Clinical Mental Health Counseling vs. Clinical Psychology: What's the Difference?

Only a few job roles let you turn empathy into a career. The mental health services field offers opportunities to make a difference in your clients' lives via paths like counselor and psychologist—but what's the difference between the two?

It's easy to confuse clinical mental health counselors with clinical psychologists because professionals in both roles provide in-depth therapy services, often focusing on the roots of clients' mental health concerns. Clinical mental health counseling focuses more on identifying developmental issues and maintaining long-term mental health.¹ Clinical psychology, on the other hand, focuses more on diagnosing, understanding, and treating serious mental health concerns, typically with more immediate goals.²

One of the most significant differences between clinical mental health counseling and clinical psychology is the level of education required for careers in each. Though you need a graduate degree for both career paths, clinical psychology requires a doctorate.

To help you as you research and plan your career, this post explores the key differences and advantages of pursuing a career in clinical mental health counseling vs. clinical psychology.

Overview of Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Clinical mental health counselors are licensed mental health professionals who treat mental, behavioral, and emotional health concerns, focusing on wellness, coping skills, and client-based support.³ To become a clinical mental health counselor, you must hold at least a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or an adjacent field, and complete a state-recognized exam and post-graduate supervised clinical experience.⁴

Specific licensure requirements vary by location. Many states require you to take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Some states may require you to take both exams.^4,5

Overview of Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychologists use research-based practices to diagnose and treat emotional, behavioral, and mental disorders. The practice typically focuses on more severe mental health concerns or specialized needs, and these professionals often intervene in crises.

Effective clinical psychologists can quickly assess and diagnose, develop immediate treatment plans, and implement preventive measures to reduce future risks.^2,6,7 To be a clinical psychologist, you'll need to obtain a doctorate in a relevant field, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), and complete postdoctoral training and exams.^8,9

Training and Educational Pathways

Academic and training programs for the two career paths differ in several ways. Clinical psychology educational paths typically take longer to complete, based on state, program, and field of specialty.

Core requirements for a career in clinical mental health counseling include:

• A relevant master's or doctoral degree, such as a Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which typically takes two to three years to obtain after earning a bachelor's degree³
• About 2,000 to 3,000 hours of supervised post-graduate clinical experience, such as through practicum, internship, or relevant jobs, usually taking two to three years
• A passing score on the NCE, NCMHCE, and/or other state-required licensing exams^4,5
• Completion of an application to your state licensing board to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

Core requirements for a career in clinical psychology include:

• A relevant doctoral degree, with a Psy.D. typically taking four to six years to complete and a Ph.D. taking at least five to eight years
• About 1,500 to 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, usually taking two to three years⁸
• A passing score on the Examination for Professional Practice Psychology (EPPP) and/or other state-required licensing exams⁹
• Completion of a licensed psychologist application to your state licensing board 

Career Review: Roles, Responsibilities, Client Populations, and Work Settings

Both types of mental health professionals leverage evidence-based therapy to help patients and clients with various mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, and addiction and substance abuse, among others.^1,2,3

Explore the key aspects and differences of clinical mental health counseling and clinical psychology careers:

Salary and Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in 2024 was $59,190, with the highest-paid 10% of counselors earning over $98,210. Additionally, mental health counselors working in state, local, and private hospitals earned more, on average, than counselors in other industries.¹¹

Clinical and counseling psychologists earned a median salary of $96,100. The top 10% earned $168,870 in 2024, with offices of other health practitioners serving as the highest-paying employer type.⁷

The difference between these two average salaries underscores the impact of your education level on your earning potential. Pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology can cost more up front, but the return on investment is often highly significant over the course of your career. Alternatively, if you're still considering clinical counseling, pursuing a degree beyond a master's could put you in a higher earning bracket due to your advanced qualifications and proficiencies.

Mental health counselors have a faster-than-average projected job growth rate of 17% between 2024 and 2034, while clinical psychologists have an 11% growth outlook.^3,12 Rising demand in mental and behavioral health fields is driving this growth, along with new openings as previous counselors and psychologists leave the field.^1,3

Which Path is Right for You?

Clinical mental health counseling focuses on long-term client wellness and usually only requires a master's degree, whereas clinical counseling emphasizes assessments and requires a doctorate. Choosing between the two careers requires you to consider many personal factors, such as career goals and the amount of time you want to spend in school.

Exploring top M.S., M.A., Psy.D., and Ph.D. programs can help you make the best choice. At Marquette University, aspiring mental health professionals can leverage advanced training programs, alumni networking opportunities, and one-on-one mentorship from clinically experienced faculty. Our online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, with a flexible format, rigorous curriculum, and practical training, prepares you to advance your clinical counseling career or transition mid-career.

Schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor to learn more.