The Different Types of Mental Health Professionals

In Canada, mental health and addictions services can be provided by a number of qualified professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers (Moroz et al., 2020). However, understanding the differences between each type of mental health professional can be complicated due to their many similarities (Moroz et al., 2020). Each profession requires different educational levels and holds different specialties and qualifications.

However, despite their differences, they can overlap with their similarities and can all be found in a variety of different settings such as in school settings, hospitals, or in independent practice. These overlaps in similarities may act as a barrier to seeking out and attaining mental health services (Moroz et al., 2020). With this, it is important to understand the different professions, their qualifications, their specialties, and their differences to better understand what kind of help you need or who you would benefit most from. Below are some of the roles and differences between mental health professionals in Ontario, Canada, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers which some individuals may get confused with.

What is a social worker?

A social worker is a trained professional qualified to perform the act of psychotherapy with an emphasis on connecting individuals to social and/or community services near them. They typically hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work. Social workers cannot diagnose or prescribe medication (OCSWSSW; Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, n.d.).

What is a psychotherapist?

A psychotherapist is a trained individual qualified to provide the act of psychotherapy and focuses on helping individuals process and manage their thoughts and behaviour by utilizing evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy., etc. (CRPO; College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, n.d.). Psychotherapists typically hold a master’s degree in counselling psychology or psychotherapy (CRPO, n.d.). Psychotherapists are not qualified to diagnose or prescribe medication (CRPO, n.d.).

What is a psychologist?

A psychologist is trained to diagnose, assess, and provide the act of psychotherapy to individuals experiencing mental health concerns (CPA; Canadian Psychological Association, 2023). Psychologists must complete a master’s degree or PhD in clinical psychology, neuropsychology, educational/school psychology, and/or counselling psychology to practice in Ontario (CPA, 2023). Psychologists are not qualified to prescribe medication (CPA, 2023).

What is a psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has the ability and specialty to diagnose and treat individuals with mental health concerns (CPA, 2023). Psychiatrists are qualified to partake in the act of psychotherapy, prescribe medication, and provide diagnoses and assessment (CPA, 2023). It is important to note that these are the differences between social workers, psychotherapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists in Ontario, Canada. Qualifications, educational levels, and specialties for these professional titles can vary between different provinces, countries, and territories.

At Vaughan Counselling and Psychotherapy, we have a wonderful team of psychotherapists that can provide the act of psychotherapy. We also have Jovita on the team who is a Registered Social Worker. If you are looking to begin your therapeutic journey, please contact us at (647) 267-9853 for a free phone consultation or to book your first appointment.

References

Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). (2023, April). What is a psychologist? https://cpa.ca/public/whatisapsychologist/

College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). (n.d.). What is psychotherapy? https://www.crpo.ca/find-a-registered-psychotherapist/what-is-psychotherapy/

Moroz, N., Moroz, I., & D’Angelo, M. S. (2020). Mental health services in Canada: Barriers and cost-effective solutions to increase access. In Healthcare Management Forum (Vol. 33, No. 6, pp. 282-287). Sage CA: Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications.

Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). (n.d.). About RSW’s and RSSW’s. https://www.ocswssw.org/public/about-rsws-and-rssws/