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  • Word comparison: psychologist vs. therapist

psychologist vs. therapist

psychologist vs. therapist: What’s the difference?

A psychologist is, generally, someone educated to study the mind and mental activities. A therapist is a professional trained to help patients with mental health issues. Many therapists have degrees in psychology, but not all psychologists are therapists—many have other jobs, such as researchers.

psychologist

noun

  1. a specialist in psychology.

  2. Philosophy.,  an adherent to or advocate of psychologism.

adjective

  1. Also psychologistic. of or relating to psychologism.

therapist

noun

  1. a person trained in the use of physical methods, as exercises, heat treatments, etc., in treating or rehabilitating the sick or wounded or helping patients overcome physical defects.

  2. a person trained in the use of psychological methods for helping patients overcome psychological problems.

  3. Also therapeutist a person, as a doctor, skilled in therapeutics. therapeutics.