What is a psychologist?

Psychology is a field of study that explores the world of human thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It helps us understand ourselves and navigate the mental or emotional challenges we experience.   The people at the forefront of this field are psychologists. This (relatively) new profession got its start in the late 19th century and continues to evolve today.  Modern psychology is a diverse field and today’s psychologists work in many different settings. But what they all share is a desire to better understand the human experience and use these insights to support the people and organizations they serve. 

What kind of education and training do psychologists receive? 

Psychologists receive extensive academic instruction and supervised experience before entering the workforce. There are two main categories of psychologists– those who work directly with people and provide care and those who work in academic settings as instructors and/or researchers. The latter group does not need to maintain a license to provide care. Licensed psychologists who provide direct care are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree, a master’s or Education Specialist degree, and often, a doctoral-level degree. After graduating and becoming licensed, practicing psychologists must meet rigorous requirements for continuing education throughout their careers. This means that year after year, they continue to learn about the latest research-backed treatments so that they can provide the most effective support for the people they serve.

What are the different types of psychologists?

Just as there are different types of doctors or scientists, there are many different types of psychologists. So if you’re interested in working with one, it might be helpful to learn about which type of psychologist might be the best fit for your needs.

Clinical psychologists

Clinical psychologists focus on conducting assessments and diagnosing and treating mental illness. They can provide individual, group, or family therapy and offer support for both short and long-term concerns.  Clinical psychologists can specialize in working with different populations and treatment areas. For example, they might specialize in working with a specific age group, a specific treatment method, or a specific mental health condition.  Psychologists do not prescribe medication. They often collaborate with prescribing physicians and psychiatrists to coordinate care.

Counseling psychologists

Counseling psychologists are similar to clinical psychologists in that they help people navigate life’s challenges and navigate symptoms of mental illness.  While the difference between these two professions can seem subtle, counseling psychologists might be more likely to work in community settings or schools (as opposed to private practice) or support organizational or employee mental health. They’re also more likely to focus on personal and interpersonal mental health and well-being (as opposed to providing assessments or diagnosing and treating mental illness).

Forensic psychologists

As you can imagine, having a deep understanding of the human mind and motivations for behavior can be a useful tool for solving crimes.  Forensic psychologists work within the legal and criminal justice systems, often as expert witnesses, to help lawyers and judges understand the psychological aspects of a case.

Other specializations in psychology

In addition, there are many other specializations in the field of psychology, including:

• Developmental psychologists study how humans grow, learn, and adapt across the lifespan.
• School psychologists leverage their understanding of childhood development to help students learn and to help teachers teach.
• Organizational psychologists study the role of human behavior in the workplace and help create more positive work environments.
• Rehabilitation psychologists support individuals’ mental health as they heal from accidents or injuries or manage chronic health conditions.

What do different types of psychologists do?

If you’ve ever wondered what a day in the life of a psychologist looks like, the answer is “it depends.” While all psychologists share a focus on understanding human behavior, the way they approach their work varies depending on their specialty and setting.  For example, clinical or counseling psychologists will spend much of their time delivering direct care to patients, typically in the form of psychotherapy and counseling.  Psychologists who work in schools, clinics, or medical settings will regularly conduct tests and assessments to evaluate their clients. They will look at presenting concerns, monitor progress, and gain insights that will shape their treatment planning process.  Psychologists who work in research or academic settings are less likely to engage in individual patient work. They’re more likely to spend their conducting studies, evaluating data, and writing about their findings. 

What’s the difference between licensed psychologists and other types of mental health providers?

If you’ve ever wondered about the differences between licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, and other mental health professionals, you’re not alone! These professions share some commonalities in the ways they work to improve people’s lives but they also differ in some important ways.   Among these professionals, psychiatrists are the only ones who are licensed to prescribe medication. Licensed psychologists, therapists, and other mental health professionals frequently collaborate with prescribing providers but they cannot prescribe medications.  Psychiatrists are medical doctors so they focus on the medical aspects of mental illness and they, unlike therapists and psychologists, do not typically provide therapy. Therapists and licensed psychologists work in similar ways to support their clients’ mental health through therapy, reflection, and decision-making support. However, therapists do not have advanced degrees in psychology and they don’t typically conduct research. 

Finding and choosing a licensed psychologist with Rula Mental Health

If you’d like to connect with a licensed psychologist who can support you on your mental health journey, know that Rula is here to help.  Our provider matching platform can help you find a licensed psychologist who’s in network with your insurance and is a fit for your unique needs. Our team is always available to answer any questions you may have about selecting the right provider and preparing for your first appointment.  Our network includes thousands of therapists, psychiatrists, and psychologists who can work together to support you on your mental health, all on a single platform.  Find a provider with Rula

Find therapists near you

New York, NY – Houston, TX – Rancho Cucamonga, CA – Austin, TX – Chicago, IL – Los Angeles, CA – Columbus, OH – Portland, OR – Dallas, TX – Jacksonville, FL – Charlotte, NC – Denver, CO – Huntsville, AL – Philadelphia, PA – Seattle, WA – Find your city