Psychiatrist, Psychologist, or Psychotherapist: Which Mental Health Resource Should I Choose?
For those seeking mental health resources, it can be helpful to know which type of professional to turn to. Unless you’re already familiar with the mental health field, getting to know what’s within a particular clinician’s scope of practice may help you find the right care, or streamline your search for treatment.
Furthermore, for some who want to utilize their work-related benefits or health insurance, a clinician’s designation may be of particular importance, because their insurance company may limit which types of practitioners are covered under their plan. Read on to learn more about how different mental health professionals work to get a better idea about who to turn to for support.
What does a psychiatrist do?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D.) specializing in the field of mental health. They can prescribe medications for the treatment of psychiatric conditions, monitor medication efficacy, assess and diagnose mental health disorders under the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), and some may also offer psychotherapeutic services for complex cases, such as within treatment centres and hospitals.
What does a psychologist do?
A psychologist holds a doctoral degree (Psy.D. or Ph.D.) in psychology. They may specialize in psychological testing, assessment, and diagnosis, while providing treatment through talk therapy to individuals, couples, groups, and families. Although a psychologist may diagnose a mental health condition, they do not prescribe medication.
What does a psychotherapist do?
A psychotherapist (RP) typically holds a Master’s degree or equivalent level of training in the field of clinical counseling, psychotherapy, psychology or similar. They provide talk therapy to support individuals, couples, groups, and families. Unlike psychiatrists and psychologists, psychotherapists do not diagnose, therefore those they work with are called clients, not patients.
Psychotherapists help clients to better understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors by means of one or more therapeutic techniques. They may work in the private or public sector.
What about a social worker who offers counselling?
Clinical social workers in certain jurisdictions (for example, RSWs and MSWs in Ontario) also provide counselling or psychotherapy to clients. They may differ from psychotherapists predominantly in the type of field related experience they hold, as well as educational focus. Social workers may for example have front line experience within a particular setting (for example, at an agency, hospital or in community health).
If you’re unsure which mental health resource to go with, consider meeting with one that offers a free consultation where you may discuss with them the type of mental health resources or support you’re looking for, as well as their treatment approach. I offer a free 20-minute consultation as part of my psychotherapy practice to see whether I could be a good fit for you.
Mental Health Resource FAQS
Who can provide psychotherapy in Ontario?
Psychotherapy is currently a regulated profession and is considered a controlled act in the province of Ontario. It may only be performed by members of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, College of Nurses of Ontario, College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, College of Psychologists of Ontario, and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
Is psychotherapy covered by OHIP?
At this time, psychotherapy is only covered when conducted within a publicly funded setting, such as a hospital, through an emergency mental health service, a community health clinic, school, or government funded agency. Typically, interventions within these settings are time-limited or brief, and may be performed in groups to expand the public’s access to care.
Is psychotherapy covered by extended benefits?
Those who have purchased a health care plan independently or who have access to an extended benefit plan through their employer may have their psychotherapy fees covered, either per session, or up to a total limit. If you’re looking to utilize your benefits for psychotherapy, it may be prudent to double check with your insurance provider which services they’ll cover and by whom. Health insurance does not typically reimburse for missed sessions or those cancelled outside of a practitioner’s cancellation policy, so do be sure to read the fine print of your policy and client-therapist contract before beginning treatment.
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