Are there different types of psychologists?
Yes. There are psychologists that specialize in different age groups, couples, families, specific problem types, and in evaluations. Additionally, psychologists may be trained in different “schools” or types of psychotherapy running the range from the more formalized, manual-driven treatments (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy) to the more traditional treatments that derived from Freudian and similar schools (e.g., psychodynamic). There are also mental health counselors, clinical social workers, and substance abuse counselors. What distinguishes a psychologist from these other mental health professionals? While there is admittedly a fair amount in overlap in the problems treated and the treatments provided, psychologists typically have two unique qualities that they bring to the therapy room. First, the psychologist’s additional training in evaluation, whether formal testing is used or not, offers a unique vantage point for treatment – especially when faced with complex or difficult t
