The terms "therapy" and "clinical psychology" are often used interchangeably, but they refer to two distinct yet related areas of mental health care. Understanding the difference between the two is important for those seeking treatment for mental health issues.
Therapy refers to the treatment of mental health and emotional problems through the use of psychological techniques and interventions. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a broad category that encompasses a range of approaches to therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy.
Clinical psychology, on the other hand, is a specialized field within psychology that focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions and behavioral issues. Clinical psychologists are licensed mental health professionals who have completed graduate-level training in psychology and are trained in the use of evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help individuals address their mental health issues and achieve their goals.
While therapy can be provided by a wide range of mental health professionals, such as social workers, counselors, and marriage and family therapists, clinical psychology is a specialty within the field of psychology that requires specialized training and certification. Clinical psychologists are equipped to provide a range of psychological services, including individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and group therapy.