Understanding the differences between different mental health professionals can be confusing because of the many of titles that may appear to mean the same thing. It's normal to feel confused when faced with multiple names that seem interchangeable!
Clients often just want to ensure they are seeing the right professional to maximize their benefits. Nobody wants to be denied coverage. Let's clarify the differences between the various mental health professionals to provide a better understanding and clear up the confusion.
Psychiatrist
MD
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (i.e., physicians) who have additional training in psychology. Psychiatrists are experts in understanding the effects of medications on the brain and human emotions and behaviour. Psychiatrists prescribe medications such as anti-depressants or stimulants, for example, to treat depression or ADHD. Psychiatrists’ expertise in medication management is highly valued particularly in the treatment of severe mental illnesses.
Psychologist
C.Psyc, PhD
A psychologist is a mental health professional who uses psychological evaluations and talk therapy to treat mental health conditions. A psychologist usually can’t prescribe medication.
Most provinces require a psychologist to have a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and often has extensive training in research and clinical practice.
Clinical psychology (C.Psyc) is a field of psychology characterized by thorough knowledge of a broad scope of areas in and outside of psychology. Clinical psychology encompasses all ages, multiple diversities and more severe mental health conditions.
Psychologist
C.Psyc, MA
Some provinces allow individuals to become psychologists with a master’s degree (MA). These clinicians, although full psychologists, are not called doctors because they don’t have a PhD.
Psychological Associate
C.PsycAssoc, MA
Psychological associates are members of the College of Psychologists with Masters degrees who completed five years of supervised practice and examinations.
There is no practical difference between psychologists and psychological associates: both use psychological evaluations and talk therapy to treat mental health conditions.
Clinical psychology (C.Psyc) is a field of psychology characterized by thorough knowledge of a broad scope of areas in and outside of psychology. Clinical psychology encompasses all ages, multiple diversities and more severe mental health conditions.
Psychotherapist
MA
A Psychotherapist is a mental health professional that uses talk therapy, and the development of the therapeutic relationship, to bring about positive change for a client.
While psychotherapists cannot independently diagnose mental health conditions, they play a vital role in offering emotional and behavioural therapy to support individuals with a variety of mental health concerns and diagnosed illnesses.
Psychotherapists must complete post-graduate or masters degrees and several years of supervised practice.
Registered Social Worker
MSW/RSW
Social Workers, with the designations MSW (Masters of Social Work) and RSW (Registered Social Worker), bring a unique perspective to mental health care. Trained to assess, treat, and evaluate individuals, social workers employ social work knowledge and interventions to address psychosocial and social functioning.
While social workers cannot provide an official medical diagnosis, they may contribute valuable information to the diagnostic process and can assist clients in overcoming and managing symptoms of these mental health issues.
Occupational Therapist
MScOT
Occupational therapists work with individuals of all ages whose lives have been mildly to severely disrupted by mental health issues, mental illness and substance use challenges by taking a functional perspective.
Psychotherapy practised by occupational therapists is often delivered with a focus on helping an individual develop skills and strategies to get back to managing their day to day activities and being able to engage in activities that they find meaningful.
Psychometrist
BA/MA
A psychometrist is responsible for the administration and scoring of psychological and neuropsychological tests under the supervision of a clinical psychologist. Although Canada does not currently have a regulatory body for psychometry, all psychometrists at Peakminds Psychology Services receive detailed training in psychological testing using a variety of measures and work closely with other clinicians to ensure that all testing is standardized.
Qualifying
A Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) or a Registered Psychologist (Qualifying) are qualified to practice psychotherapy.
All Registered Psychotherapists and Psychologists must complete their postgraduate program, supervision hours, and a registration exam. Those with the “Qualifying” status have completed their formal schooling program and working under a supervisor to complete their supervision ho