Therapist vs. Counselor: Which Is Better? (And What Actually Matters)
- Dr. Bernadette P. Smith
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The short answer:
A therapist and a counselor are basically the same thing. The terms are used interchangeably.
What matters most is not the title; it’s whether the person is licensed.
If you’re searching for mental health support in Texas, here’s what you actually need to know.
Therapist vs. Counselor: Are They the Same?
In everyday language, yes, therapist vs counselor are the same.
People use the following terms interchangeably:
Therapist
Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Mental Health Therapist
Psychotherapist
In most cases, all of these professionals:
Provide talk therapy
Help with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationships
Use evidence-based approaches
Work with individuals, couples, or families
The difference is actually just semantic, not functional.
What Actually Matters: Licensure
If you remember one thing from this article, let it be this:
Make sure the person is licensed in your state.
Why this matters:
Licensure ensures your therapist has completed graduate-level clinical training, extensive supervised experience, and passed a state board examination. Mental health professionals are legally restricted to practicing only in the states where they are licensed. In addition, most insurance plans require that you receive services from a licensed provider in the state where you reside in order for coverage to apply.
Different states may use slightly different titles for licensed mental health providers. For example, some states use “LCPC” instead of “LPC,” or “LMHC” (Licensed Mental Health Counselor). However, in Texas, licensed professionals providing psychotherapy are referred to by the titles listed below and are regulated by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council.
In Texas, licensed mental health professionals may include:
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-Associate)
Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Licensed Psychologist
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Licensure means the professional has:
Completed a graduate degree
Completed supervised clinical hours
Passed a state licensing exam
Agreed to ethical and legal standards
Is regulated by a state board
That’s what protects you — not the word “therapist” or “counselor.”
Why the Confusion Exists
“Counselor” was historically used in schools and community agencies.
“Therapist” became more common in private practice.
Media tends to use “therapist.”
Insurance directories list providers under both terms.
Today, the public uses both words interchangeably, and so do many professionals.
Which Is Better — Therapist or Counselor?
They are the same, so a better question is:
Are they licensed?
Do they specialize in what I need?
Do I feel safe and understood?
Do they have experience working with people like me?
Research consistently shows that the therapeutic relationship predicts positive outcomes more than the title does.
When the Title Might Matter
If You Need Medication
Therapists and counselors do not prescribe medication. You would need:
A psychiatrist
A psychiatric nurse practitioner
If You Need Psychological Testing
Licensed psychologists are typically trained in formal psychological testing and assessment.
If You’re Using Insurance
Insurance panels may list providers under different titles as licensure determines eligibility.
How to Choose the Right Therapist or Counselor in Texas
Instead of focusing on the title, look for:
Licensing Credentials
Verify their license through the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council website.
Specialization
Look for experience with:
Trauma
Anxiety
Depression
Couples therapy
Cultural identity
Faith integration
Black mental health
Cultural Competence
If you are seeking culturally responsive therapy, make sure the clinician understands your lived experience.
Fit
Schedule a consultation and ask:
How do you approach therapy?
What does progress look like?
How do you measure growth?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a therapist higher than a counselor?
No. The titles are interchangeable.
Is a counselor less trained than a therapist?
No. The titles are interchangeable. Licensed Professional Counselors complete graduate training and supervised clinical hours.
Can a therapist diagnose?
Yes. If licensed, they can diagnose mental health conditions.
What should I look for in Texas?
Look for an LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or Psychologist who is licensed in Texas and in good standing.
The Bottom Line
The real question is not:
“Which is better — a therapist or a counselor?”
The real question is:
“Is this person licensed, trained, and a good fit for me?”
Titles don’t heal people. Licensed, ethical, attuned professionals do.
About Aspen Counseling & Wellness
At Aspen Counseling & Wellness, our licensed therapists provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed care for individuals, couples, and families across Texas.
If you’re ready to begin therapy, schedule a consultation and let’s determine whether we’re the right fit for you.
If you're seeking licensed, culturally responsive therapy in Texas, learn more about our counselors and their areas of expertise here: Learn More
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