Understanding the Different Mental Health Professionals

When you are looking for help with your mental health, you may come across several different types of professionals. While their roles can overlap, their training, areas of expertise, and the services they provide are different.

Registered Psychotherapists are regulated mental health professionals who specialize in psychotherapy. They assess and treat emotional, cognitive, and behavioural concerns through psychotherapy and the therapeutic relationship. 

Registered Psychotherapists typically have graduate-level education in psychotherapy or a related field and are required to meet the registration and professional standards established by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

Only members of CRPO who are authorized to use the title may call themselves a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) in Ontario.  At Switzer Counselling & Psychotherapy Associates, our clinicians are Registered Psychotherapists. We also work with Registered Psychologists when a client requires a psychological assessment or diagnosis. For some clients, psychotherapy may also be provided by a Registered Psychotherapist under the supervision of a Registered Psychologist.

Psychologists are regulated mental health professionals with specialized training in psychology. Their training can include psychological assessment, standardized testing, diagnosis, and treatment.

Psychologists may provide psychotherapy as part of their practice, but they can also specialize in psychological assessments, psychoeducational assessments, and other forms of testing. Psychologists in Ontario are regulated by the College of Psychologists of Ontario. At Switzer, our Registered Psychotherapists work under the supervision of a Registered Psychologist when a client may benefit from a psychological assessment, diagnostic clarification, or other specialized assessment.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health and psychiatric disorders. Because they are physicians, they can assess mental health conditions from a medical perspective, diagnose psychiatric disorders, prescribe and manage medication, and provide psychotherapy in some cases.

Psychiatrists may be particularly helpful when someone requires medication management, psychiatric assessment, or a medical perspective on their mental health. Physician services covered by OHIP are provided according to Ontario's insured-services rules.  If you think you may benefit from seeing a psychiatrist, you can speak with your family doctor or another physician about whether a referral is appropriate.

The term “counsellor” can describe people with different types and levels of education and professional credentials. Unlike Registered Psychotherapists and Psychologists, the word “counsellor” by itself does not tell you which regulated profession the person belongs to.

Some counsellors provide supportive counselling for concerns such as stress, relationships, anxiety, or life changes. Others may have additional education and training in psychotherapy.

When choosing a counsellor or therapist, it is important to understand their education, training, professional designation, and whether they are regulated by a professional college.

Social Workers support individuals, couples, families, and communities with a range of emotional, social, and mental health concerns. Some have specialized training in psychotherapy and provide psychotherapy as part of their practice.

In Ontario, Registered Social Workers (RSWs) are regulated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).

Occupational Therapists (OTs) are regulated health professionals who help people manage difficulties that affect their ability to participate in everyday life. They may help someone develop, regain, or maintain skills needed for activities such as getting dressed, eating, moving around, working, attending school, or managing daily routines.

Occupational therapy is different from psychotherapy. While an Occupational Therapist may address emotional or mental health concerns when these affect daily functioning, their primary focus is on function, participation, and everyday activities.

Different professionals can play different roles in mental health care, and sometimes more than one type of professional may be involved in a person's care. For psychotherapy, a Registered Psychotherapist is a regulated professional specifically trained to provide psychotherapy. If you require assessment, diagnostic clarification, medication, or other specialized services, another professional may be appropriate.

At Switzer, we focus on providing professional psychotherapy through Registered Psychotherapists, while collaborating with other regulated health professionals when additional assessment or care may benefit our clients.