Clinician vs. Therapist: What Are the Differences?

There are many different types of mental health professionals, each with their own unique set of skills and responsibilities. Two common roles in this field are that of a clinician and a therapist. Though these positions share some similarities, there are several key differences between them.

In this article, we discuss the differences between a clinician and a therapist, and we provide additional mental health professions you may be interested in pursuing.

What is a Clinician?

A clinician is a medical professional who works with patients to diagnose and treat health conditions. Clinicians can be doctors, nurses, physician assistants or any other type of medical professional. They take patient histories, perform physical exams, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and develop treatment plans. Clinicians may also provide guidance on preventative care and offer advice on lifestyle changes that can improve a patient’s health. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices and public health facilities.

What is a Therapist?

Therapists provide psychological support and treatment to patients struggling with mental health issues, life transitions, relationship problems or other challenges. They use a variety of techniques, including talk therapy, to help patients work through their challenges. Therapists may work in private practices, hospitals, clinics or other healthcare settings. They often work with patients one-on-one, but may also see patients in group settings. Therapists may specialize in a particular area, such as marriage counseling, child psychology or substance abuse counseling.

Clinician vs. Therapist

Here are the main differences between a clinician and a therapist.

Job Duties

Both clinicians and therapists help people address mental health issues, but their job duties differ based on their professional qualifications. A therapist is a qualified professional who can provide therapy to patients, which involves talking one-on-one with them about their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. A clinician may also perform similar work by evaluating a patient’s progress throughout treatment and providing one-on-one counseling, but they usually do so in groups of patients rather than individually. This means that while a therapist provides direct counseling to patients, a clinician oversees the overall effectiveness of a program rather than an individual’s progress.

Job Requirements

To become a clinician, you need at least a master’s degree in social work, psychology or a related field. Some clinicians also pursue a doctorate degree to enter more advanced positions. To become a therapist, you only need a bachelor’s degree, although some employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree. Many therapists also pursue licensure through their state’s board of behavioral sciences.

Work Environment

Clinicians and therapists work in different environments. Clinicians typically work in hospitals, clinics or other medical facilities where they can provide care to patients with a variety of conditions. They may also work for the government or military as part of their job responsibilities.

Therapists usually work in private practices or mental health centers where they can help patients address issues related to their mental health. Some therapists may choose to work in schools or colleges to help students who are struggling with emotional or behavioral issues.

Skills

Both clinicians and therapists use active listening skills to understand their patients or clients. They also need to be able to build rapport so that their patients or clients feel comfortable sharing information with them.

Clinicians typically have a more medical focus, and as such, they may benefit from having skills in areas like diagnosing mental disorders and prescribing medication. Therapists often have a more psychological focus, and as such, they may benefit from having skills in areas like conducting therapy sessions and administering psychological tests.

Salary

The average salary for a clinician is $62,225 per year, while the average salary for a therapist is $61,811 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the type of work you do, your location and your experience level.