These are common questions! Although counseling and therapy are often used interchangeably, some believe counseling typically focuses on a specific problem for a short period of time, whereas therapy explores a broader range of topics that help one understand patterns in their behavior that may interfere with reaching their goals. It can have long lasting overall benefits including a stronger sense of self, more satisfying relationships, and improved coping skills. Tomato, tomahto - we’re just thrilled you’re talking about it! More details below. 

Therapist/Counselor: Both a therapist and a counselor have at least a master’s degree in psychology, counselling, or a related field with at least two additional years of training to evaluate and treat mental health.

Clinical Social Worker: Has at least a master’s degree in social work and a minimum of two years of training to evaluate and treat mental health. Additionally, social workers can provide case management and hospital discharge planning as well as work as an advocate for clients and their family per their role as defined by the organization they work for.

Psychologist: Has a doctorate degree (PhD, PsyD or EdD) in psychology with advanced years of training, qualified to do therapy/counseling, perform psychological testing, and provide evaluation and treatment for mental health. 

Psychiatrist: A medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health who can also write prescriptions for medications.

As a reminder, we employ only mental health professionals who are registered with the California Board of Psychology / Behavioral Sciences and we call them all therapists, even if they are social workers or psychologists or associate marriage and family therapists. The California Board of Psychology / Behavioral Sciences, which regulates adherence to the laws and ethics required for licensure. At minimum, our therapists have successfully completed a master’s degree, 1,000 hours of supervised professional experience, and practiced therapy in private practices and/or agencies. Additionally, before any therapist is hired by Okay Humans they must make it through a three level interview and onboarding process to ensure that our guests are given the highest quality care. And, every guest is able to review their experience with their therapist so we can ensure we’re always delivering on our promise to you. All Okay Humans therapists also participate in continuing education and development to ensure they are adept in the leading therapy practices.