If you have been considering getting professional support for your mental health, you have probably encountered both terms: therapist and psychotherapist. They are often used interchangeably — but are they actually the same thing?
The Short Answer
In most practical contexts, yes — they refer to the same type of professional. Both provide talk-based treatment for emotional, psychological, and behavioural issues. The distinction, where it exists, is more about training background and the depth of the work.
What Is a Therapist?
The term "therapist" is broad. It can refer to any licensed mental health professional who provides therapy, including:
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs)
- Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs)
- Psychologists (PhD or PsyD)
In New York, all of these professionals must be licensed by the state and meet rigorous educational and supervised practice requirements.
What Is a Psychotherapist?
Psychotherapy refers specifically to the practice of treating psychological distress through structured conversation and evidence-based techniques. A psychotherapist is anyone trained and licensed to provide psychotherapy — which includes all of the professionals listed above.
The term "psychotherapist" tends to emphasise the depth and clinical nature of the work. It is often associated with longer-term, more exploratory treatment — such as psychodynamic therapy or trauma-focused work — rather than shorter, skills-based approaches like CBT.
When Does the Distinction Matter?
For most people seeking support, the distinction matters less than finding a clinician who:
- Has experience with your specific concerns (anxiety, trauma, relationships, etc.)
- Uses an approach that resonates with you
- Accepts your insurance
- Is someone you feel comfortable with
What About Psychiatrists?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) who specialise in mental health. Unlike therapists and psychotherapists, psychiatrists primarily focus on medication management. Some also provide therapy, but many do not. If you think you may benefit from medication alongside therapy, a psychiatrist referral may be appropriate.
Getting Started at Spark Wellness
All of our clinicians are licensed therapists and psychotherapists trained in evidence-based approaches including EMDR, CBT, DBT, and somatic therapy. We work with you to find the right match — so you can focus on what matters: getting better.