Eligibility requirements

Psychotherapy is a talk therapy that helps patients with mental illness or quality of life issues.

The foundation of psychotherapy is to ensure that the patient’s well-being comes first in the relationship between client and practitioner. Psychotherapists achieve this by continually evaluating the outcomes of each session and their impact on the overall treatment plan.

People often wonder how psychotherapists and psychologists differ.

To help you understand, we’ve provided specific characteristics that distinguish the two professions listed below.

Clinical psychologists require a bachelor’s degree in psychology. They will then need to earn a degree (master’s, doctorate, or both) in clinical research to become certified. Because clinical psychologists can diagnose patients with psychological disorders or conditions, their training is more specialized.

They must also conduct academic research along with clinical training and practice to help develop their analytical skills.

A psychotherapist can earn a bachelor’s degree in any discipline and apply to a master’s program in psychotherapy after completing their degree.

Much of their experience in psychotherapy is developed through a combination of coursework and theory, followed by practical sessions where they gain hands-on experience.

Psychotherapy programs are much more flexible than traditional clinical psychology programs. Some psychotherapy programs require students to do research along with teaching, while others focus on coursework and practical experience.

It is important to familiarize yourself with psychotherapy career guidelines, as they may vary depending on where you are located. A good starting point is the International Counseling Association , which lists all the major counseling and psychotherapy organizations around the world. Use their tool to find a psychotherapy governing body near you and determine specific requirements for training and practice.