Clinical counseling centers around the practical resolution of mental difficulties relating to self-perception and relationships for clients. This discipline of psychology is closely associated with social work, especially where counseling psychologists may advocate for reforms that impact the environment of students, employees and others. This discipline takes on a different focus from clinical psychology for its focus on the overall well-being of clients in crisis intervention, clinical settings and other environments rather than the treatment of specific mental health issues.2
Both clinical psychologists and mental health counselors require earning an advanced degree and licensure in order to practice. In many cases, earning a degree in one area does not exclude the psychologist from practicing in the other because of the amount of overlap between the two fields. However, those who want to pursue specialized roles in education and practice should have a sharp understanding of what they might like to pursue.