What are Psychologists and What Do They Do?

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a therapist and a psychologist? And what do all those letters behind their names mean? Sometimes it seems more like the alphabet profession than the mental health profession. While there are a few notable differences between therapists and psychologists, in many respects, the terms are interchangeable. At Simi Psychological Group, for example, our psychologists and therapists near Moorpark, CA have one central thing in common: we are all here to help you.

Our mission at Simi Psychological Group is to reach the true root of your struggles so you can create real lasting change in you and your family’s lives. We know you have full control to live the life you want and deserve, which will then ripple into our community and the world.

Yet those key differences between therapists and psychologists are important, so if you’re curious, read on! And while we’re at it, we’ll explain all those letters behind their names as well.

While both are trained mental health professionals, psychologists earn a doctoral degree, such as a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy with a major in Psychology) or a Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology). In contrast to the Master’s degree that a therapist earns, a doctoral degree is more research-focused. Clinical psychologists often have an area of special focus and training, and their advanced education enables them to apply their expertise in a variety of ways, including schools, community settings, hospitals, colleges, and research settings.

Psychological testing is another key difference, and something psychologists do quite a lot of. Neuropsychological Assessments are a combination of different tests and evaluations that can help determine any underlying issues that might keep a child from advancing.

Performed by our psychologists, these tests provide the necessary information to map out a course of action that fits your unique situation and will best address underlying concerns interfering with your child’s growth.

Our dedicated psychologists in Moorpark offer psychological testing, assessments, and evaluations to help you gain insight into the root causes of your child’s behavioral, relational, and learning struggles. These might include testing for dyslexia, autism, and ADHD, as well as gifted testing.

For a full explanation of the neuropsychological testing services offered at Simi Psychological Group click here.

Psychologists are well-trained in all mental health issues and are adept at understanding human emotions and behavior. They are well-versed in theories of human development, cognitive processes, behavior, and emotions. Applying this knowledge, they are able to diagnose mental health disorders and help provide a treatment plan that reduces symptoms and allows individuals to live their best lives.

In addition to our licensed psychologists, Simi Psychological Group is home to many gifted marriage and family therapists, often called LMFT’s or AMFT’s, licensed marriage and family therapists and associate marriage and family therapists.

Both our therapists and our psychologists in Moorpark provide thoughtful and compassionate therapy services, including individual, group, marital counseling, and Christian counseling. Our services are available for children, adolescents, adults, and couples. We treat anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship concerns.

It’s no secret that life is hard! Sometimes it gets the best of all of us and we feel isolated and alone. Thoughts like, “What’s wrong with me?” or “Am I the only one that feels this way?” are so common when we are struggling. It’s easy to get caught in a cycle of negative thoughts and self-doubt, which inevitably leads to feeling even worse.

Group therapy is one treatment modality offered by our therapists and psychologists in Moorpark. In group therapy, you’re able to connect with others who are struggling with the same or similar issues. Currently, we’re offering a men’s support group, a women’s anxiety group, a group for middle schoolers to help them build social skills, an interpersonal process group, and a parenting a teen with autism group. For more details on these professionally-led therapy groups, click here.

If you’re a parent, one primary source of concern is your kids. When your kids are hurting, you’re hurting.

At Simi Psychological, we have a team of experts in the field of child, adolescent, and family therapy. We make it our mission to empower your child and your family.

Therapy for children is intended for both the child and their parents to develop the tools and skills necessary to set up their environments for success. Through the use of Cognitive Behavioral techniques, coping skills, and emotional self-regulation, your child’s therapist will help the entire family address the needs of their own unique situation, move forward with support, and work together as a team to reach therapeutic goals.

If it’s your teen you’re worried about, our experienced Moorpark psychologists and therapists are available to support them as they navigate the chaos of adolescence. Teens today are facing more pressure than ever, and anxiety and depression in teens are on the rise. We offer teen therapy, therapy for anxiety, and therapy to treat depression and trauma.

If you’re looking for a therapist near Moorpark, CA, look no further! Whether through online therapy or in person, our therapists and psychologists are here to support you and your family through any mental health issues you might be facing.

Comprised of both licensed psychologists (Ph.D.’s and Psy.D.’s) and marriage and family therapists (LMFT’s and AMFT’s), Simi Psychological Group is Moorpark’s leading team of mental health professionals.  Contact us today by calling (805) 842-1994.