Therapist, Counselor, Psychologist, or Psychiatrist: What’s the Difference—and Who Should I See?
How to understand your options and find the right mental health provider in Chicago and Illinois
Feeling Confused About Who to See? You’re Not Alone
So, you’ve decided to look into therapy—first off, that’s a big deal. Whether you're feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or just know something needs to change, reaching out for help is an act of courage. But as soon as you start searching, you’re hit with a wall of titles: therapist, counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist... Wait, what’s the difference again?
You’re not the only one asking. In fact, “What kind of therapist do I need?” is one of the most Googled mental health questions out there. And we get it—it can feel like learning a whole new language.
That’s why this blog is here: to break it all down, plain and simple, so you can confidently take the next step toward getting the support you deserve.
Why It Matters: Getting the Right Fit for Your Needs
Mental health professionals all work to help you feel better—but they don’t all do the same thing. Some talk with you. Some diagnose and treat. Some prescribe medication. And some do a mix of these things.
Knowing the differences can help you:
Get the right support faster
Understand your insurance coverage
Set the right expectations for therapy
Feel more confident and less confused
Let’s break it down.
What Is a Therapist?
The word "therapist" is a general term. It refers to licensed professionals trained to provide mental health treatment, usually through talk therapy (also called psychotherapy). Therapists don’t prescribe medication. Instead, they use therapeutic techniques to help you cope, heal, and grow.
Common therapist credentials in Illinois include:
LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor)
LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)
LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
LSW (Licensed Social Worker under supervision)
PsyD or PhD (Clinical Psychologist)
What therapists do:
Help you understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
Teach coping skills and emotional regulation
Guide you through life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, and more
Work with individuals, couples, families, or groups
Therapists are a great fit if you want:
✅ Weekly or biweekly talk therapy
✅ Support for emotional challenges
✅ Someone to walk with you through healing or change
What Is a Counselor?
The terms “counselor” and “therapist” are often used interchangeably—and in many cases, they are the same. But technically, counselors may be more likely to focus on practical problem-solving or short-term support.
In Illinois, a counselor is typically a:
LCPC – Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor (usually earlier in their career)
What counselors do:
Provide individual or group talk therapy
Help you set goals and make changes in areas like relationships, work, or stress
Often use structured approaches like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
Counselors are a great fit if you want:
✅ Solution-focused therapy
✅ Help with specific issues (like anxiety, boundaries, or parenting)
✅ Emotional support plus actionable strategies
What Is a Psychologist?
A psychologist has a doctoral degree in psychology (PsyD or PhD). They are trained in mental health assessment, therapy, and research.
Psychologists can:
Diagnose mental health conditions
Provide testing for ADHD, autism, learning disorders, etc.
Do therapy, often with a specialization (anxiety, trauma, child development, etc.)
In Illinois, psychologists do not prescribe medication—but they can work closely with psychiatrists if medication is part of your treatment plan.
Psychologists are a great fit if you want:
✅ Psychological testing or evaluation
✅ Therapy with a doctoral-level provider
✅ In-depth support for complex mental health concerns
What Is a Psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in mental health. Unlike therapists and psychologists, psychiatrists can prescribe medication. They usually don’t provide weekly talk therapy—but they might combine short check-ins with medication management.
What psychiatrists do:
Diagnose mental health conditions
Prescribe and manage medication
Provide referrals to therapists
Psychiatrists are a great fit if you want:
✅ Medication for depression, anxiety, ADHD, etc.
✅ Support for serious or chronic mental health concerns
✅ A full medical evaluation for mental health treatment
Who Should I See?
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you decide:
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Therapist or Counselor
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Therapist, Counselor, or Psychologist
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Therapist or Counselor
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Psychiatrist
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Psychologist
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Therapist or Counselor
Still unsure? You can contact us here and we’ll guide you through it—no pressure, no judgment.
Insurance, Medication, and Other Questions
Do all therapists accept insurance?
Not all, but many do. Some offer sliding scale fees if you’re paying out of pocket. Always check with the provider or ask your insurance company who’s in-network.
Can I see both a therapist and a psychiatrist?
Yes! In fact, many people do. You might meet with a therapist weekly and check in with a psychiatrist every few months for medication.
Can a therapist prescribe medication?
No. Only psychiatrists (and some primary care doctors) can prescribe.
Do I need a diagnosis to go to therapy?
Nope. You don’t need a diagnosis or a crisis. If something’s been on your mind—or in your heart—you’re welcome in therapy.
How to Find a Therapist in Chicago and Illinois
Looking for therapy nearby? These directories can help you filter by insurance, identity, location, and more:
Psychology Today – Search therapists in your ZIP code
TherapyDen – Inclusive and easy to use
Inclusive Therapists – Focused on BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent care
Therapy for Black Girls – For Black women and girls
Open Path Collective – Affordable therapy options
Need local referrals? Check out our blog on therapist referrals in Chicago and Illinois.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Know Everything to Begin
You don’t need to figure it all out today. Whether you start with a counselor, therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist—what matters most is that you start somewhere.
Your healing isn’t on a timeline. And you’re allowed to ask questions, change directions, or say, “I don’t know what I need, but I’m ready to feel better.”
You’re not alone. And we’re here when you’re ready.
Meet Mindful Healing Counseling: Therapy That Feels Like a Real Connection
At Mindful Healing Counseling, we know that finding the right therapist can feel like a lot. That’s why our team is here to make it easier—and more human.
We offer online therapy across Chicago and Illinois for:
People navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, identity, life transitions, and relationships
Our therapists come from diverse backgrounds and provide affirming, culturally sensitive care. Whether you’re new to therapy or returning after a break, you’re welcome here.
📞 Call or text us at 708-419-3171
💬 Contact us here to get started
