Students interested in psychology often wonder what the difference is between clinical and counseling psychology. While there are many similarities, they differ in multiple ways, such as the needs of the clients, the scope of work, and the work settings. Below we’ll examine commonalities and variances in the two fields.
What is Clinical Psychology?
Clinical psychology focuses on diagnosing and treating mental illness and psychological disorders. Clinical psychologists work with individuals experiencing severe psychological distress, such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, or personality disorders.
Their work often involves psychotherapy, psychological assessments, and research. Clinical psychologists are trained to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, and academic institutions (Trull & Prinstein, 2012).
What is Counseling Psychology?
Counseling psychology, on the other hand, is more focused on helping people cope with life challenges, personal growth, and emotional well-being. Counseling psychologists work with individuals dealing with stress, relationship issues, career concerns, or mile-to-moderate mental health conditions.
They use therapy and counseling techniques to promote mental wellness, resilience, and self-improvement. Counseling psychologists often work in community mental health centers, schools, universities, and private practice settings (Gelso, Nutt Williams, & Fretz, 2014).
Similarities and Differences
| Factor | Similarities | Differences | |
| Clinical | Counseling | ||
| Education and Training | Both require doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), with supervised internship and licensure | Focus on psychopathology Often housed in a health-related college or Liberal Arts & Sciences | Focus on therapeutic techniques and personal development Often housed in College of Education |
| Populations Worked With | Diverse populations across all age groups | Individuals experiencing serious mental health conditions | Individuals facing life stressors |
| Work Settings | Both can work in private practice, universities, community health centers, government agencies | More likely to work in medical or hospital settings, collaborating with psychiatrists or other healthcare professionals | Usually work in educational or community settings, such as college counseling centers or wellness programs |
| Scope of Work | Both provide therapy and intervention services | Focus on diagnosis and treatment planning for severe mental illnesses, sometimes using more structured interventions and psychological testing | Focus on therapeutic relationships, strengths-based approaches, and coping strategies to support clients’ well-being |
(APA, 2023; Gelso Nutt Williams, & Fretz, 2014; Norcross & Sayette, 2020)
Conclusion
Although there are commonalities, the main differences between clinical and counseling psychology are in the populations served, primary focus, and work environments. Clinical psychologists are more involved in diagnosing and treating severe mental illnesses, while counseling psychologists concentrate on life challenges and personal development.
Both fields play a crucial role in mental health care, offering valuable support to individuals in need. If you’re considering a career in psychology, understanding these distinctions can help you determine which path aligns best with your interests and goals.
Where to Go for More Guidance
For University of Florida students who are more interested in exploring careers in counseling psychology, connect with Sarah Blackmon, Senior Career Coach for Human Services, Consulting, and Education.
For those with a greater interest in clinical psychology, contact Brendan Daigle, Manager for Career Pathways – Healthcare & Health Sciences.
References
American Psychological Association (APA). (2023). Clinical psychology vs. counseling psychology: What’s the difference? Retrieved from https://www.apa.org
Gelso, C. J., Nutt Williams, E., & Fretz, B. R. (2014). Counseling psychology (3rd ed.). American Psychological Association.
Norcross, J. C., & Sayette, M. A. (2020). Insider’s guide to graduate programs in clinical and counseling psychology (2020/2021 ed.). The Guilford Press.
Trull, T. J., & Prinstein, M. J. (2012). Clinical psychology (8th ed.). Wadsworth.
