WHO CAN PROVIDE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES?
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST (RP)
Registered Psychotherapists (RP) are not medical doctors but have chosen to specialize in the treatment of mental health issues through psychotherapeutic interventions. RP's typically hold graduate degrees, many have additional post-graduate education, and are committed to continuing professional development. In Ontario, Registered Psychotherapists are regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CPRO). Only those fully qualified & registered with CRPO are able to use the designation Registered Psychotherapist.
REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST
Psychologists are not medical doctors, have studied psychology and are trained to do extensive testing, specialized assessments, psychoeducational assessments and make diagnoses. They are regulated by the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO). There are some Psychologists who provide psychotherapy and counselling. Our Registered Psychotherapists work with Registered Psychologists to obtain assessments and diagnoses. We also provide, for some clients, psychotherapy Under the Supervision of Registered Psychologist Cindy Stulberg.
PSYCHIATRIST
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who complete additional training in mental health care and psychiatric disorders. Psychiatrists work in hospitals and other settings to provide mental health diagnoses, recommend and manage patient medication and are covered by OHIP. Some provide psychotherapy. Our clients may want to see a Psychiatrist to obtain a clearer understanding of their mental health condition and for medication management. If you wish to see a Psychiatrist, contact your family doctor who can make a referral for you.
COUNSELLOR
Counsellors may or may not be regulated professionals, certified to practice counselling. They tend to work in confidential settings with individuals who experience mild to moderate personal difficulties to help them overcome their problems and make changes to their lives. The nature of problems encountered by Counsellors varies according to the setting and could include, for example, depression, anxiety, and managing emotions and behaviours. Counsellors may or may not have training in psychotherapy.
SOCIAL WORKER
Social Workers, in general and in psychiatric hospitals, are members of a treatment team that provide a link between the team, families and individuals, and community resources. Social workers tend to address social issues. Social Workers may or may not have training in psychotherapy, some provide psychotherapy in private practice. However, unless they have met the qualifications of the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario, they are ineligible to use the designation Registered Psychotherapist.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST (OT)
Occupational Therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. Occupational therapy is a type of health care that helps to solve the problems that interfere with a person’s ability to do the things that are important to them, such as getting dressed, eating, moving around the house, or going to work or school. They usually do not provide psychotherapy.