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Psychotherapy vs. Counseling

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Psychotherapy vs. counseling illustrates the differences between these two therapeutic modalities. Both can provide people with mental or behavioral health support, but there are some key differences between them. Many patients can benefit from either psychotherapy or counseling. At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we offer both types of therapeutic options. We individualize treatment to ensure clients get the support they need to achieve their recovery goals. 

Resurgence Behavioral Health is a renowned treatment center that offers comprehensive behavioral and mental health care. We feature inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, medical detox, aftercare, and more. Our licensed clinicians can also prescribe medication-assisted treatment and provide dual diagnosis treatment for clients who have a substance use disorder and a mental illness. Clients may benefit from psychotherapy and counseling, depending on their condition. Since Resurgence Behavioral Health features both, clients can get the help they need. 

At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we feature a luxurious setting that’s conducive to the healing process. Our treatment center is known for its comfortable furnishings and amenity-filled spaces. We want clients to feel safe and welcome during their stay or visit. We blend various types of treatments to support whole-person health and recovery. Our treatment modalities include medically traditional therapies, alternative treatments, and holistic therapies to help clients build a strong recovery foundation. Whether you need psychotherapy or counseling, you’ll find the support you need at Resurgence Behavioral Health.

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Defining Psychotherapy and Counseling

When thinking about psychotherapy vs. counseling, both are ‘talk’ therapy, but some differences exist. Psychotherapy involves discussing deep-seated issues often rooted in the individual’s childhood. Problems tend to be complex and require long-term therapy. Counseling tends to deal with more short-term issues that may be serious but are more temporary in nature. Counseling targets a specific situation or event, while psychotherapy involves uncovering issues that may be buried more deeply in the individual. At Resurgence Behavioral Health, clients may use these terms interchangeably, but they mean different things. Both types of treatment can be tremendously helpful depending on the person’s needs. 

Key Philosophical Differences

There are differences in philosophy associated with psychotherapy vs. counseling. For one, counseling focuses on a temporary or shorter-term issue, while psychotherapy targets recurrent problems or issues. Coping with grief, though difficult and powerful, is often temporary. However, substance abuse is a chronic condition that tends to require long-term management, including psychotherapy. Psychotherapy may continue for years or even indefinitely. Counseling often lasts for weeks or months. Often, psychotherapy focuses on a person’s emotions and beliefs. On the other hand, counseling often targets a person’s behaviors. 

Types of Issues Addressed

Counseling and psychotherapy frequently overlap, but some issues may be better suited for certain therapies. For instance, someone suffering from grief or struggling with job stress might benefit from counseling. A person who has a substance use disorder or a mental health disorder like anxiety can benefit from psychotherapy. When you visit Resurgence Behavioral Health, our clinicians carefully assess each person’s unique needs to recommend the ideal course of treatment. We can help you determine if psychotherapy or counseling is ideal for you.

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Duration and Depth of Treatment

The depth and duration of treatment varies from one person to another. Both treatments aim to help clients improve their well-being and manage it effectively, especially in cases involving a diagnosed condition. Because counseling targets a specific problem, it generally lasts until the issue is resolved. Psychotherapy is a more extensive type of therapy that involves more time. It takes time for clients to identify unhealthy thought patterns or coping methods and then to change them. Psychotherapy, in different forms, can help clients manage their condition effectively, but time and practice are often key elements of this process. 

Techniques Used in Psychotherapy vs. Counseling

Talk is the core technique involved in both psychotherapy vs. counseling. Both therapies involve licensed clinicians or counselors who have undergone training to help clients. Both therapies are designed to be confidential and supportive. However, how counselors or therapists address issues depends on the issue and the person in question. Therapists rely on multiple techniques to help clients recognize unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, they can develop strategies for changing them or coping with them in healthier ways. In some cases, counselors challenge unhealthy thoughts or ideas that clients hold to help them recognize how the negativity manifests in their lives as unhealthy behaviors. 

Qualifications of Psychotherapists vs. Counselors

Psychotherapists and counselors must be licensed or certified to work at an accredited treatment center. Psychiatrists and psychologists are professionals who have degrees. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor and can prescribe medication. Psychologists, therapists, and counselors can only prescribe medicines if they hold a medical license that allows them to. A counselor may have a degree or certification. Typically, only a psychiatrist or psychologist provides psychotherapy. Counselors offer various types of counseling. Some specialize in marriage or relationship counseling, for instance.

Addiction Treatment that
Just Works

Individualized treatment programs delivered in a comfortable, relaxed setting promote healing in your recovery journey.

Choosing Between Psychotherapy and Counseling

If you are unsure about whether you need psychotherapy or counseling, you can rely on Resurgence Behavioral Health to help you. We evaluate the needs of each client to recommend the ideal plan for them. Sometimes, clients take part in both types of therapeutic modalities. For instance, a person might have weekly psychotherapy sessions, peer group counseling, family counseling, or a different kind of counseling, depending on their needs. Resurgence Behavioral Health features both therapeutic approaches, so we can provide you access to the various types of treatment you may need. After carefully evaluating your condition, we can begin treatment right away. 

How to Find the Right Type of Therapy for You

Finding the right therapy can be challenging if you are new to the process of psychotherapy and counseling. Resurgence Behavioral Health specializes in behavioral and mental health treatment, so we can help you choose the ideal treatment plan and treatments for you. Our treatment center features a wide range of therapies offered in California rehabs. We customize treatment plans for each client in our care. We can pair you with the treatments best suited to your condition and recovery goals. In addition to psychotherapy and counseling, we also offer various alternative and holistic treatments that enhance the recovery process for many of our clients. 

Contact Resurgence Behavioral Health for Expert Guidance and Mental Health Treatment

Resurgence Behavioral Health is a regional leader in behavioral and mental health treatment. We can discuss our different treatment programs and therapeutic options when you contact us. When you visit, you’ll find a safe and welcoming treatment center staffed by caring professionals known for their empathy and expertise. Our center offers comfortable furnishings and amenities that are conducive to healing. Call Resurgence Behavioral Health right away at 855-458-0050 to learn more about our enrollment process. We accept many forms of medical insurance and can discuss alternative payment plans, too. If you are experiencing a behavioral or mental health problem, the time to contact Resurgence Behavioral Health is today. Let our experienced clinicians partner with you to improve your life and health.

Josh Chandler
Josh Chandler
After growing up in Chicago and North Carolina, Josh chose to get help with substance use disorder and mental health in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than five years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for four years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. Josh remains passionate about the field because he understands that one phone call can alter the course of a person's life.


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