For the most part, there is no difference; the terms can be used synonymously.
At my practice, Garden City Center, LLC, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), while my co-founder is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Technically, I am a therapist and she is a counselor. The work we do is very similar - we both focus on psychotherapy techniques and are licensed by our respective state boards. Additionally, social workers have neither term in their title, but offer psychotherapy.
Two differences would be licensing and approach.
Licensing
Each state offers a variety of licenses with a variety of boards that govern each. The training and requirements for each are unique to that license; however, many requirements overlap. Read more: What are the differences between the licenses and titles, like LICSW, LPC, or LMFT?
Approach
“Counselor” is sometimes used as a term for someone who gives counsel and will offer their opinions and advice. “Therapist” is sometimes used as a term for someone who will offer their expertise on psychotherapy, but sees the client as someone who is also an expert on their lives.
Pastoral Counseling, Lay Counseling, or Pastoral Care
Sometimes Christian entities (i.e.; churches, non-profits, or schools) may have Pastoral Counselors, Lay Counselors, or Christian Counselors as part of their ministry. These people may not have a formal degree or be licensed by a state.
Pastoral Counselors require a masters or doctoral degree plus ordination to obtain their title; however, they are not required to be licensed by a state board. Some are. Check with each individual Pastoral Counselor to see what their unique credentials are.
Christian Counselors or Lay Counselors may not have any higher education or ordination. These terms are used among Christian circles and mean a variety of things, based on each unique circle. Check with each individual to see what their unique credentials are.
I recommend checking on the credentials of anyone offering counseling through a Christian organization so that you can know what to expect from their training, expertise, and approach.
Overall, those with a license will have that in their title:
Licensed Not Licensed
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists Pastoral Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselors Lay Counselor
Licensed Social Workers Pastor
Licensed Psychologists Christian Counselor
In general, I use the terms therapist and counselor interchangeably when I refer to someone with a license.
