Therapist vs. Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist: What’s the Difference?

When you are exploring mental health support, the range of professional titles—therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist—can feel confusing. At Asheville Counseling and Wellness Center, we believe that understanding your options is the first step toward finding the support that is right for you.

Here is a simple breakdown of the differences between these providers and how each might help you on your journey.

Therapist

Who they are: At Asheville Counseling and Wellness Center, our therapists include licensed mental health counselors and clinical social workers. "Therapist" is a general term for professionals trained in talk therapy.

What they do: Therapists help clients navigate life’s challenges—such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, and stress—using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and mindfulness-based interventions.

Training: Therapists typically hold a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or social work and are licensed by the state after completing clinical training and supervision.

When to choose a therapist: You’re looking for a safe, nonjudgmental space to process emotions, build coping skills, and make meaningful change through weekly therapy sessions.

Psychologist

Who they are: Psychologists hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology and are highly trained in mental health assessment, diagnosis, and therapy.

What they do: Some psychologists offer therapy like our licensed therapists do, while others focus on psychological testing and evaluation—for conditions such as ADHD, learning differences, and mood disorders.

Training: Psychologists complete a doctoral program, a year-long clinical internship, and are licensed after passing national and state exams.

When to choose a psychologist: You need specialized psychological testing or prefer working with a provider who has advanced training in diagnosis and clinical research.

Note: Asheville Counseling and Wellness Center offers referrals for psychological testing as needed.

Psychiatrist

Who they are: Psychiatrists are medical doctors (M.D. or D.O.) who specialize in mental health and are licensed to prescribe medication.

What they do: They evaluate, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions—often using medication as a primary tool. Some may also provide psychotherapy, though many focus on medication management.

Training: Psychiatrists complete medical school and a psychiatric residency, and they may become board-certified in psychiatry.

When to choose a psychiatrist: You’re experiencing symptoms that may require medication support—such as severe depression, mood instability, psychosis, or chronic anxiety—and want to explore psychiatric treatment.

While we do not prescribe medication at our center, we are happy to collaborate with your psychiatrist to ensure coordinated care.

How We Can Help

If you are unsure where to start, you do not have to navigate this alone. At Asheville Counseling and Wellness Center, we are here to guide you toward the support that fits your needs. Whether you are looking to begin talk therapy, explore trauma-informed care, or connect with additional resources, we are ready to help.

Reach out today to schedule or learn more about the services we offer. Your mental health matters—and we are here when you’re ready.