Help... What's the difference between the role of a counselor and a psychologist??

I am thinking that there are some things I need to talk to a professional about regarding a possible missing diagnosis of OCD or something similar. I have a lot of mental symptoms that I do not feel are related to my SA. These require a lot of in depth explanation into my past... I have an appointment with my psychologist on Tuesday to check up on how my meds are doing and my SA. I don't know if I should bring anything up with her, or find a counselor to talk to. So my question is this:

What should you bring up with a psychologist vs a counselor?

It is my understanding that a counselor would work on the more in depth stuff to do with my past and patterns, etc... and that the psychologist is more for balancing meds and diagnosis.

Should I lay it out for my psychologist on Tuesday and chance her telling me to bring it up with a counselor, or find a counselor and explain my issues and chance them telling me to see a psychologist for a diagnosis??

Keep in mind, these are very troubling and emotionally touchy topics for me. I would prefer the path of least resistance in getting them dealt with.

Meggerz88 said:

It is my understanding that a counselor would work on the more in depth stuff to do with my past and patterns, etc... and that the psychologist is more for balancing meds and diagnosis.

Should I lay it out for my psychologist on Tuesday and chance her telling me to bring it up with a counselor, or find a counselor and explain my issues and chance them telling me to see a psychologist for a diagnosis??

Keep in mind, these are very troubling and emotionally touchy topics for me. I would prefer the path of least resistance in getting them dealt with.

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This is more or less the most accurate way to look at things. Psychologists view things as being due to a brain disease, or some other dysfunction. Counselors will look at things more in depth - your family history, current social environment, past behavior patterns, and other coping mechanisms. Counselors cannot make a diagnosis, nor can they prescribe medicine, but they can help you decide if that is something that you would like to do.

If you have very troubling topics with which to deal, counseling is the better way to go. If you want to cure a condition, both psychology and counseling can help you with that. Hope this helps!

i think a counselor listens to you, and a psychologist tries to anylize your brain! i might be wrong though.
they are no use to me anyway, cause ive not got a brain!

Psychologist focus on a medical model, e.g. What is wrong with you? Why has this problem occured? Will I need to refer you to a psychiatrist for medication? They may plan your treatment around available therapies, and medication.

Councellors may adapt the medical model like the above aswell, however they are more likely to focus more on your supportive networks such as friends, family, groups and community services. They may plan your treatment around your strengths and aspirations. A more self-centred, and self-determined plan.

Psychologists normally cant prescribe any meds, that would be a psychiatrist's or an MD's job.

Thanks for the input everyone. I think I will talk to a counselor about things first to see if they send me for another diagnosis. I think it will help to get things sorted out in my mind first.

Endymion said:

None. They're both full of shit and will waste your money and time.

Seek a social worker if real help is what you want.

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id like to think my future career isnt full of shit