Who’s Who in Mental Health: Understanding the Roles

Navigating mental health support can feel confusing. Ever wondered whom to approach—counsellor, therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist? Let’s break it down, so you can find the right expert for your unique journey.

Counsellor

A counsellor helps you navigate everyday emotional concerns—like relationships, stress, anxiety, or life transitions. They offer a safe space, listen actively, and use talk-based techniques to support healing. No diagnosis required—just the courage to start a conversation.

Therapist

A therapist works with your emotions, thoughts, and behavior patterns. They may be a counsellor or psychologist trained in therapeutic methods like CBT, REBT, or trauma therapy. While not always clinical, they help you heal, grow, and gain deeper insight.

Career Counsellor

Feeling lost about what to study or pursue? A career counsellor helps you understand your interests, skills, and strengths through tests and dialogue. They support students, graduates, and professionals in making aligned career or academic choices.

Sports Psychologist

A sports psychologist supports athletes in handling mental blocks, performance anxiety, or team pressure. They help sharpen focus, build confidence, and balance emotions—because mental fitness matters as much as physical strength.

Psychologist

A psychologist has a master’s degree in psychology and is trained to understand emotions, thoughts, and behavior. They use assessments and therapy to help with anxiety, trauma, phobias, or burnout—but don’t prescribe medication.

Clinical Psychologist

A clinical psychologist holds an M.Phil or Psy.D. and is trained to assess, diagnose, and treat serious mental health conditions like OCD, depression, bipolar disorder, or trauma. They often work in hospitals or specialized clinics.

Corporate Psychologist

A corporate psychologist focuses on emotional well-being at work. They support organizations with stress management, leadership coaching, and team dynamics to create mentally healthy, productive workplaces.

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MBBS + MD in Psychiatry) who treats mental illness using medication. They work with issues like psychosis, insomnia, panic attacks, and severe mood disorders—often in collaboration with a therapist.

What about a PhD vs MD?

Psychiatrist (MD in Psychiatry)

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats mental health conditions with medication. They handle biological or severe disorders like psychosis, panic, insomnia, or schizophrenia. Often, they collaborate with psychologists and therapists for holistic care.

PhD in Psychology (Doctor of Philosophy)

A PhD holder in psychology is a research-driven expert who can also practice therapy, teach, or consult. While they’re called “doctor,” they are not medical doctors. They bring academic depth, conduct psychological research, and often specialize in therapy or behavioral studies.

The Takeaway

Each mental health professional plays a unique role. Whether you’re seeking clarity, therapy, or medication, SEVEE is here to help you find the right support.

Ready to begin?

Book your safe session today at www.sevee.care