Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCounseling vs. PsychotherapySimilaritiesDifferencesHow to ChooseFor DepressionPreparing for a Visit
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Table of Contents
Counseling vs. Psychotherapy
Similarities
Differences
How to Choose
For Depression
Preparing for a Visit
Close
The terms “counselor” and “psychotherapist” are often used interchangeably and have many similarities, but there are some important differences as well. In general, counseling is recommended for specific issues and situations, such as addiction or grief, and takes place over weeks to several months.
Psychotherapy, in contrast, tends to explore past issues that might be contributing to present day problems. It often takes place continually or intermittently over a period of years. In actual practice, however, there is a great deal of overlap between the two types of therapies.
Understanding some more of the differences between counseling and psychotherapy may be helpful in choosing the type of therapy that will be most effective for you as an individual.
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While a psychotherapist is qualified to provide counseling, a counselor may or may not possess the necessary training and skills to provide psychotherapy.
That said, a therapist may provide counseling with specific situations and a counselor may function in a psychotherapeutic manner.
Counseling
Technically speaking, “counselor” means “advisor.” It involves two people working together to solve a problem. It is a term that is used in conjunction with many types of advice giving. For example, financial planning and spiritual guidance are both types of counseling.
Just about anyone may claim to be a counselor if they are in the role of giving advice. The term counseling may also properly be used to refer to what occurs in a relationship with a psychotherapist.
In the context of mental health, “counseling” is generally used to denote a relatively brief treatment that is focused primarily on behavior. It often targets a particular symptom or problematic situation and offers suggestions and advice for dealing with it.
In this setting, the counselor offers guidance and support as theindividualfigures out ways to better manage life and adjust to change or adversity.
There are many types of counselors, such as marriage and family therapists, grief counselors, addiction and substance abuse counselors, and more.
Psychotherapy
In other words, psychotherapy addresses the root cause and core issues of current problems so that lasting change and personal growth may occur.
There are several different types of therapy that fall under the general heading of psychotherapy, including approaches such ascognitive behavioral therapy,dialectical behavior therapy,psychoanalytic psychotherapy, and much more.
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There are many similarities between counseling and psychotherapy, and even with the distinction, counseling often includes some psychotherapy and psychotherapy often includes some counseling. Similarities include:
While mental health professionals with more advanced degrees (eg. psychology PhD or PsyD) are more likely to provide psychotherapy, the same provider may do both types of therapy. There are some key differences between the providers, however.
CounselingFocus on present problems and situationsSpecific situations or behaviorsShort term therapy (for a period of weeks and up to 6 months)Action and behavior focusedTalk therapyGuidance, support, and education to help people identify and find their own solutions to current problemsSecondary processPsychotherapyFocus on chronic or recurrent problemsOverall patterns, big picture orientedLong term therapy, either continuous or intermittent over many yearsFeeling and experience focusedMay include testing (such as personality, intelligence), talk therapy, other therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapyIn-depth focus on internal thoughts/feelings (core issues) leading to personal growthPrimary process
CounselingFocus on present problems and situationsSpecific situations or behaviorsShort term therapy (for a period of weeks and up to 6 months)Action and behavior focusedTalk therapyGuidance, support, and education to help people identify and find their own solutions to current problemsSecondary process
Focus on present problems and situations
Specific situations or behaviors
Short term therapy (for a period of weeks and up to 6 months)
Action and behavior focused
Talk therapy
Guidance, support, and education to help people identify and find their own solutions to current problems
Secondary process
PsychotherapyFocus on chronic or recurrent problemsOverall patterns, big picture orientedLong term therapy, either continuous or intermittent over many yearsFeeling and experience focusedMay include testing (such as personality, intelligence), talk therapy, other therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapyIn-depth focus on internal thoughts/feelings (core issues) leading to personal growthPrimary process
Focus on chronic or recurrent problems
Overall patterns, big picture oriented
Long term therapy, either continuous or intermittent over many years
Feeling and experience focused
May include testing (such as personality, intelligence), talk therapy, other therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy
In-depth focus on internal thoughts/feelings (core issues) leading to personal growth
Primary process
How to Choose Between a Counselor and Psychotherapist
When choosing a therapist, it’s helpful to learn about the differences noted above, as well as the background of specific providers and the approaches they use. Sometimes the choice will come down to personal preferences, access, or insurance coverage.
The most important step, however, is to find a therapist you can trust. In fact, the level of trust a person has in their mental health care practitioner plays the greatest role in whether the therapy will be successful or not.
You may actually need to talk with a provider or visit for a few appointments before you know which type of therapy is best for you. For example, with some situations it can be difficult to know if it is a short term, a limited problem you are facing (and thus, may fall under conditions best treated with counseling), or if instead there are events or situations in your past that are leading to the current problem.
When You May Wish to See a Counselor
Counseling may be a better option than psychotherapy if:
When You May Wish to See a Psychotherapist
A psychotherapist may be a better option if:
How to Find a Therapist
Counseling vs. Psychotherapy for Depression
Both counseling and psychotherapy are used in thetreatment of depression, and the choice can depend on the severity of the depression, whether it is a new issue for you or rather an ongoing or recurrent problem and more.
As far as the effectiveness of the two approaches, a 2016 study found that counseling was just as effective for the treatment ofpreviously untreatedmild to moderate depression diagnosed in primary care.
Another 2016 study, however, found that interpersonal psychotherapy was somewhat more beneficial than counseling in adolescents with depression, with respect to both symptoms, and overall functioning over theshort-term. That said, a2018 studylooking at the same group found thatlong term, the effects of counseling were more beneficial.
People with chronic, severe depression might benefit most from psychotherapy, whereas people with mild to moderate depression may benefit most from developing a good relationship with a therapist based on mutual trust, and then talking with them about which approach would be most helpful.
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Preparing for a Visit With Counselor or Psychotherapist
Whether you choose to see a counselor or a psychotherapist, your initial appointment will likely be more rewarding if you do a little homework ahead of time. Doing so will not only help you clarify why you are seeking professional help but will help the provider you see know whether she believes she will be able to help you or not.
Before your appointment, make a list of:
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A Word From Verywell
There are some reasons why you may wish to choose a counselor instead of a psychotherapist, or vice versa, but the most important step is getting started. It can take some time to find a therapist who you fully trust, and you may need to visit a few providers before you find the right fit. Keep in mind thatyouare the consumer, and it’s OK to shop around. Personalities differ, and the best therapist for someone else may not be the right therapist for you.
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4 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Understanding psychotherapy and how it works.Kontunen J, Timonen M, Muotka J, Liukkonen T.Is interpersonal counselling (IPC) sufficient treatment for depression in primary care patients? A pilot study comparing IPC and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT).J Affect Disord. 2016;189:89-93. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2015.09.032Young JF, Benas JS, Schueler CM, Gallop R, Gillham JE, Mufson L.A randomized depression prevention trial comparing interpersonal psychotherapy–adolescent skills training to group counseling in schools.Prev Sci. 2016;17(3):314-324. doi:10.1007/s11121-015-0620-5Young JF, Jones JD, Sbrilli MD, et al.Long-term effects from a school-based trial comparing interpersonal psychotherapy-adolescent skills training to group counseling.J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2019;48(sup1):S362-S370. doi:10.1080/15374416.2018.1479965
4 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Understanding psychotherapy and how it works.Kontunen J, Timonen M, Muotka J, Liukkonen T.Is interpersonal counselling (IPC) sufficient treatment for depression in primary care patients? A pilot study comparing IPC and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT).J Affect Disord. 2016;189:89-93. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2015.09.032Young JF, Benas JS, Schueler CM, Gallop R, Gillham JE, Mufson L.A randomized depression prevention trial comparing interpersonal psychotherapy–adolescent skills training to group counseling in schools.Prev Sci. 2016;17(3):314-324. doi:10.1007/s11121-015-0620-5Young JF, Jones JD, Sbrilli MD, et al.Long-term effects from a school-based trial comparing interpersonal psychotherapy-adolescent skills training to group counseling.J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2019;48(sup1):S362-S370. doi:10.1080/15374416.2018.1479965
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Psychological Association.Understanding psychotherapy and how it works.Kontunen J, Timonen M, Muotka J, Liukkonen T.Is interpersonal counselling (IPC) sufficient treatment for depression in primary care patients? A pilot study comparing IPC and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT).J Affect Disord. 2016;189:89-93. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2015.09.032Young JF, Benas JS, Schueler CM, Gallop R, Gillham JE, Mufson L.A randomized depression prevention trial comparing interpersonal psychotherapy–adolescent skills training to group counseling in schools.Prev Sci. 2016;17(3):314-324. doi:10.1007/s11121-015-0620-5Young JF, Jones JD, Sbrilli MD, et al.Long-term effects from a school-based trial comparing interpersonal psychotherapy-adolescent skills training to group counseling.J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2019;48(sup1):S362-S370. doi:10.1080/15374416.2018.1479965
American Psychological Association.Understanding psychotherapy and how it works.
Kontunen J, Timonen M, Muotka J, Liukkonen T.Is interpersonal counselling (IPC) sufficient treatment for depression in primary care patients? A pilot study comparing IPC and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT).J Affect Disord. 2016;189:89-93. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2015.09.032
Young JF, Benas JS, Schueler CM, Gallop R, Gillham JE, Mufson L.A randomized depression prevention trial comparing interpersonal psychotherapy–adolescent skills training to group counseling in schools.Prev Sci. 2016;17(3):314-324. doi:10.1007/s11121-015-0620-5
Young JF, Jones JD, Sbrilli MD, et al.Long-term effects from a school-based trial comparing interpersonal psychotherapy-adolescent skills training to group counseling.J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2019;48(sup1):S362-S370. doi:10.1080/15374416.2018.1479965
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