Understanding Your Mental Health Options in Cincinnati: Psychologist vs. Therapist vs. Counselor
When you're ready to seek mental health support, one of the first challenges you'll face isn't just finding the right professional—it's understanding what all those different titles actually mean. Should you see a psychologist? A therapist? A counselor? And what's the real difference anyway?
If you've found yourself googling "therapist vs counselor Cincinnati" or wondering whether you need a psychologist for your anxiety, you're not alone. These titles can be confusing because there's significant overlap in what these professionals do, and in the meanings of some of the titles, but there are also important distinctions that can help you find the right fit for your specific needs.
At Hello Mental Health in Cincinnati's Mt. Auburn neighborhood, (near Hyde Park and Downtown) we've spent a decade helping Greater Cincinnati residents navigate these questions. Let's break down what each of these professionals does, how they differ, and most importantly, how to choose the right mental health support for you.
What Is a Psychologist?
A psychologist in Cincinnati holds a doctoral degree—either a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology) or a PsyD (Doctor of Psychology). This represents the highest level of education in the mental health field, typically requiring five to seven years of graduate study beyond a bachelor's degree. However, the term “therapist” can be used to describe a psychologist or a counselo.
What Makes Psychologists Different
Psychologists receive extensive training in psychological research, human behavior, development, and personality theory. This research-intensive education means psychologists often bring a scientific, evidence-based perspective to their clinical work. They're trained to understand not just what helps people improve, but why certain interventions work based on psychological science.
What Psychologists Can Do
In Ohio, licensed psychologists can:
Diagnose mental health conditions
Conduct psychological testing (including ADHD assessments, which Hello Mental Health specializes in)
Provide psychotherapy
Treat a full range of mental health concerns, from everyday stress to severe mental illness
Develop comprehensive treatment plans
Work with complex cases that may involve multiple diagnoses
At Hello Mental Health, our team of psychologists brings this doctoral-level expertise to treating anxiety, depression, trauma & PTSD, OCD, and providing specialized assessments for ADHD and other conditions affecting Cincinnati residents.
What Is a Therapist?
"Therapist" (in the context of mental health) is actually an umbrella term that can describe several types of licensed mental health professionals who provide psychotherapy. In Cincinnati and throughout Ohio, the term "therapist" can technically include psychologists with doctoral degrees, but can also refer to professionals who hold master's degrees in fields like counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy. In everyday conversation, when someone says they're "seeing a therapist," they could be working with any of these licensed professionals.
Common Types of Mental Health Professionals You'll Find in Cincinnati
Licensed Clinical Psychologists (PhD or PsyD): Psychologists are therapists with doctoral-level training who can provide psychotherapy, conduct psychological testing, and diagnose mental health conditions. Their extensive research training means they bring a scientific, evidence-based approach to treatment and are equipped to handle the full spectrum of mental health concerns, from everyday stress to complex cases.
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW): Social workers focus on mental health within the broader context of a person's environment, relationships, and community resources. They're trained to consider how systemic factors affect mental wellbeing.
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC): Professional counselors provide mental health counseling and psychotherapy, often specializing in specific issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship concerns.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT): These therapists specialize in relationship dynamics and family systems, making them particularly skilled at addressing couples therapy and family counseling needs.
What Is a Counselor?
Here's where things get a bit confusing: in terms of licensing and legal scope of practice, "counselor" and "therapist" are often used interchangeably. A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is a type of therapist.
Typically, a counselor refers to individuals with professional degrees such as an LPC, LCSW, and LMFT. However, this term can also be used to describe individuals with other specific training and certifications such as a substance abuse counselor, a summer camp counselor, or a religious counselor.
In regards to mental health services, the term "counselor" is typically used to describe a professional approach that focuses on:
Shorter-term, goal-oriented support
Present-focused concerns rather than deep exploration of the past
Specific life challenges like career decisions, grief, or life transitions
Solution-focused strategies and skill-building
In practice, many professionals use both terms, and the distinction is less about credentials and more about therapeutic approach.
Key Differences at a Glance
Education Requirements
Psychologists: Doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) - 5-7 years of graduate education, plus 3,600 hours of supervised clinical experience in Ohio (including 1,500-2,000 hours pre-doctoral)
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC/LPCC): Master's degree - 2-3 years of graduate education, plus 3,000 hours of post-degree supervised clinical experience in Ohio
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW): Master's degree in social work (MSW) - 2-3 years of graduate education, plus 3,000 hours of post-degree supervised clinical experience in Ohio
All require: State licensure exams (EPPP for psychologists; NCE and NCMHCE for counselors; ASWB Clinical or Advanced Generalist exam for social workers)
Treatment Focus
Psychologists: Can treat the full spectrum from everyday concerns to severe mental illness; often handle complex cases and conduct psychological testing. Can do long term or short term therapy where results are expected in shorter time frame. Also a great option for those looking for self exploration on a deep level and ongoing support through all of life’s challenges.
LPCs, LCSWs, LMFTs: Goal-focused support for specific life challenges and mental health diagnoses.
What They Can All Do
Despite their differences, psychologists, and counselors in Cincinnati can all:
Provide talk therapy and psychotherapy
Help you work through anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and life stress
Use evidence-based treatment approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other modalities
Create a supportive, non-judgmental space for you to explore your concerns
What They Cannot Do
None of these professionals can prescribe medication in Ohio. If medication is needed as part of your treatment, they'll refer you to a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner who can provide medication management alongside your therapy.
Finding the Right Mental Health Professional in Cincinnati
The most important factor in successful therapy isn't whether your provider has a PhD or a master's degree—it's finding someone who specializes in your specific concerns and with whom you feel comfortable.
Start With Your Primary Concern
For common mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or life transitions, there are many licensed mental health professionals with experience in your area of concern and can likely help. What you may want to consider is how much experience, supervision and education a clinician has had. At Hello Mental Health, each of our psychologists have over a decade of experience each. We've successfully treated thousands of Cincinnati residents dealing with these everyday mental health challenges with great success.
For psychological testing or assessment, you'll need a psychologist. If you're wondering whether you have ADHD, Hello Mental Health offers comprehensive ADHD assessments and these can usually be performed in less than 2 weeks, right here in Cincinnati.
For severe mental illness or complex cases involving multiple diagnoses, a psychologist's doctoral-level training may be particularly beneficial, though many skilled therapists also work effectively with complex presentations.
Consider Practical Factors
When searching for a psychologist or therapist in Cincinnati, also think about:
Insurance: Does the provider accept your insurance? Hello Mental Health we are primarily out of network with insurance. At first, this may not seem like a benefit, but the truth is, being a primarily self-pay practice keeps our waitlist down and our clinicians from being burned out. This allows us to focus on providing the highest level of care to our clients.
Location: Is the office convenient? Hello Mental Health is located in Mt. Auburn at 126 Wellington Place, easily accessible from Hyde Park, Clifton, Mount Adams, Walnut Hills, Corryville, Price Hill, and Downtown Cincinnati.
Availability: Can they see you when you need them? Our clinicians can typically see you in 1 to 2 weeks in most cases. We offer opening between 8am through 5pm Monday through Friday via in-person or telehealth. We are also available to do telehealth for those in Kentucky and Indiana and other Psych participating states.
Specialization: Do they have experience with your specific concern? Hello Mental Health specializes in anxiety and panic attack treatment, depression, trauma & PTSD, (including TBI-related mental health concerns), OCD, life transitions, grief, marriage and couples therapy, and offers ketamine integration sessions for clients using ketamine therapy.
Approach: What therapeutic methods do they use? Evidence-based approaches like CBT, and trauma-informed care are gold standards in the field.
What to Expect: Your First Appointment
Whether you choose a psychologist, or counselor in Cincinnati, your first session will typically follow a similar structure:
The Initial Consultation
Your first appointment is primarily about gathering information and building rapport. Your provider will:
Help you feel comfortable and at ease with the therapy process
Ask about what brought you to therapy
Explore your symptoms, concerns, and goals
Gather background information about your history, relationships, and lifestyle
Answer any questions you have about treatment
Begin to develop a personalized treatment plan
At Hello Mental Health, we believe this first session is crucial for establishing trust and understanding. Our psychologists take time to really listen and create a plan that's tailored to your unique needs and strengths.
Building Your Treatment Plan
After your initial session, you and your psychologist or therapist will collaborate to create a treatment plan that:
Addresses your specific goals
Uses evidence-based techniques proven effective for your concerns
Fits your schedule and lifestyle
Adapts as you make progress
The Hello Mental Health Difference in Cincinnati
For ten years, Hello Mental Health has been Greater Cincinnati's trusted provider of high-quality, compassionate mental health care. Our team of psychologists brings doctoral-level expertise combined with a genuine commitment to making every client feel supported, understood, and empowered.
Our Specialized Services Include:
Anxiety and Panic Treatment: Evidence-based approaches for generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, and anxiety related to work or relationships
Depression Treatment: Comprehensive care for various forms of depression, from mild to severe
Trauma and PTSD Treatment: Specialized trauma-informed therapy, including support for those with traumatic brain injury (TBI)
OCD Therapy: Expert treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder using proven interventions
ADHD Assessment and Therapy: Comprehensive diagnostic evaluations to determine if ADHD is affecting your life
Ketamine Integration Sessions: Support for clients using ketamine-assisted therapy
Our Commitment to Cincinnati
As we celebrate a decade serving the Greater Cincinnati community, we remain dedicated to providing inclusive, trauma-informed mental health care. Whether you live in Mt. Auburn, Hyde Park, Corryville, Price Hill, Over-the-Rhine, Clifton, Mount Adams, Walnut Hills, Oakley, or anywhere in the Cincinnati area, quality mental health support is within reach.
Making the Decision
The labels—psychologist, therapist, counselor—matter less than finding a skilled, licensed professional who:
Specializes in your area of concern
Uses evidence-based treatment approaches
Makes you feel heard and understood
Has availability that works for your schedule
At the end of the day, the best mental health professional for you is the one with whom you feel comfortable, who has experience treating your specific concerns, and who creates a therapeutic relationship that helps you grow and heal.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're searching for a psychologist or therapist in Cincinnati, Hello Mental Health is here to help. Our team of experienced psychologists provides evidence-based treatment for anxiety, panic attacks, depression, trauma, PTSD, OCD, and more. We offer comprehensive ADHD assessments with no wait times.
Located in Cincinnati's Mt. Auburn neighborhood, we're easily accessible from throughout the Greater Cincinnati area. Don't let confusion about professional titles keep you from getting the support you deserve. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, navigating a life transition, recovering from trauma, or simply want to improve your mental wellbeing, we're here to help you take that first step.
Contact Hello Mental Health today:
Phone: (513) 717-5566 (new inquiries) | (513) 444-2018 (existing clients)
Location: 126 Wellington Place, Cincinnati, OH 45219
Schedule: Book your first appointment online
Your mental health matters. Let's work together to help you feel better.
