Terminologies like counsellor, therapist, and psychologist often come up when mental health is mentioned. While three professionals are involved in mental health care, their specific roles, professional training, and approaches differ significantly. Understanding their differences can make the process of finding the right help more efficient and this article breaks down those differences, offering a clear guide to guide proper decision-making.

Importance of understanding the differences between a counsellor, therapist and a psychologist

Mental health care isn’t a general field, but rather a collection of more specialised fields. When facing a tough life transition, ongoing emotional struggles, or a serious mental health condition, being able to choose the right professional can make a big difference.

Who is a counsellor?

Counsellors is a specialist who focuses on short-term support that is practical. You can go to counsellor for everyday challenges like stress, grief, or adjusting to changes like a new job, a breakup or a retrenchment. They mainly use talk therapy and actionable strategies to help clients build coping skills and move forward.

Examples of issues that require counselling include:

• Alcohol and substance abuse counselling
• Marriage counselling
• School and career counselling

In Kenya, you can find counsellors often in schools, community centres, or private practices. They typically hold a diploma or bachelor’s degree in guidance and counselling and may be registered by the Kenya Counsellors and Psychologists Board.

Who is a therapist?

The term “therapist” is quite a general term that can include counsellors, psychologists, and other mental health experts. Therapists often solve much deeper issues than counsellors, tackling issues like anxiety, depression, or trauma. They use techniques like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, or family therapy. Their treatment process can be short-term or long-term, depending on the client’s needs.

In Kenya, therapists come from a variety of professional training backgrounds, with some having diplomas, degrees or certificate counselling, others having advanced degrees in psychology or social work. You’ll mostly find them in private practices, clinics, or hospitals, offering tailored care for a wide range of concerns.

What is a psychologist?

Psychologists are mental health professionals with advanced expertise on the field. With a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology, they’re trained to diagnose and treat complex mental health disorders like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or severe depression. They combine therapy with psychological testing, like personality or IQ tests to get a full picture of a client’s needs.

In Kenya, psychologists are regulated by the Kenya Counsellors and Psychologists Board and often work in clinical settings, hospitals, or private practice.

According to the  Kenyan law

PART III -REGISTRATION OF COUNSBLLORS AND PSYCHOLOGISTS 23. (l) A person shall be eligible for registration under this Act as a counsellor or psychologist if the person- (a) is, in the case of a counsellor, the holder of at least a bachelor’s degree in counselling from a recognised university; (b) is, in the case of a psychologist, the holder of at least a bachelor’s degree in psychology from a recognised university; (c) has passed an examination prescribed by the Board; and (d) satisfies the Board that he or she is a person of good moral character and a fit and proper person to be registered under this Act.

(KENYA GAZETTE STTPPLEMENT, n.d.)

Key differences between a counsellor, therapist and a psychologist

1. Training:

Counsellors: Diploma or bachelor’s degree.

Therapists: Varies—could be a diploma, bachelor’s, or higher.

Psychologists: Master’s or doctoral degree.

• Scope of Practice:

Counsellors: Short-term, practical support for life’s challenges.

Therapists: Broader emotional and psychological issues, short- or long-term.

Psychologists: Diagnosis and treatment of complex mental health conditions.

Factors to consider when choosing the right professional

1. What’s your challenge?

Short-term issue (e.g., job stress)? Try a counsellor.

Ongoing emotional struggle (e.g., anxiety)? A therapist might help.

Possible mental health disorder (e.g., depression symptoms)? See a psychologist.

• What support do you want?

Practical process? Counsellors excel here.

Structured therapy? Therapists have you covered.

Diagnosis or in-depth treatment? Psychologists are your match.

• Budget: Counsellors and therapists may charge less than psychologists.
• Access: In Kenya, counsellors might be more common in rural areas, while psychologists cluster in urban centres like Nairobi.

Conclusion

Counsellors, therapists, and psychologists all play a vital role in mental health care.

Still unsure? Reach out for a chat to understand your options.

References

1. Olivine, A. (2022, April 19). How to Choose Between a Counsellor and a Therapist. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/counselor-vs-therapist-5220991
2. Reyell, B. (2024, July 2). Counsellors vs. Therapists vs. Psychologists: Key Differences. Northeastern University Graduate Programs. https://graduate.northeastern.edu/knowledge-hub/counselor-vs-therapist-vs-psychologist/
3. Psychologist vs Therapist vs Counsellor: What Are the Differences? (2023). Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/therapy/psychologist-vs-therapist-vs-counselor
4. Tobin, J. M. (2023). Counselling, Therapy, and Psychology: What’s the Difference? Psychology.org. https://www.psychology.org/resources/counseling-therapy-psychology-differences/
5. KENYA GAZETTE STTPPLEMENT. (n.d.). Retrieved May 18, 2025, from https://www.kenyalaw.org/kl/fileadmin/pdfdownloads/Acts/Counsellors%20and%20PsychologistsActNo14of2014.pdf

‌