Drug Abuse

Question by -: Question about the study/education for psychology?
To become a clinical psychologist or a counseling psychologist, will you need to obtain a PhD? What is the difference between a therapist and a counselor? Some one suggested social work, but I’d rather not deal with people with drug/abuse/criminal problems that is usually prevalent in social work. I’d prefer to work with middle/upper class as far as clinical. What would be the best option if I did not want to opt for a PhD but still wanted to pursue in this field? Knowledgeable answers only please, thanks for your responses.

Best answer:

Answer by Z Z
<--- former psychology major... Anything less than a Master's degree in Psychology is a joke. If you as serious about Psych you're going to at least need an MA... I also hope you like research! :) And even in the middle/upper classes, one of the most common problems you will face are issues of drug addiction. Cocaine/Heroin/X/ Alcoholism/Meth do NOT discriminate according to class! Social Work does have a clinical side. You can get your MSW (Masters in Social Work) and practice as a therapist here in NJ. Difference between a counselor and a therapist... both having training. Therapists have more training/education... (That's my experience.) I have met counselors with only BA's... but I have yet to meet a therapist without a PhD. Talk to people in both fields. I thought I wanted to pursue psychology, but after discussing it with different professionals in the positions I wanted, I discovered that was not what I wanted. "Informational Interviews" They are also a great way to meet people and start networking. Hope I helped!

Answer by ron971
In most states, the title “psychologist” is reserved for licensed holders of the doctorate (Ph.D, Ed.D, or Psy.D.) in psychology. In practice, the distinction between the terms “therapist” and “counselor” are trivial, in my opinion, and often used to reflect the kind of clients one treats. Folks who include the more seriously mentally ill in their practice tend to call themselves therapists. I’m a therapist. :o)

Its not true that social workers necessarily treat more “drug/abuse/criminal problems” than psychologists. Each practitioner defines their client base according to their interests, training, and practice setting. Nevertheless, a good training program should expose you to a wide range of clients from different socio-economic backgrounds and diagnoses.

Nowadays, most states have passed regulations that provide for the licensure of masters level therapists/counselors and have credentials such as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). These professionals also usually qualify for insurance reimbursements but at a reduced rate from the doctoral level psychologists.

I hope this helps and good luck.

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