Skills

Due to the differences in content, location of and length of their training, psychologists qualify with more advanced therapeutic skills and knowledge than counsellors and are therefore, at the point of qualification, more equipped in supporting people with severe and complex mental health conditions such such as psychosis, OCD or personality disorders.

Psychologists also have a number of additional skills in comparison to counsellors. They are trained to conduct psychological, cognitive and neuropsychological testing, to help assess and diagnose a range of mental health, neurodevelopmental and learning difficulties. Psychologists are also trained in advanced research methods as part of their doctoral qualification. Counsellors are not trained in these particular areas. Psychologists work in a more diverse range of settings than counsellors. Most commonly they will work in a clinical setting such as the NHS, but may also work in an academic or forensic setting. Psychologists, rather than counsellors, are more likely to be involved in leading, training and supervising other mental health professionals within healthcare.