Counselor vs. Therapist: Comparing the Roles

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

The terms “counselor” and “therapist” cover multiple mental health professions, with some overlap but key differences in scope of practice:

Counselors

• Typically provide structured, short-term support.
• Specialize in areas like addiction recovery, grief, career guidance, or family therapy.
• Focus on goal-oriented strategies to help clients manage specific challenges.

Therapists

• Often provide longer-term psychotherapy.
• Work more deeply to explore underlying behaviors, patterns, and complex mental health conditions.
• May provide diagnosis and broader clinical interventions depending on licensure.

Both counselor and therapist roles share a few requirements including graduate-level education and supervised clinical training. Additionally, specific licensure requirements and scope of practice vary by state and credential.

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 and must complete supervised clinical hours and pass a licensing exam to practice independently. Therapists may also hold a master’s degree and are licensed to provide psychotherapy.

Doctoral degrees (e.g., Ph.D., Psy.D.) are common for psychologists or advanced clinicians involved in psychological assessment, research, or academic roles, but they are not required for most licensed therapy careers.

Licensure titles vary by state and specialization (e.g., Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist). Professional licenses define the scope of practice, required education, supervised experience, and authority to diagnose mental health conditions.

Scope of Practice and Specializations

Scope of practice refers to what behavioral health providers are legally authorized to do. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, it includes “the activities and duties that a licensed health care professional is legally permitted to perform based on their education, training, experience, and the laws or regulations governing their profession.”

The scope of practice for counselors and therapists depends on education, licensing, and specialization. Counselors may address the mental health needs of individuals and families through services such as:

• Career and school counseling
• Crisis intervention
• Community mental health support
• Structured therapeutic models, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Therapists with advanced training may work with deeper emotional or behavioral disorders and employ a broader range of therapeutic approaches, such as psychodynamic therapy or trauma-informed care.

Many licensed professionals can diagnose mental health disorders, but diagnostic authority varies by state and credentials.

In both roles, counseling strategies are highly personalized to the mental health needs of each client. To learn how treatment varies based on individual needs such as age and more, read our blog here.

Work Environments and Career Opportunities

Both counselor and therapist roles offer flexible opportunities to work with specific client populations or in various settings that align with their professional interests and specialization.

Counselors often work in many of the following environments:

• Schools (K-12 and post-secondary)
• Vocational training programs
• Rehabilitation centers
• Government agencies
• Nonprofit organizations
• Employee assistance programs, focusing on short-term interventions and community services.

Therapists are commonly found in different settings, such as:

• Private practice
• Hospitals and medical centers
• Psychiatric facilities
• Long-term care environments
• Trauma centers and specialized mental health clinics
• Other settings delivering psychotherapy for individuals with chronic or complex mental health needs.

Career Outlook

In 2024, the median annual wage for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors was $59,190.

Salary data for therapists varies widely depending on licensure, specialty, and setting. For example, reports show Marriage and Family Therapists earn median wages typically above those for some counselor roles, reflecting differences in credentialing, experience, and practice context.

In the U.S., the need for mental health services is continuing to grow, with many lacking access to adequate care nationwide. To learn about the mental health provider shortage, you can read our blog here.

Which Career Path Is Right for You?

Whether you feel personally called to help people or are exploring opportunities for a career with strong growth prospects and flexibility, it’s important to understand your options.

When comparing counselors vs. therapists, individuals should think about:

• Professional goals – What type of impact do you want to have, and in what settings?
• Interest in specific mental health approaches – Structured, short-term interventions vs. long-term psychotherapy and assessment.
• Preferred client populations – Age groups, challenges, or specialties you want to focus on.
• Education and licensing requirements – The level of training and credentials needed for each role.
• Work environments – Schools, hospitals, private practice, community programs, or correctional facilities.
• Specializations – Career counseling, substance abuse, trauma, marriage and family therapy, etc.

Those who want to provide structured, short-term guidance may find counseling to be a strong fit, while individuals interested in long-term therapy, diagnosis, and broader clinical interventions may gravitate toward therapist roles.

Many professionals begin their careers as counselors and later pursue advanced education and licensure to expand their scope of practice. Both roles offer rewarding opportunities to make a meaningful difference in 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 MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling– this online Master's program is designed to prepare students for licensure as a clinical counselor, offering a foundation built on diversity, access, and inclusion.

Interested in learning about the importance of cultural competence in counseling? Read our blog here.

Program features include:

• 100% online coursework – Complete your degree without relocating, designed for working professionals.
• Flexible enrollment – Full-time or part-time options to fit your schedule.
• CACREP-aligned curriculum – Meets educational requirements for licensure in most states.
• Field placement support – get personalized guidance and access to our clinical network to secure placement sites.
• Comprehensive training – Emphasizes culturally responsive, trauma-informed counseling, assessment, treatment planning, and ethical practice.
• Diverse career preparation – Graduates are equipped to work in schools, hospitals, private practice, community mental health organizations, and more.

By combining flexible online learning, hands-on experience, and strong preparation, AIC equips students to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their clients.