Is there a difference in a debt consolidation company and debt counseling company?

I was solicited my phone by a company for debt counseling. They are charging me a one time fee of almost $1000, monthly fee of $49 and have told me this will have NO negative effect on my credit score. I contacted another company which charge a monthly fee of $35 but have said the debt consolidation will be recorded on my credit score. The first company has directed me to a FICA web site? They have also informed me there is a government regulation that I will be unable to apply with another debt counseling service for at least five years. Are they deceiving me?