What is the difference between a social worker, psychologist and counselor?
If you're passionate about mental health, you'll want to choose a master's program that aligns with your interests and career goals. There are a few academic tracks to explore if you are interested in social work, psychology and counseling. Choosing the right path starts with understanding each of these interrelated careers.
Social workers, psychologists and counselors all provide vital services to people in need:
Social workers identify clients' problems and research community resources that may help. These resources may include psychologists’ and counselors' services.
Psychologists help clients by treating underlying emotional or mental problems. Psychologists also conduct and publish original research. Unlike counselors, psychologists often treat the same clients for long periods, sometimes years.
Licensed professional counselors often specialize in a specific group (e.g., high school students, adults looking for new careers). While psychologists attempt to uncover clients' underlying issues, counselors focus more on coping skills.
Difference in Degrees
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Master of Social Work (MSW) programs typically require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, but the degree does not necessarily need to be in social work or a related field. Individual programs may also establish requirements such as a minimum undergraduate GPA, prerequisite coursework or relevant professional or volunteer experience. Students who already hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program may qualify for advanced standing, which can shorten the time required to earn an MSW.
As you explore programs, consider whether an online, on-campus or hybrid program best fits your needs. Traditional MSW programs commonly require about 60 graduate credits and take approximately two years of full-time study, while advanced-standing programs may be completed in about one year, depending on the school and program structure. CSWE-accredited MSW programs also include supervised field education; master’s students must complete at least 900 field education hours.
When researching schools, confirm that the MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduation from an appropriately accredited social work program is an important educational requirement for social work licensure. Licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction, so prospective students should also review requirements in the state where they intend to practice. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) provides information and links to individual state licensing requirements.
Master's in Psychology
Master’s in psychology programs prepare graduates for research/applied roles and/or further doctoral study; licensure as a psychologist typically requires a doctorate. Master’s programs in psychology don’t always require a psychology major, but commonly require prerequisite psychology coursework (and may expect research experience). As with MSW degrees, you can select from on-campus, hybrid, and fully online programs. Your program may offer one or more specializations in educational psychology, applied psychology and social psychology. The curriculum stresses research theory, lifespan development and a capstone course. Some programs culminate in a thesis or capstone; some include practicum/internship or applied research experiences under faculty/field supervision.
The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits certain master’s and doctoral programs in health service psychology, including programs in clinical, counseling and school psychology. APA accreditation at the master’s level is relatively new and currently applies to a limited number of programs, so students may also encounter many psychology master’s programs that are not APA-accredited. Psychology degree programs are available in a wide range of concentrations and may be offered on campus, online or in hybrid formats.
Master of Arts in Psychology
The online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program from Pepperdine University educates students to work directly with individuals, couples, and families in need of therapeutic services. Students are prepared for licensure in California as licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT) or licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCC).
- Open to all undergrad majors
- No GRE required
- Can be completed in about 18 months
MSW vs. MS in Psychology
Although MSW and Master of Science (MS) in psychology programs share many graduation requirements, they differ in key ways. Many MSW programs take one to two years to complete (if the student has a bachelor’s in social work), while a master’s in psychology takes roughly two to three years. When looking into psychology programs, consider whether you want to pursue a doctorate or prefer a terminal degree/specialization. For example, a master’s in clinical psychology allows you to provide psychotherapy to clients under the supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist. Psychology courses focus solely on the mind: identifying mental problems and proposing solutions. Psychology master's students receive a more in-depth education in research methodology, a prerequisite for careers and doctoral programs.
Sponsored CSWE-Accredited Online Master’s in Social Work Degree Programs
| Institution & Program | Study Length | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| As few as 12 months | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| As few as 9 months | Accelerated, Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| As few as 12 months | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| As few as 24 months | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| 18-36 Months | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Master's in Counseling
Master of Science (MS) in counseling degrees prepare graduates to become licensed professional counselors (LPCs) in their home states. These programs typically require applicants to have a bachelor's in counseling or relevant professional experience. However, some programs offer bridge tracks that include both master's and undergraduate counseling courses. Bridge programs typically take an additional year to complete.
Non-bridge programs take two years and include coursework in counseling theories, assessment, and methods. Throughout the program, students complete multiple supervised practicums that culminate in an internship in a local counseling facility. Students who earn their degrees entirely online work with their programs to select appropriate placements in their home communities.
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is the primary specialized accreditor for graduate counseling programs, including school counseling programs. CACREP accreditation indicates that a program meets established standards for counselor education, including foundational counseling knowledge, supervised professional practice and competencies specific to the program’s area of specialization.
CACREP-accredited school counseling programs include coursework and training in areas such as counseling theories and techniques, human development, multicultural and social justice counseling, assessment, career development and professional ethics. They also address school-specific topics such as comprehensive school counseling programs, P–12 student development, collaboration with families and school personnel, college and career readiness, and mental and behavioral health concerns.
CACREP accreditation can be particularly important when considering licensure or certification requirements. Graduates of CACREP-accredited programs meet the educational requirements for professional counselor licensure in most states, and some states specifically require graduation from a CACREP-accredited program. Requirements for school counselor credentials and professional counselor licensure vary by state, so students should review the requirements in the state where they intend to practice before selecting a program.
Northwestern University • Evanston, IL
Master of Arts in Counseling
Program Type
Master's
Enrollment Type
Accelerated and Full-Time and Part-Time
Delivery Mode
Online
Length of Program
As few as 18 months
Credits
60
Admission Requirements
- Transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Statement of purpose
- Supplemental essay
- Recent photo
Pepperdine University • Malibu, CA
Master of Arts in Psychology
Program Type
Master's
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Delivery Mode
Online
Length of Program
As few as 18 months
Credits
36-48
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
MSW vs. MS in Counseling
Social work and counseling are related fields that focus on improving people's well-being, but their training and approaches differ. Social workers are trained to consider how individuals interact with their families, communities and broader social environments and may connect clients with services and resources in addition to providing direct support. Clinical social workers who meet their state's licensing requirements may also assess, diagnose and treat mental, emotional and behavioral disorders and provide psychotherapy.
Counseling generally places greater emphasis on counseling theories, techniques and therapeutic interventions designed to address clients' mental health, behavioral, relational or developmental concerns. Depending on state law and the counselor's license, licensed professional counselors may also diagnose mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Curricula for the two fields reflect these different professional approaches. Counseling programs typically include coursework in counseling theories and techniques, human development, assessment, ethics and supervised professional practice. Programs may also prepare students for specialized practice areas, such as addiction counseling, clinical mental health counseling or school counseling. Coursework and practicum or internship experiences generally reflect the student's chosen area of specialization.
Difference in Careers
Social Worker Career
For many people in need, a social worker is often their first contact with someone who can help. Social workers connect clients with other trained professionals—such as licensed psychologists and professional counselors—who can address their problems.
Doctors, police officers and other officials often call on social work agencies—private or public—to assess individuals' needs. After interviewing clients, social workers make an action plan that typically includes social services. A social worker may act as a stepping-stone between clients and the resources they need. To help clients succeed with these services, social workers visit clients at home and work regularly.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2025, social workers have a median salary of $61,780 per year and work in many environments.
Child, family, and school social workers work for schools and school districts to identify the root causes of children's behavioral, social, or academic problems. These issues often involve the family, so these social workers must know how to work with children and their parents.
Mental health and substance abuse social workers are experts in identifying signs associated with mental health conditions and drug abuse. They typically work with adolescents and adults.
Hospitals and other health care facilities employ medical social workers to assist patients who need extra help recovering after discharge. For instance, a medical social worker may find an at-home caregiver for a patient. Beyond these three popular professions, other roles may exist in your home community.
Ready to make an impact? Read more on How to Become a Social Worker.
Psychologist Career
Psychologists and licensed professional counselors share overlapping job responsibilities: meeting with clients, identifying mental health issues and prescribing treatment plans. Although psychology graduates can go on to become licensed professional counselors, their education prepares them for other careers as well. They can also work as marriage and family therapists, working with families to solve underlying issues. Others become industrial/organization (I/O) psychologists–highly trained psychologists who study work environments and suggest ways to improve productivity, employee satisfaction and retention.
Like licensed professional counselors, some psychologists work in schools or exclusively with children. They often help children who experience significant trauma such as abuse or the sudden loss of a parent. School counselors, on the other hand, help children cope with more common obstacles that prevent their success in school.
Licensed Professional Counselor Career
Licensed professional counselors (LPCs) generally hold a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field and a license issued by the state or jurisdiction where they practice. Although requirements vary, becoming an LPC typically involves completing an eligible graduate degree, accumulating approximately 2,000–3,000 hours of supervised postgraduate clinical experience and passing a required licensing examination, such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
Licensed counselors must also comply with the laws, regulations and professional standards that govern counseling practice in their jurisdiction. To maintain licensure, counselors generally must renew their licenses periodically and complete continuing education requirements established by their state licensing board. Renewal periods, required hours and mandated topics, such as ethics, vary by state.
LPCs work in many roles. Child and school counselors work with small children and adolescents in school, community, home or office settings. Counselors develop action plans and, through regular meetings, determine if these plans have made a positive effect. Mental health counselors help individuals and groups cope with mental illness, trauma, stress and other factors that impact mental health negatively.
Master of Arts in Psychology
The online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program from Pepperdine University educates students to work directly with individuals, couples, and families in need of therapeutic services. Students are prepared for licensure in California as licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT) or licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCC).
- Open to all undergrad majors
- No GRE required
- Can be completed in about 18 months
Information last updated: September 2026