What is the difference between a psychologist and a therapist?

A psychologist and a therapist both work to improve mental health practices, but from different angles. The APA defines a psychologist as a social scientist who is professionally trained in psychology, while a therapist is an individual trained in one or more types of therapy to treat mental or physical disorders. To become a psychologist, students complete an undergraduate degree, earn a master‘s degree, and obtain a doctoral degree. Therapists have different paths to licensure, including licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed certified alcohol and drug abuse counselors, and licensed clinical social workers.