Who is better to see? A psychologist or a counsellor?

Canada
March 18, 2007 12:53pm CST
I need to see someone to talk to. My work will pay for me to see a psychologist but I'm tempted to just see a counsellor. the last psychologist I saw wasn't very helpful at all, but the last counsellor was extremely helpful and kind. What is your opinion? What do psychologists do that warrants them to charge so much per hour?
1 person likes this
8 responses
@fpd1955 (2074)
• United States
18 Mar 07
My partner sees both a Psychiatrist and a Therapist. She spends an average of 10 minutes with the Doctor and an hour with her Therapist. The Doctor just basically gives her the prescriptions for the meds she takes. The Therapist actually lets her talk and listens to her. She basically needs them both, but the Therapist is more helpful in her recovery.
3 people like this
• Canada
18 Mar 07
thanks for that. I really like the counsellor it's just tempting because the psychologist will be paid for, but what is the point of going if they won't really help me.
1 person likes this
18 Mar 07
A psychiatrist and a psychologist are two differnet things. A psychiatrist has a medical degreee and generally only prescribes medication based on symptoms and such like. A psychologist is trained in psychology and has probably specialised in mental illness. A counsellor can have had a minimum of 2 years college training and work voluntarily or paid.
1 person likes this
• India
18 Mar 07
I will advice you to first see a counsellor, and then if you don't get desired help, then you may visit a psychologist. You see, a counsellor and a psychologist has different functions. A counsellor's job is to listen to your problem, and give you or help you find a solution. Here, this man as councellor accepts you as a normal and mentally healthy man, who is confused about something. A psychologist has a different style of dealing with your problems. He/she will not take you granted as a normal and menmtally healthy man. He/she will try to find out problems with your mentality, if there is any, and will try to cure your ailment, with mental exercises and medicines.
2 people like this
• India
22 Mar 07
I understand that both a psychiatrist and a psychologist does more or less the same job. They have the same functions.
18 Mar 07
sorry no. that is a psychiatrist who prescribes medication not a psychologist.
@tombiz (2036)
• Philippines
12 Jul 07
A psychologist is actually also a counselor but not all counselor are psychologist. Psychologist are actually professional people practicing their field of expertise, that's why the charge. Counselor is just fine, I think, to guide you sort many things happening in your life now.
1 person likes this
@coolchai (753)
• Philippines
18 Mar 07
i think a counsellor is better. for the psychologist its all work and for a counsellor there is a touch of concern and friendship. right now i need a counsellor and i would never go to a psychologist.Goodbluck!
1 person likes this
• Canada
19 Mar 07
youre right, I'v always thought counsellors care more abut people. They also may continue to take more classes to upgrade their listening and counselling skills while psychologists may not bother because they have their all important DEGREE.
@Tripod (105)
• Philippines
18 Mar 07
It really depends on the type of situation/depression/anxiety you're going through. If you just need help with a personal problem, I sugggest you seek a counselor, they tend to empathize more plus they aren't as pricey. The reason why psychologists tend to charge more is because they have a degree. That's it. If you think you have a psychological problem (which a psychotic patient would never admit to) then I suggest you get more indpeth help from a psychiatrist.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
27 Jul 07
Since this discussion was awhile ago, I can't help wondering if you ever did seek help from either...Today to be honest I just ditched my psychologist as I just didn't feel he was helping me also, I got annoyed that he kept pressing medications on me that I just plain didn't want to take...yes I do have an "anxiety" problem, but I know from other people personally who have taken medications like Xanax had true horror stories of the effects of it...so no thanks...Yes it does sometimes help to talk to a professional, but sometimes, you can get just as much from talking to friends and they might be more compassionate and sympathetic, while in my mind a therapist is too "clinical" and uncaring...and it seems you had that same experience...Have you seen anyone though in all this time?
@vivekk20 (185)
• India
18 Mar 07
a psychiatrist.
• Philippines
12 Jul 07
the issue here is not about who is better but more about what is you problem. the nature of the consultation depends upon the service that you will need. the counselor will turn down your application if he/she thinks he/she is not the right person to seek hope it helps God bless!