What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychotherapist?
Most clinical Psychologists do psychotherapy but a general psychotherapist is not the same as a Psychologist. Psychologists are regulated by the College of Psychologists. Soon, those with much less education and training will be able to be regulated by the newly established College of Psychotherapists. They will not be Psychologists and cannot use the restricted title of Psychologist. Psychologists have the legal right to use the title “doctor” while psychotherapists cannot. Also, clinical Psychologists are authorized in law to diagnose mental disorders while psychotherapists are not. The entry requirements for someone to become registered with the College of Psychotherapists are much lower than the requirements for becoming a Psychologist. As discussed elsewhere on this website, psychologists must have three degrees in psychology, including a Ph.D., Psy.D. or D.Ed. These doctoral degrees are the highest awarded by universities and represent many years of scholarly and clinical work an
