The_Difference_Between_a_Licensed_Clinical_Psychologist_and_a_Licensed_Professional_Counselor_&_a_School_Psychologist

Running head: CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST VS. COUNSELOR & SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST The Difference between a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and a Licensed Professional Counselor & a School Psychologist Brandy M Hall Maryland University College Park Licensed Clinical Psychologist vs. Licensed Professional Counselor & School Psychologist A Clinical Psychologist is a mental health professional with a Ph.D. degree or Psy.D. degree in clinical psychology in which, whom has clinical experience in assessment and psychotherapy(Butcher, Hooley, Mineka, 2008 p. G-4). Where as a Licensed Professional Counselor is an individual who has received a license as an LPC, this individual generally needs a master’s degree or a doctoral degree in counseling or any counseling related field from an accredited college or university (Richmond, 2007). The role of a clinical psychologist is to help mentally and emotionally distressed individuals/ clients adjust and cope with life. They also help surgical patients deal with illnesses or injury. Some clinical psychologists help people to deal with personal crises such as losing a loved one or dealing with a chronic illness and divorce. Clinical psychologists often interview patients and give diagnostic tests and provide psychotherapy and implement behavior modification programs (TBL, 2006). The role of a Professional Counselor is to advise people on how to deal with everyday problems. They use various techniques such as interviewing and testing. Their duties vary according to their occupational specialty (TBL, 2006). The APA’s perspective on the issue of Professional Counselors administering psychological testing is that the organization feels that psychologist have more to offer. They receive excellent training in assessment of cognitive and overall psychological functioning. They have strong intervention skills and the ability to promote decision making problem solving. Psychologist can bring an in-depth understanding of psychological factors (APA, 2008). References American Psychological Association (2008). Public Interest. Retrieved March 6th, 2008 from Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards. (2002). 2002 Handbook of Licensing and Certification Requirements for Psychologists in the United States and Canada. Montgomery, AL: Author. Butcher, J.N, Mineka, S., & Hooley, J.M. (2008) Abnormal Psychology: Core Concepts Moldowsky, Stanley (2000). Masters vs. Doctorate Debate. Retrieved March 9th, 2008. From http://www.division 42. Org/membersarea/IPfiles/Wtr_03/Prof_Pract/masters_vs_drs.html Norcross, John. (2000). Clinical versus counseling psychology: What's the diff' Eye on Psi Chi, 5(1), 20-22. Richmond, R (2007). Psychology: Clinical and counseling and licensure. Retrieved March 7th, 2008 from htto://www.guidetopsychology.com/cln_cns.htm The Bureau of Labor (2006). Psychologist. Retrieved March 7th 2008. From http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos056.htm