to carry it alone.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if Haven & Harbor is the right fit. No pressure, no commitment — just a conversation.