Counselor vs. Therapist vs. Psychologist

Are these one and the same? What are the key differences between these professions?
Humanservicedu.org breaks these professions down in detail: 

Counselor

  • Often used as an umbrella term for both licensed clinicians with advanced degrees and those offering other forms of counseling.
  • Counselors work with the patient to determine the best way for the counseling sessions to provide preferred outcomes.
  • Counselors do not require the same degree of advanced training or licensure to operate.
  • Counselors have access to a much broader field of potential models for counseling.
  • Counselors lack the in-depth understanding provided by clinical research found in therapy and Psychology


Therapist

  • Protected title in some states such as California, requiring licensure to operate
  • Can include various kinds of Psychologists, Licensed Social Workers, Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists.
  • Use behavioral approach to therapy
  • Different degrees offer routes to the protected title of therapist including but not limited to: Master in Psychology,
  • Master in Marriage and Family Therapy, Master of Social Work, Master in Counseling or a Doctorate in any of those fields.
  • In some states where this term is not legally protected this can include life coaches and others who may not have the same kind of licensure and degree requirements.


Psychologists

  • Usually requiring a minimum of a Master’s degree in Psychology to achieve this title. In rare cases, might include Bachelor’s degree holders.
  • In most cases, refers only to those licensed by a state board to provide Psychological therapy.
  • Must adhere to high standards regarding ethics and confidentiality as provided by the state board.
  • Can be involved in direct therapy with patients in private practice.
  • May teach at a college or university
  • Might be a leader or part of a team conducting research for a university or private enterprise
  • Uses researched based psychological behavioral approach to treating clients
  • Can assess and make clinical evaluations of clients mental health and diagnose mental illness
  • Make judgments on the best course of treatments based upon current clinical research in the field.