School Counselor vs. Therapist
What's the Difference?
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An elementary school counselor helps students with academics, friendships, behavior, and short-term emotional support at school, while a therapist provides long-term mental health treatment outside of school and can diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
School Counselor
School Counselor
Works in the school setting
Focuses on students’ academic, social, and emotional development
Provides short-term, solution-focused counseling
Delivers classroom lessons, small groups, and individual check-ins
Supports school-related issues like friendships, behavior, study skills, and coping strategies
Does not diagnose or provide long-term therapy
Refers families to outside professionals if deeper mental health support is needed
Therapist
Therapist
Works outside of the school (private practice, clinic, hospital, etc.)
Focuses on mental health treatment
Provides long-term, individualized counseling
Can diagnose and treat mental health disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma)
Meets with clients regularly over weeks or months
Often involves the family in treatment planning and progress
In short: An elementary school counselor supports students’ growth and well-being at school with short-term help, while a therapist provides ongoing, specialized mental health treatment outside of school.
In short: An elementary school counselor supports students’ growth and well-being at school with short-term help, while a therapist provides ongoing, specialized mental health treatment outside of school.
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