Selecting a therapist is arguably the most difficult step in the therapy process, particularly when you are already feeling taxed.
It is hard to know who would be a best fit to suit your unique preferences, who has the right qualifications to provide the treatment you need, and equally as important - will your insurance cover it?
Not only are there many bios to sift through, there are a lot of different titles for different mental health professionals to try and decipher. What a daunting task to do when all you really want is help.
We wanted to help clear up any confusion around these designations so that you can ensure you are getting the right care you need.
What is a Registered Psychotherapist?
Psychotherapy is an act that is governed by law, and only a select few health professionals are legally permitted to perform it.
A Registered Psychotherapist (RP) is one health professional who is authorized to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy (along with psychologists, social workers, nurses, physicians and occupational therapists).
The educational requirements for a registration as a Psychotherapist include a master’s level degree or equivalent graduate diploma that focuses on the practice of psychotherapy.
RP’s receive supervision during their clinical training and throughout the registration process. Many RP’s opt to continue receiving supervision as part of ongoing professional development and refinement of their skills.
Psychotherapists are competent to provide talk therapy to address the symptoms of mental illness. They have training in a number of treatment modalities including cognitive and behavioural therapies, experiential and humanistic therapies, somatic therapies, and psychodynamic therapies.
A psychotherapist may be a good fit if you are looking for therapy to help reduce distress associated with mental health symptoms or to improve overall mental health and wellbeing. Psychotherapists cannot and should not provide a diagnosis.
Some insurance companies in Ontario provide benefits for services performed by a Registered Psychotherapist. It is important to double check with your provider for details.
What is a Registered Psychologist and why are some doctoral level and some master’s level?
In Ontario, a Registered Psychologist is competent to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy, and the controlled act of communicating a diagnosis. Registered Psychologists have extensive training in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. As part of the registration process, they are required to declare their area of competencies (i.e., clinical psychology, school psychology, clinical neuropsychology, counselling psychology, forensic/correctional psychology, health psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, and rehabilitation psychology). They are also required to outline their scope of practice as it relates to population (children, adolescence, adults, seniors, couples and families). A psychologist’s competencies and populations are approved by the College of Psychologists following extensive supervision and both written and oral examinations.
Here’s where it gets tricky.
The requirements to practice psychology and utilize the title “Psychologist” vary from province to province, with some provinces requiring a doctoral level degree and others requiring a master’s level degree. With the implementation of the Mutual Recognition Agreement, individuals registered with the title Psychologist in one province, are eligible for registration in all provinces regardless of that province’s specific requirements. This is why you may see some Psychologists in Ontario with a doctoral degree and others with a master’s degree. You may also see formerly Registered Psychological Associates now registered as Psychologists. Whether your psychologist is a master’s level or doctoral level, they are all regulated by the College and are competent to perform the psychological services they offer.
A psychologist may be a good fit if you require a formal assessment to determine whether you meet the criteria for a psychological disorder. You may also consider seeking a psychologist’s services if you are looking for a particular specialty or have struggled to make progress in psychotherapy in the past.
Alternatively, you may seek a psychotherapist’s services who works under the direct supervision of a psychologist. In this scenario, you are receiving psychological care from two highly competent individuals who, combined, have extensive experience and training in the area of psychology and psychotherapy. The bonus: you receive quality treatment at a more affordable rate.
In Ontario, most insurance companies cover psychological services. It is important you check with your provider to determine if they will cover services that are supervised by a psychologist and performed by a psychotherapist.
What is a Psychiatrist?
Last but not least, a psychiatrist differs significantly from psychotherapists and psychologists. Psychiatrists are medical doctors and are regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. They are able to assess both the mental and physical components of psychological difficulties.
Though they primarily treat psychological symptoms with medication, some psychiatrists will offer psychotherapy in addition to medication management. In Ontario, psychiatry is often covered by OHIP if you have a physician’s referral. Waitlists to see a psychiatrist are unfortunately long, and we recommend connecting with a psychotherapist if you are currently waiting to see a psychiatrist.
If you need assistance selecting a therapist, please click here.
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