MENTAL HEALTH IS HEALTH.

“Psychotherapy tends to be focused on the past and how it may be influencing the present. Meanwhile, Counseling usually focuses on current problems and identifies solutions. Psychotherapy is generally a longer-term treatment, while Counseling can be more short-term.”

-American Psychiatric Association

The terms “Counseling” and “Psychotherapy” are often used interchangeably. And when referring to one or the other, there may be significant differences between the two—especially when it comes to making a decision best-suited to fit your specific needs. Psychotherapy is typically reserved for those patients who need help with issues from their past, and these issues are the underlying impetus for present behavior. Meanwhile, Counseling tends to be more focused on the present. 

Most Psychotherapists have completed extensive training in psychological intervention. They typically focus on determining the underlying, root causes of chronic emotional issues. And they are often concerned with the patient’s thoughts, perceptions, beliefs, and the reasoning behind their behavior. Therapists may treat patients on a long or short-term basis but are primarily and ultimately concerned with helping patients make significant, lasting changes. A Psychotherapist can guide you to fundamentally alter your perception of the world around you. A Psychotherapist is often skilled in the use of many different modes of therapy. Through their reliance upon the therapeutic relationship, Therapists can achieve an understanding of the patient’s presenting problem and underlying issues to discern which type of treatment would be best utilized. The choice of therapy modality often depends on the diagnosis and the specific needs and desires of the patient. 

Counselors are generally seen in the advisor role. This counseling-advisor may work with a client to help find solutions to specific problems or issues affecting them negatively in the present. This work typically takes place on a short-term basis. Counselors tend to focus on a client’s present behavior and offer the client solutions on how to navigate their current situation. Counselors may give advice and suggestions to deal with grief, career frustrations or changes, relationship issues, and more. VTx THERAPY is equipped to provide services like these through the private-pay model. Kevin D. McCollough, MA, can offer consulting on non-psychiatric issues that are important to you and aren’t billable by insurance, such as learning how to cope with life changes, gaining more effective communication techniques for your relationships, increasing personal insight, and developing healthy new skills. Kevin D. McCollough, MA, may not provide answers directly but may use therapeutic techniques to guide you to uncover answers for yourself. 

A Therapist, or Psychotherapist, can choose to use either Counseling or Psychotherapy techniques to treat their patients. Both Psychotherapy and Counseling are dependent upon a strong, trusting relationship between you and your mental health care professional. “Talk Therapy” is often the mode of choice because it is an intervention proven to help patients work through problems and many mental health concerns. VTx THERAPY is proud to offer both modes of therapeutic intervention. Depending on the patient and their specific needs, mental health care clinician, Kevin D. McCollough, MA, will create an evidence-based treatment plan tailored to help you meet your goals. Book your first appointment today! 

SOURCE: 

BetterHelp Editoral Team. “Which Is Better? The Psychotherapy vs Counseling Debate.” BetterHelp, 18 Mar. 2023.