Therapist vs counselor vs psychologist: What’s the difference? by Angela Myers | Jun 17, 2025 | Beginning Therapy, Mental Health Topics Trying to figure out mental health care can feel overwhelming. There are therapists, counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners—and they all seem to do similar things. Add in all the licensing abbreviations that vary by state, and it’s easy to feel lost before you even start looking for help….