difference between counseling psychology and clinical psychology

Although these two specialties often overlap, clinical psychology provides assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of more severe psychological symptoms meanwhile a counseling psychologist has a stronger focus on healthy individuals, who have fewer pathological mental problems.

While some clinical psychologists choose to specialize in treating people with specific psychological disorders, such as anxiety, schizophrenia or depression, those who study counseling psychology tend to work in centers who promote wellness and academic success.

Another difference is their theoretical orientation. Clinical students preferred psychodynamic research, whereas counseling students veer towards cognitive behavior.

Finally, counseling psychologists are more often employed within a university, delivering counseling services. A clinical psychologist, on the other hand, more often works in hospitals. But we tend to see clinical and counseling psychologists working in the same settings as well.