Difference Between Psychologist and Clinical Psychologist

Psychologist vs Clinical Psychologist
 

Difference between psychologist and clinical psychologist is something that you should know about when you are hoping to get the service of a psychology professional. When speaking of mental health and psychology related professions, people often tend to confuse the differences between one profession from the other. Psychologist and Clinical psychologist are two such professions between which certain differences can be identified even though they are related to the same field of interest. A psychologist is someone who has a degree in Psychology, preferably after the completion of a four-year degree. A clinical psychologist, on the other hand, is also a type of psychologist but has expertise in Clinical Psychology with an additional two years of training. In most cases, such an individual has a Master’s degree that allows to gain clinical training. This is the basic difference between the two professions. This article will present a better understanding of the difference between the two professions.

Who is a Psychologist?

In order to become a Psychologist, an individual has to complete a four-year degree in Psychology. If the individual wishes to practice, then it is important to become a Registered Psychologist. However, when becoming a registered psychologist the individual has to gain practical exposure for one to two years. The APA, or else American Psychologist Association have established an ethical code that must be followed by these psychologists. Mostly a psychologist would pay attention to the general issues faced by individuals and engage in counseling sessions. These mainly cater to the day to day obstacles that people face in their personal life, relationships, workplace, and in personal growth. Hence, one can argue that a Psychologist deals with normal, healthy individuals. Even when it comes to the approaches, one can identify certain differences in therapeutic methods and overall approaches. A psychologist who engages in counseling related services would prefer to use a Humanistic approach and client-centered therapy.

Who is a Clinical Psychologist?

In order to become a Clinical Psychologist, one must complete a basic degree in Psychology and obtain clinical expertise through a Master’s degree. Unlike a Psychologist, a Clinical psychologist specializes in mental health disturbances, abnormalities, etc. In most cases, a Clinical Psychologist unlike a general Psychologist has the potential to cater to the needs of a patient whether it’s an everyday issue or a mental health issue. A Clinical Psychologist tends to deal with people who suffer from severe mental issues such as schizophrenia, amnesia, etc. In this sense, such professionals can be found in settings such as hospitals. A clinical psychologist can use a number of therapies and favor psychoanalytical, and behavioral techniques.

What is the difference between Psychologist and Clinical Psychologist?

• A Psychologist is someone who has a degree in Psychology, preferably after the completion of a 4-year degree.

• A Clinical Psychologist is also a type of psychologist but has expertise in Clinical Psychology with an additional two years of training.

• A Psychologist can work in a number of settings such as schools, universities, workplaces but a Clinical Psychologist can be seen mostly in a hospital.

• A Psychologist deals with healthy individuals who are facing obstacles and issues in life which are rather common, but a Clinical Psychologist deals with patients who suffer from severe mental conditions.

 

Images Courtesy:

1. Psychologist with kid by Madmike1952 (CC BY-SA 3.0)
2. Group therapy via Wikicommons (Public Domain)