Hey everyone, I'm beginning to look into therapy options and was curious if there is a difference between psychologist and therapist.  Can either diagnose dysphoria, or does it have to be specifically a gender therapist?  The main reason I'm asking is my work provides 100% coverage for psychologist services, and I do know there is a difference between psychology and psychiatry.

Any answers would be appreciated, thanks for your time

I expect you need to ask your insurer since they are the one requiring it.

In general its worth having a read of the WPATH Standards of Care which is a guideline for medical stuff and therapy/psychs.

http://www.wpath.org/site_page.cfm?pk_association_webpage_menu=1351

A psychologist can make the diagnosis.  Mine did.


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The general difference is in education, credentials, and options...

A psychiatrist is an actual doctor and can prescribe medication.

A psychologist is basically just someone to talk to.

That's the oversimplified version anyways.

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So is the only difference between a Psychologist and therapist a doctorate in psychology?

Anyone can call themselves a therapist. The difference is in experience and education. Psychiatry and psychology are both doctorates I believe, one is medical, the other is not.