As a psychologist, I often encounter questions about the differences between life coaches and mental health therapists, including psychologists.

While both professionals aim to help individuals lead fulfilling lives, their roles, training, and approaches are distinct.

Understanding these differences is essential for choosing the right support for youth. Their roles, training, and approaches are distinct.

Understanding these differences is essential for choosing the right support for your needs.

Welcome back to Savvy Psychologist.

I'm your host, Dr. Monica Johnson.

Every week on this show, I'll help you face life challenges with evidence-based approaches,

a sympathetic ear, and zero judgment.

Let's first look at the training and credentials. We'll start with mental health therapists and psychologists. Therapists, including psychologists, undergo extensive education and training.

Psychologists typically hold a doctoral degree, which is a PhD or

P.HD. and complete supervised clinical training, licensure exams, and continuing education.

We literally have thousands of hours of training and supervision with patients prior to completing

our graduate programs. Once our graduate programs are complete, we typically

complete at least another 2,000 hours of supervised work experience in the form of a postdoc

prior to being independently licensed. Therapists such as licensed clinical social workers,

licensed professional counselors, or licensed

marriage and family therapists also have graduate degrees and state licensure.

They typically have about 900 hours of training and supervision prior to completing their

graduate programs.

There is more supervised experience that is given after the graduate program is complete,

and the amount is dictated by the license type and state.

Next, we'll look at life coaches.

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