Doctors vs. Therapists

What is the difference between a doctor and a therapist?

At times I have been called Dr. Clayton. While this is quite flattering, I am not a doctor. The difference is that a doctor has received a doctorate level of education (usually adding up to 8+ years of class time). I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I am at the master’s degree level of education as are all fully licensed therapists. It can be a bit confusing because there are several different kinds of therapists. There is also the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). The easy rule of thumb here is Utah is that if the credentials begin with an “L” they are a fully licensed clinician at the master’s level.
While I’m on the subject, I thought I would further clarify the difference between a medical doctor, a psychologist and a psychiatrist. A medical doctor has a doctorate in medicine. A psychologist has a doctorate in psychology. Now, a psychiatrist has TWO doctorates! Can you imagine all the school they have gone through?? Yes, TWO doctorates! One in psychology and a second doctorate in medicine. If you have any questions on the issue of licensure and how it works, please post your question that others may benefit as well.
~Frank Clayton, LPC

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