Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Psychiatrist – What's the Difference?

Psychologists

Psychologists have completed a psychology degree with a Diploma (Dipl.) or Master of Science (MSc.) degree. 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 are allowed to offer psychological counseling for crises and problems that are not based on a mental illness. Psychologists without additional psychotherapeutic training are typically found in counseling centers.

Note: The term "psychological counselor" is not protected in Germany. Members of other professional groups without a psychology degree or formal training can also call themselves this and, for example, offer coaching and counseling on specific topics.

Psychotherapists

Psychological psychotherapists are psychologists who, after completing their degree (Dipl. or MSc.), have completed a so-called licensing program to become a psychotherapist. The licensing program includes at least 3 years of basic training, which includes theoretical teaching units as well as 2,400 practical hours under supervision. After successfully completing the licensing process, psychological psychotherapists are authorized to independently offer psychotherapeutic treatments and bill health insurance providers.

Medical psychotherapists have studied medicine and specialized in psychiatry and psychotherapy through specialist medical training or have obtained additional training in psychotherapy. Thus, they are authorized to treat mental illnesses through psychotherapy and bill health insurance providers. Unlike psychological psychotherapists, they are also authorized to prescribe medications due to their medical degree.

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists have studied medicine and then obtained a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy qualification. For psychiatrists, the physical, medical, and pharmacological treatment of mental illnesses is the primary focus. Psychotherapy is generally not offered by psychiatrists. However, psychiatrists are usually in close contact with the treating psychotherapists of their patients.

Alternative Practitioners for Psychotherapy

To obtain a so-called healing license as an alternative practitioner, no university degree is required. That is, alternative practitioners have generally not studied psychology or medicine. Only self-study with a subsequent examination at the health department is necessary. Therefore, alternative practitioners have not learned scientifically recognized methods for treating mental illnesses. This can result in significant differences in treatment quality.

Officially, members of this professional group are not allowed to call themselves "psychotherapists," but they can include this as an addition to their professional title. For example, one often reads Practice for Psychotherapy under the Alternative Practitioner Act, Alternative Practitioner for Psychotherapy, or Licensed for Psychotherapy under the Alternative Practitioner Act.

We recommend that when searching for a therapy placement, you also inform yourself about the qualifications of the respective therapy provider. These are usually found on homepages in the "About me/Personal information" section. Don't hesitate to ask about this directly in conversation.

And Who Should I Turn to With My Concerns?

As a first point of contact, it's advisable to turn to your general practitioner. Typically, your general practitioner has been accompanying you for a while and knows your medical history. Together, they can assess what kind of support you need and help you initiate appropriate steps.

Note: Many mental illnesses are accompanied by, influenced by, or possibly caused by physical symptoms. Therefore, it's also important to have physical symptoms clarified by your general practitioner first.