What Is The Difference Between Clinical Psychology and Mental Health Counseling?

3 Comments »

the_only_solorose said:

clinical psychology is working with in patients
mental health counselling is working with out patients
- 22 November 2009 at 2:51 am
michele said:

In terms of the cousework you take, the license/credential(s) for which you were later be eligible, the internship experiences in which you will participate, and the clients you may later serve…next to nothing.
The major difference is that the mental health counseling programs are typically designed as a “terminal masters” (you don’t then go on in the same program for a Ph.D.). With a clinical psychology master’s program, the typical plan IS to go on (at some point) to get a Ph.D. (some in the same program, but most in other programs).
Both can see both inpatients and outpatients. Both (when a few additional requirements are met) can practice independently. In many cases, both will sit side by side in the exact same classes.
Best of luck to you in your future educational endeavors,
~M~
p.s. If you plan to complete your Ph.D. at any point, I’d go with the clinical psychology master’s.
p.p.s. If you do NOT plan to move forward with a Ph.D., it is VERY IMPORTANT that which ever program you choose (i.e., mental health counseling or clinical psych) is CACREP accredited (see: ). If it is not (and many are not, or are in “provisional” status), licensure later is going to present some very real hassles.
- 24 November 2009 at 9:44 pm
realme1960 said:

They’re both basically the same. A therapist or a psychologist listen to people with their problems. But neither of them are licensed to prescribe any kind of medications. You have to see a psychiatrist for that. A psychologist, I think, just has a little bit more schooling is all, but a therapist has a masters degree and is certified in counseling.
- 25 November 2009 at 4:35 am

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