Psychology and Counseling: Degrees, Careers, and Resources
Psychology vs. Counseling
Psychology and counseling degrees both cover mental health, instructing students in important theories and methods for helping clients navigate behavioral and emotional challenges.
The two fields also differ in key ways: Psychology programs tend to focus more on diagnostics and use a medialized model to emphasize comprehensive clinical care. Counseling programs often endorse a client-focused framework, concentrating on helping people meet specific behavioral, emotional, or mental health goals.
Career Paths in Psych and Counseling
A psychology degree can lead to a variety of careers, both within and outside of the mental health field — from clinical psychology to market research.
A counseling degree leads most directly to a career as a licensed professional counselor (LPC). You can specialize in various practice areas, such as behavioral health, substance use and addiction, and marriage and family counseling.
Accreditation Matters
Programmatic accreditation is important for a career in a mental health profession. Many states require that you graduate from an accredited program to become a licensed psychologist, counselor, or therapist.