Counseling Psychologist

Psychologists hold a doctoral degree (PhD, PsyD or EdD) and are licensed by a state board. They provide talk therapy and are the only non-physician group generally licensed to administer and interpret psychological testing, such as assessments for ADHD, learning disorders or personality. In most states they cannot prescribe medication.

The formal definition

A psychologist who specializes in general practice and health service. It focuses on how people function both personally and in their relationships at all ages. Counseling psychology addresses the emotional, social, work, school and physical health concerns people may have at different stages in their lives, focusing on typical life stresses and more severe issues with which people may struggle as individuals and as a part of families, groups and organizations. Counseling psychologists help people with physical, emotional and mental health issues improve their sense of well-being, alleviate feelings of distress and resolve crises. They also provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of more severe psychological symptoms.

Source: NUCC Health Care Provider Taxonomy code set. This is the definition used for billing and registration, which is why it reads the way it does.