Counselor vs. Therapist: Comparing the Roles

Understanding the differences between counselors and therapists is essential for those considering pursuing a career in mental health. While counselors and therapists share common goals, they differ in their education, licensing, and scope of practice.

Counselors typically use structured, solution-oriented methods to help their clients navigate specific concerns. In contrast, therapists often engage with their clients in long-term treatment for behavioral patterns and mental health conditions. This distinction influences their training, professional responsibilities, and approaches to care.

By closely comparing the two roles, counselor vs. therapist, those considering a career in mental health will better understand which suits their goals.

What’s the Difference Between a Counselor and a Therapist?

The terms “counselor” and “therapist” are broad and encompass multiple mental health fields. Mental health counselors often specialize in areas like addiction recovery, grief, career guidance, or family therapy. Their work is generally more structured and goal-oriented than that of therapists, focusing on helping their clients develop coping strategies to manage specific mental health disorders or life situations.

Therapists are more likely to engage in long-term psychotherapy sessions with their clients that address any of a wide range of emotional or psychological concerns. They also explore deep-seated behavioral patterns and unresolved trauma with clients. They need to have extensive knowledge of psychological assessment procedures and treatment modalities.

One way to think about this is that not all counselors are therapists, but all therapists can be considered counselors in the broader sense. Licensing and state regulations further define the professional boundaries of each role.

Education and Licensing Requirements

The educational path for counselors and therapists is determined by their specialization, career goals, and licensing requirements. Most counselors hold a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, such as mental health counseling, clinical social work, or marriage therapy.

Therapists may hold a master’s degree but are more likely to have earned a doctoral-level degree. Those with a PhD in Psychology or a Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) often work in research, teaching, or clinical practice involving psychological assessments and treatment.

Clinical training is a requirement for both professions. Counselors complete internships and supervised fieldwork in schools, addiction centers, or private counseling settings. Therapists participate in similar clinical experiences but also may engage in more intensive psychotherapy training, perform diagnostic assessments, and gain advanced clinical experience with supervision.

Their licensure requirements further define the roles of counselors and therapists. Counselors often become licensed professional counselors (LPCs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), or licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs). Therapists may also hold these credentials but can pursue additional licensing for psychotherapy, neuropsychological testing, or specialized interventions.

Scope of Practice and Specializations

The scope of practice for counselors and therapists depends on their education, licensing, and specialization. Counselors may provide a wider array of services, including career and school counseling. They also work with clients who are navigating life transitions or managing stressful situations. They may use structured therapeutic models such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) to help their clients reach their goals.

Therapists with advanced training may treat deeper emotional or behavioral disorders. They frequently incorporate a wide range of therapeutic approaches such as psychodynamic therapy or trauma-informed therapy.

Most therapists have the credentials and authority to diagnose mental health disorders, while many counselors focus on treatment and coping strategies rather than formal diagnoses. Some counselors focus on crisis intervention, addiction counseling, or family systems therapy, while therapists may work to address chronic mental health conditions.

Work Environments and Career Opportunities

Both counselors and therapists work in many different types of environments, though their career paths often align with their specialization. Counselors are more likely to work in schools, rehabilitation centers, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and employee assistance programs. Their work is often focused on short-term interventions, crisis management, and community-based mental health services.

Therapists are more likely to practice in private settings, hospitals, psychiatric facilities, and long-term care environments. Many therapists provide ongoing psychotherapy to individuals with chronic mental illness, relationship challenges, or deep-rooted emotional distress.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $53,710 as of May 2024. According to Payscale, the median annual salary for clinical therapists was about $57,900 as of February 2025.

Which Career Path Is Right for You?

When assessing counselors vs. therapists in terms of which role to pursue for a career, individuals need to think about their professional goals, interest in specific mental health approaches, and preferred client populations. Those who want to provide short-term, structured guidance may find counseling a better fit. Those interested in providing long-term therapy and psychological assessments may gravitate toward therapy.

Considering factors such as the educational requirements, licensing requirements, work environments, and specializations for each role can also help aspiring mental health professionals determine the right path for them. Some individuals begin as counselors only to later pursue further education to become therapists. Others find fulfillment in working as focused, solution-driven counselors who help their clients address specific issues.

Both roles offer rewarding opportunities to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.

Launch Your Counseling Career at American International College

For those interested in pursuing a rewarding career in counseling, American International College (AIC) offers an online Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that prepares students for licensure and hands-on clinical experience. The 100% online program is taught by AIC faculty and designed for working professionals. The program’s curriculum is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and teaches theory, research, and real-world counseling skills.

With flexible enrollment options, AIC’s program helps equip students with the knowledge and clinical training needed to provide effective mental health counseling in any of a number of settings. Graduates are qualified to work in schools, hospitals, private practice, and community mental health organizations where they can make a meaningful difference in the lives of their clients.

For those ready to begin their journey toward a satisfying career in counseling, AIC provides a streamlined path to licensure and professional success. Take the first step and apply today.