By Lisa Bell
Choosing your therapist is probably the hardest part of therapy. Finding a right fit can be hard, but often knowing where to start is even worse. It does not help that in the times when we are struggling the most, there are so many options. Have you ever felt so overwhelmed making dinner that you skip it completely or eat a handful of potato chips and call it a day? Finding a mental health professional can be daunting. Therapy can be provided by a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a registered nurse, a social worker, counsellor or a psychotherapist. Some people also chose to seek a life coach during difficult times in their lives…. so how do you know who and what is right for you?
In Ontario, Canada……
Diagnosis: Physician, Psychologist or Psychiatrist
Medication: Physician or Psychiatrists
In depth assessments: Psychologists
Treatment: Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Registered Nurse (in some cases), Social Worker, Psychotherapist
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental illness. If you are seeking an assessment, diagnosis or prescription for an individual over the age of 18 years old you should consult a psychiatrist. If you reside in Ontario, you will likely need a referral to seek treatment with a psychiatrist, however treatment fees are covered under OHIP.
A psychologist is someone who has obtained a PhD in psychology and who is qualified to provide assessments, diagnoses and use psychotherapy to treat mental illness. Psychologists in Ontario are not able to prescribe medication. A referral is not necessary to consult a psychologist. Fees may be paid privately or may be eligible for insurance coverage, depending on provider plans.
In Ontario, a Registered Nurse who has taken additional training is permitted to provide psychotherapy. To verify the status and qualifications of a Certified Nurse Psychotherapist, you can contact the Canadian Nurse Psychotherapy Association. Certified Nurse Psychotherapists may be eligible for insurance coverage. Clients who do not have extended health care coverage can submit therapy receipts as a tax credit.
Registered social workers have specialized university education and are required to engage in ongoing professional learning and skills development to meet the standards set by their regulatory body, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. In Ontario, only individuals registered with the College are legally permitted to use the protected titles: “social worker,” “social service worker,” “registered social worker,” and/or “registered social service worker.” Social workers are trained to assess, diagnose, treat, and evaluate individual, interpersonal, and societal challenges using their professional knowledge, skills, and evidence-based interventions. Their goal is to support individuals in overcoming life’s challenges and improving overall well-being.
Counsellors provide emotional support and guidance to individuals facing personal, social, or psychological challenges. They create a safe, confidential space where clients can talk openly about their feelings and experiences. Using various therapeutic techniques, counsellors help people explore their thoughts and emotions, develop coping strategies, improve relationships, and work through difficult situations such as stress, anxiety, grief, or trauma. Their goal is to promote mental well-being and empower clients to make positive changes in their lives. Unlike life coaches, counsellors often address deeper emotional or mental health concerns and may work within regulated frameworks depending on their qualifications.
Life coaches help people set and achieve personal or professional goals, offering support, accountability, and strategies for improvement. They are not therapists or licensed mental health professionals (unless separately credentialed), but they can be helpful in areas like setting goals, accountability, motivation and problem-solving. Life coaches do not provide therapy and do not treat mental health conditions. The life coaching industry is largely unregulated, meaning anyone can call themselves a life coach. However, many pursue certifications from organizations like the International Coaching Federation (ICF) to build credibility.
Psychotherapists are individuals who have obtained a bachelor’s degree in the subject of their choice and then completed a master’s level degree in psychology. Psychotherapy became a regulated profession in Ontario in December 2019; this means that only individuals with the necessary qualifications and/or registration with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) can legally use the term psychotherapist in their credentials and when advertising their services. Additionally, there are minimum educational requirements, continuing education requirements, assessments, experience and supervision requirements and adherence to a code of ethics that an individual must comply with in order to be in good standing with the college. Psychotherapists cannot diagnose, provide assessments or prescribe medication, what we can do is utilize talk-based therapy to initiate positive change in the client’s thinking, feeling, behaviour and social functioning.
If you are still feeling a little stuck making a choice about which provider is the best option for you, our team offers free 20-minute consultations to answer any questions that you might have about psychotherapist and to see if your preferred therapist is the right fit for you. Free consultations can be made on our website.
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