Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Psychiatrist – What Are the Differences?

Psychologists

Psychologists have completed a degree in psychology, earning either a diploma (Dipl.) or Master of Science (MSc.). However, this alone does not authorize them to independently treat mental illnesses through psychotherapy. Under the supervision of a licensed psychotherapist (see below), or as part of their training to become a psychotherapist, psychologists can provide psychotherapeutic treatment for mental illnesses.

Independently, psychologists can offer psychological counseling for crises and problems that do not involve a mental illness. You will often find psychologists without additional psychotherapeutic training in counseling centers.

Note: The term “psychological counselor” is not protected in Germany. This means individuals from other professions without a psychology degree or formal training can also use this title and offer coaching or counseling on specific topics.

Psychotherapists

Psychological psychotherapists are psychologists who, after completing their degree (Dipl. or MSc.), have undergone a licensing program to become psychotherapists. This program involves at least three years of foundational training, which includes both theoretical coursework and 2,400 supervised practical hours. Upon successfully completing the licensing process, psychotherapists are authorized to independently offer psychotherapeutic treatments and bill health insurance providers for their services.

Medical psychotherapists are doctors who have studied medicine and specialized in psychiatry and psychotherapy through medical training or obtained an additional certification in psychotherapy. This allows them to treat mental illnesses through psychotherapy and bill health insurance providers. Unlike psychotherapists, medical psychotherapists are also authorized to prescribe medication due to their medical background.

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are doctors who have studied medicine and then specialized in psychiatry and psychotherapy. Psychiatrists primarily focus on the physical, medical, and pharmacological treatment of mental illnesses. They typically do not offer psychotherapy. However, psychiatrists often work closely with the psychotherapists treating their patients.

Alternative Practitioners for Psychotherapy

To obtain a so-called license as an alternative practitioner, no university degree is required. This means alternative practitioners usually have not studied psychology or medicine. All that is needed is self-study followed by an examination at the health department. As a result, alternative practitioners have not learned scientifically recognized methods for treating mental illnesses, which can lead to significant differences in treatment quality.

Officially, members of this profession are not allowed to call themselves “psychotherapists,” but they may include this term in their job title. For example, you might often see titles such as Practice for Psychotherapy under the Heilpraktikergesetz (Alternative Practitioner Law), Alternative Practitioner for Psychotherapy, or Licensed for Psychotherapy under the Heilpraktikergesetz.

We recommend researching the qualifications of the therapist you are considering. Most qualifications can be found in the “About Me” or “Background” section of their website. Don’t hesitate to ask directly during a consultation.

So, Who Should I Turn to?

As a first point of contact, it’s advisable to consult your general practitioner. They usually have a longer-standing relationship with you and are familiar with your medical history. Together, you can determine what type of support you need and take the appropriate steps.

Note: Many mental illnesses are accompanied by, influenced by, or potentially caused by physical symptoms. Therefore, it’s important to have these symptoms examined by your general practitioner first.