What is the Difference Between a Child Therapist and a Child Psychologist?
The lines between a child therapist and a child psychologist can often seem blurred, but we are here to help provide clarity on the differences between these two mental health professionals.
Often times mental health professionals, including therapists and psychologists, get asked, “So what is the difference between a child therapist and a child psychologist? or “Should I see a child therapist or child psychologist?”
Child therapists and child psychologists can be hard to differentiate as they both provide talk therapy and treat mental health issues like anxiety. Both, therapists and psychologists, work to promote and improve well-being and overall functioning through psychotherapy. With that in mind, it can be really confusing differentiating the two.
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One of the big key differences between these two clinicians is that a Child Psychologist can provide psychological and neuropsychological testing and assessments.
Psychologists who provide clinical services are now trained in a wide range of techniques and theoretical approaches that equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to advance the science of psychology, the professional practice of psychology, and people’s general health and well-being. Thanks to their knowledge and skill set, clinical psychologists enjoy careers in industries as varied as research, integrated health care, teaching, program development and evaluation, consultation, public policy and professional practice. - American Psychological Association
Both clinicians can work with a number of specialities like anxiety, anxiety-driven anger, depression, or even perfectionism. However, child psychologists are more likely to work and treat more severe mental illnesses or disorders as their training really taps deep into science and analysis which is helpful when a assessment and/or diagnosis is needed. For example: maybe you think your child has dyslexia or autism, or is struggling with a behavioral or learning disability. child psychologists are equipped to evaluate and diagnose these disorders/disabilities to reach an understanding of what’s really going on, especially when necessary school accommodation may be of benefit to your child, as child psychologists are clinicians who can provide approval on such accommodations.
Child Therapists and Child Psychologists also obtain different degrees to obtain full licensure.
A therapist is required to obtain a masters degree in counseling or social work in order to hold licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to practice.
A Child Psychologist is required to obtain a doctoral degree in clinical psychology or counseling psychology. These degrees are presented in two forms: either as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD).
A PhD focuses primarily on scientific research in it’s course of training, while a PsyD focuses more on application for clinical use.
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Within their doctoral degree to obtain licensure, child psychologists also complete a residency program, which provide them with clinical and research experience.
While, Child Therapists and Psychologists can both treat mental, emotional, and behavioral health, some psychologists pursue teaching or research and forgo clinical treatment.
In short, psychologists can be referred to as therapists because of their ability to perform psychotherapy, but therapists can’t be referred to as psychologists.
Are you unsure if your child should see a child therapist or child psychologist? Our intake coordinators can assess if one of our skilled therapists at Compassionate Counseling St. Louis would be the best fit or if one of our child psychologists in our robust referral network would be. We are happy to help you find the best clinician that would suit your child, even if that means referring you to a child psychologist!
Curious to hear more about Child Psychology in St. Louis, or wondering if you need anxiety therapy for your kid or teen?
Compassionate Counseling St. Louis provides specialized anxiety and anger management therapy for kids, teens, and college students. We work in Clayton, MO and serve kids, teens, and college students throughout St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Ladue, University City, Town and Country, Webster Groves, Creve Coeur, Kirkwood, Richmond Heights, and Brentwood. You can set up your free phone screening to see if we’re a good fit for your needs right on our website.
