Behavioral therapist and behavioral health counselor are related but not exactly the same:
Behavioral Therapist
A behavioral therapist typically provides structured, goal-oriented therapy focused on changing specific behaviors. This often includes approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or applied behavior analysis (ABA). These professionals commonly work with individuals who have mental health disorders, developmental disabilities, or behavioral challenges. Most behavioral therapists hold at least a Master’s Degree in Psychology, Counseling, Behavior Analysis, or a related field, and may also be licensed depending on the state and setting in which they work.
In Practice
A behavioral therapist might use ABA to support children with autism or apply CBT to help adults manage anxiety or phobias. For instance, a therapist may assist a client in overcoming a fear of flying by breaking the fear into small, manageable steps and teaching coping strategies. The focus is often on measurable behavior change within a defined treatment plan.
Behavioral Health Counselor
A behavioral health counselor is a broader term that refers to professionals who address a wide range of emotional, psychological, and behavioral concerns. This role often includes work in mental health and substance use treatment and may integrate aspects of physical health as part of a whole-person approach. These counselors typically hold a Master’s Degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related behavioral health field, and are usually required to obtain licensure (such as LPC, LCSW, or LMHC) to practice. This role reflects the overall field of behavioral health, which integrates mental health, substance abuse, and sometimes physical health components.
In Practice
A behavioral health counselor might help a teenager manage anxiety, support someone recovering from substance use, or assist individuals dealing with trauma or relationship issues. These counselors take into account a client’s overall life context—including social, psychological, and behavioral factors—to guide personalized care.
Related Careers
Veterinary Oncologist
Veterinary oncologists are specialized veterinarians dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer in animals.
Exotic Animal Veterinarian
Exotic animal veterinarians are vets who specialize in the medical care and treatment of exotic animals.
Veterinary Behaviorist
Veterinary behaviorists are specialized veterinarians with expertise in diagnosing and treating behavior problems in animals.
Small Animal Veterinarian
Small animal veterinarians specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses and injuries afflicting small animals, typically companion animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small pets.
Public Health Veterinarian
Public health veterinarians are specialized veterinarians who work at the intersection of veterinary medicine and public health.
Large Animal Veterinarian
Large animal veterinarians are specialized veterinarians dedicated to the health and welfare of large animals, primarily focusing on livestock and equine species, including cows, horses, pigs, and sheep.
Veterinary Dermatologist
Veterinary dermatologists are specialized veterinarians with advanced training and expertise in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, nail, ear, and other related conditions in animals.
Wildlife Veterinarian
Wildlife veterinarians are specialized veterinary professionals dedicated to the health and medical care of wild animals.
Veterinary Cardiologist
Veterinary cardiologists are highly specialized veterinarians with expertise in diagnosing and treating heart and circulatory system disorders in animals, primarily focusing on companion animals such as dogs and cats.
Veterinary Anesthesiologist
Veterinary anesthesiologists are highly trained and specialized veterinarians who focus on administering anesthesia and managing pain in animals undergoing surgical or medical procedures.
Veterinary Pathologist
A veterinary pathologist is a type of veterinarian who specializes in studying diseases in animals.
Veterinary Surgeon
Routine surgeries, including spays and neuters, are standard procedures in veterinary care.
Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarian
Emergency and critical care veterinarians are specialized veterinarians whose professional focus is the immediate and urgent assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of animals facing critical illnesses or injuries.
Veterinary Neurologist
Veterinary neurologists are specialized veterinarians with advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the nervous system of animals, ranging from small animals like dogs and cats to larger ones like horses.
Theriogenologist
A theriogenologist is a veterinarian who specializes in theriogenology, which is the branch of veterinary medicine that focuses on the reproductive health of animals across various species.
Equine Veterinarian
Equine veterinarians are specialized veterinary professionals dedicated to the health and medical care of horses.
Veterinary Dentist
Veterinary dentists are highly trained and specialized veterinarians dedicated to the oral health and dental care of animals.
Veterinary Ophthalmologist
Veterinary ophthalmologists are highly trained veterinarians specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions and diseases in animals, from common pets like dogs and cats to horses, birds, and exotic species.
Avian Veterinarian
Avian veterinarians are veterinary medicine specialists whose professional focus is the health and wellbeing of birds.
Veterinary Acupuncturist
A veterinary acupuncturist is a licensed veterinarian who uses acupuncture to treat animals.
Veterinary Technologist
A veterinary technologist plays an important role in the field of veterinary medicine, supporting veterinarians in diagnosing and treating animals.
Veterinarian
A veterinarian focuses on keeping animals healthy and treating them when they are sick or injured.
