Is there a difference between a counselor and a therapist?
When you're looking for mental health support for your child or teen, you may see a lot of different terms—therapist, counselor, psychologist and more. It can be confusing! One of the most common questions I hear from parents (and people in general) is:
"Is there a difference between a therapist and a counselor?"
The short answer is: Sometimes yes, sometimes no. These words are often used interchangeably, but there are a few helpful distinctions to keep in mind.
1. Both help kids with emotional, mental and behavioral challenges
Whether someone calls themselves a therapist or a counselor, their job is to support your child’s mental and emotional health. That might include helping with:
Anxiety or worries
Social skills or friendships
Family transitions (like death, divorce or move)
School stress or behavior issues
Big feelings like anger, sadness or fear
The goal is the same: Helping your child feel safe, seen and supported.
2. What is a Counselor?
A counselor is someone with a degree in counseling, such as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Counselors usually focus on helping kids (and adults) learn tools and strategies to cope with challenges. Think of them as a guide who walks alongside your child, helping them understand their thoughts, feelings and behaviors and put in place strategies or plans to assist.
School counselors, for example, are trained to support students with academic, emotional and social needs in the school setting.
3. What is a Therapist?
The term therapist is a little broader. It can refer to licensed counselors, but also to social workers, marriage and family therapists or psychologists who provide talk therapy. Therapists may work with more complex or ongoing issues and often use specific therapeutic techniques like play therapy, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) or trauma-informed approaches.
In short:
👉 All counselors can be considered therapists, but not all therapists are certified counselors.
4. So which one does my child need?
Don’t stress too much about the title. What matters most is the relationship your child builds with their mental health provider, and whether the provider has the right experience and training for your child’s needs.
Here are a few questions to ask when choosing a provider:
Are you licensed to work with children or families?
What kinds of issues do you specialize in?
What approaches or techniques do you use?
How do you involve parents or caregivers?
5. My approach: Relationship first
At my practice specifically, I’m a licensed counselor (both school and private practice) and can also be referred to as a therapist, who uses therapeutic techniques like play therapy or trauma-informed approaches. But no matter the title, my focus is the same: Building trust, creating a safe space and helping your child or teen grow socially and emotionally.
AS ALWAYS, YOU CAN REACH OUT TO ME FOR HELP, QUESTIONS OR TO SET UP A TIME TO TALK.