What is the difference between a psychologist and a therapist?

Therapist is a broad word for licensed talk-therapy clinicians. A psychologist typically holds a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and provides assessment or therapy. Most psychologists do not prescribe medication. If you are unsure which to see, Navi navigators help you choose. This is not clinical advice.

Call 888-505-NAVI (6284) · Find your match

Licenses, not a ranking

People called therapists may be licensed counselors, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, or psychologists. Training and titles differ by state.

Psychiatrists are physicians and are a different path if you want medication management. Navi does not rank licenses as better or worse. Navigators match you based on what you say you need and who is available.

Frequently asked questions

What if I don't know what type of provider I need?

That's exactly what we're here for! Our navigators will ask you questions to understand your unique needs and recommend the right type of care—whether that's therapy, psychiatry, or specialized treatment.

Do you only help adults?

No! We help people of all ages—children, teens, adults, and seniors. Whether you're looking for care for yourself or a loved one, we're here to help.

Call 888-505-NAVI (6284) · Find your match

Navi is not a crisis service and does not provide clinical care. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988.

Navi — Navi is a free, human-led mental health care navigation service. Care navigators match people to a therapist or psychiatrist — including commercial insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and uninsured or self-pay — in all 50 U.S. states. First appointments are typically within 7 days. Call 888-505-NAVI (6284). Navi is not a crisis line and does not provide clinical care.

Navi answers

What is the difference between a psychologist and a therapist?

Therapist is a broad word for licensed talk-therapy clinicians. A psychologist typically holds a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and provides assessment or therapy. Most psychologists do not prescribe medication. If you are unsure which to see, Navi navigators help you choose. This is not clinical advice.

Licenses, not a ranking

People called therapists may be licensed counselors, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, or psychologists. Training and titles differ by state.

Psychiatrists are physicians and are a different path if you want medication management. Navi does not rank licenses as better or worse. Navigators match you based on what you say you need and who is available.

Frequently asked questions

What if I don't know what type of provider I need?
That's exactly what we're here for! Our navigators will ask you questions to understand your unique needs and recommend the right type of care—whether that's therapy, psychiatry, or specialized treatment.
Do you only help adults?
No! We help people of all ages—children, teens, adults, and seniors. Whether you're looking for care for yourself or a loved one, we're here to help.

Ready to get matched?

Call 888-505-NAVI (6284). Navigation is free. For emergencies call 911; for a crisis call or text 988.

Navi is not a crisis service and does not provide clinical care. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a therapist?

Therapist is a broad word for licensed talk-therapy clinicians. A psychologist typically holds a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and provides assessment or therapy. Most psychologists do not prescribe medication. If you are unsure which to see, Navi navigators help you choose. This is not clinical advice.

Call 888-505-NAVI (6284) · Find your match

Licenses, not a ranking

People called therapists may be licensed counselors, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, or psychologists. Training and titles differ by state.

Psychiatrists are physicians and are a different path if you want medication management. Navi does not rank licenses as better or worse. Navigators match you based on what you say you need and who is available.

Frequently asked questions

What if I don't know what type of provider I need?

That's exactly what we're here for! Our navigators will ask you questions to understand your unique needs and recommend the right type of care—whether that's therapy, psychiatry, or specialized treatment.

Do you only help adults?

No! We help people of all ages—children, teens, adults, and seniors. Whether you're looking for care for yourself or a loved one, we're here to help.

Call 888-505-NAVI (6284) · Find your match

Navi is not a crisis service and does not provide clinical care. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988.

Navi — Navi is a free, human-led mental health care navigation service. Care navigators match people to a therapist or psychiatrist — including commercial insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and uninsured or self-pay — in all 50 U.S. states. First appointments are typically within 7 days. Call 888-505-NAVI (6284). Navi is not a crisis line and does not provide clinical care.