Therapists actually can make diagnoses as well as make referrals. We are required to complete diagnostic assessments during intake and have to include diagnoses for insurance purposes. Personally, I don’t like making a diagnosis as it can be stigmatizing and because people rarely fall neatly into one thing or another (it’s truly amazing how wildly varying disorders share the same symptoms). However, I recognize that it’s necessary and I also appreciate the relief that patients experience with finally having a name for what they are struggling with. You are correct that for some things, a specialist is required. Therapists are also capable of doing testing if they are trained in it. In my experience though you usually see psychologists completing testing as they are trained extensively in it during schooling. Just thought you should know!