A psychologist is a person with a master's degree in psychology who, among other things, diagnoses, conducts consultations, and provides psychological support. A psychotherapist is a specialist who, after several years of postgraduate training in psychotherapy, conducts regularly scheduled treatment in a specific area. A psychologist isn't always a psychotherapist, and a psychotherapist doesn't necessarily need to have a psychology degree. Neither prescribes medication—that's the job of a psychiatrist.
To sum it up
- Education: Psychologist – training in the specialty of «psychology»; psychotherapist – training (for example, in the specialty of «psychology», «medicine», «pedagogy») plus several years of training in the field of psychotherapy.
- Field of activity: A psychologist conducts diagnostics, consults, and provides support in crisis situations; a psychotherapist leads the treatment process, which usually involves multiple meetings.
- Requirements: A psychotherapist works under supervision and usually undergoes his or her own therapy during training.
- Medicines: They are not prescribed by a psychologist or a psychotherapist – this is done by a psychiatrist.
Who is a psychologist?
A psychologist is a graduate of a psychology program. According to the new Law on the Profession of Psychologist and the Professional Self-Governance of Psychologists (Journal of Laws 2026, Item 187), the right to practice the profession will require inclusion in the Register of Psychologists, and the title "psychologist" will be protected. The main provisions of the law are scheduled to come into force in 2028, although some have already entered into force earlier.
In practice, a psychologist deals with, among other things, the following issues:
- psychological diagnostics – for example, tests, assessment of cognitive and emotional functions, expert opinions.
- Consultations help to formulate the problem and determine what form of assistance would be appropriate.
- Psychological support and crisis intervention – in difficult life situations, for example, after the loss of a loved one, a breakup, or during periods of stress.
- Psychoeducation – explains the mechanisms by which problems arise and teaches how to cope with them.
Psychologists work in schools, psychological and educational counseling centers, hospitals, mental health clinics, crisis intervention centers, companies and private clinics, and many other places.
Who is a psychotherapist?
The psychotherapist conducts psychotherapy — a method of treating mental disorders and emotional difficulties based on the therapeutic relationship and regular sessions. It operates within a specific approach, such as cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, systemic, or humanistic therapy.
The profession of psychotherapist in Poland is not regulated by a separate law, but standards are established by scientific societies and the requirements of the National Health Fund (NHF). To provide psychotherapeutic care within the framework of the NHF, a specialist must have a higher education (e.g., a medical degree or a master's degree in psychology, pedagogy, nursing, or social rehabilitation)., at least four years of postgraduate training in psychotherapy , comprising at least 1,200 hours, and a psychotherapist certificate, for example, from the Polish Psychiatric Association or the Polish Psychological Association. Part of the training usually includes full-time psychotherapy training, and work with patients is carried out under observation .
Important: Since psychotherapy is not regulated by a separate law, the term "psychotherapist" can be used even by individuals without the necessary training. Therefore, it's important to inquire about the practitioner's training, certification, and supervision.
Psychologist and psychotherapist - the main differences.
| Characteristic | Psychologist | Psychotherapist |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Psychological research | Education (not only in the field of psychology) + training in the field of psychotherapy. |
| Legal basis | Law on the Profession of Psychologist | A separate law has not been adopted; requirements of the National Health Fund and insurance companies. |
| Main tasks | Diagnostics, consultations, support, crisis intervention | Treatment with psychotherapy |
| Time for cooperation | Often several meetings | Usually many months, sometimes longer. |
| Workflow | Not required | Specific therapeutic direction |
| Supervision and self-therapy | Recommended, but not always required. | Standard of training and practice |
| Prescribing medications | NO | No (unless he is a doctor himself). |
The line is blurred: many psychologists also undergo training in psychotherapy and combine both roles. A psychotherapist, on the other hand, after appropriate training, can also become a psychiatrist or teacher.
What does a visit to a psychologist and a psychotherapy session look like?
Psychological consultation Typically involves one or more sessions. The psychologist will ask about your problems, how long they've been present, and how they impact your daily life. They may also suggest tests or questionnaires. This may lead to support for your current situation, self-help recommendations, or recommendations for further assistance, such as psychotherapy or a psychiatrist.
Psychotherapy It begins with a few consultation sessions, during which the therapist and patient determine the goals, frequency, and terms of their collaboration (known as a contract). Subsequently, sessions are held regularly, usually weekly, and have a set duration. Changes occur gradually, addressing not only symptoms but also their sources and recurring behavior patterns.
Who should I contact: a psychologist, psychotherapist or psychiatrist?
- Psychologist – this is help when you don’t know where to start, are going through a crisis, need a conversation, a diagnosis (for example, for a child) or guidance on further actions.
- Psychotherapist – when the problem persists for a long time or is recurring: chronic anxiety, symptoms of depression, relationship difficulties, consequences of trauma, eating disorders.
- Psychiatrist – For severe symptoms that interfere with daily life, medication or sick leave may be required. Referral to a psychiatrist is not required under the National Health Service.
Often, these types of care complement each other—for example, psychotherapy administered concurrently with psychiatric treatment. If you're thinking about self-harm or feel you can't cope, don't wait to see someone: call 112 or go to a hospital emergency department.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can any psychologist conduct psychotherapy?
A psychology degree alone is not sufficient to work as a psychotherapist. Additional, multi-year training in psychotherapy is required; the National Health Fund (NFZ) requires this training and a psychotherapist certification.
Does a psychotherapist have to be a psychologist?
No. For example, a doctor, teacher, or nurse can become a psychotherapist if they have completed the appropriate training in psychotherapy.
Can a psychologist issue sick leave or prescribe medications?
No. Medications and sick leave certificates are issued by a doctor, including a psychiatrist. Psychologists and psychotherapists may recommend a consultation with a psychiatrist.
How to check the qualifications of a psychotherapist?
Inquire about the therapist's training (where, how long, and in what specialty), certification, and supervision. Certification societies maintain lists of certified psychotherapists.
How long does psychotherapy last?
The duration of therapy depends on the problem and the treatment focus – from a few dozen sessions in a short period to many months or years. The timeframe and goals are agreed upon with the therapist at the beginning of the collaboration.
See also
- What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
- What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
- What is the difference between study and studies?
- What is the difference between heroin and cocaine?
- What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease?