Psychotherapist, psychologist, psychiatrist… What the heck’s the difference?

Psychotherapist, psychologist, psychiatrist… What the heck’s the difference?

Psychotherapist. Psychologist. Psychiatrist. Counsellor. Coach.

These titles are regularly used interchangeably in our everyday speech. But they’re not the same. Each has its own scope, training, professional membership, etc.

I suspect that few people not working in these professions understand the differences. I sure didn’t until I was at least a year into my M.A. studies to become a psychotherapist. Below I offer a general overview of each for Ontario.

Before you dive in, it’s worth keeping in mind that, although a clinical diagnosis might help with describing a mental health condition, and one may be required to receive certain types of support, it is not required for qualified professionals to be able to provide therapeutic support, That is, if you think you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Psychiatrist

• M.D. & at least 5 years of education in psychiatry
• member of College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO)
• can provide physical and mental health diagnoses
• can prescribe medication
• can offer therapeutic support for conditions regulated under Psychotherapy Act

Psychologist

• Ph.D. or Doctorate-level education
• member of College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO)
• can provide mental health diagnoses
• cannot prescribe
• can offer therapeutic support for conditions regulated under Psychotherapy Act

Psychotherapist (this is me!)

• Master’s-level training
• member of College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
• cannot diagnose
• cannot prescribe
• can offer therapeutic support for conditions regulated under Psychotherapy Act
• primarily “talk therapy” with other treatments available by certified practitioners (e.g., Neurofeedback, EMDR)

Social Worker

• Undergraduate (SW) or Master’s-level (MSW) training
• member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
• cannot diagnose
• cannot prescribe
• can offer therapeutic support for conditions regulated under Psychotherapy Act
• work may include psychotherapy, but often extends to support in other areas (e.g., housing, accessing other social support services)

Counsellor

• education & certifications available but not required… literally anyone can call themselves a counsellor (Note: some psychotherapists might call themselves Counsellors and offer counselling, but counsellors cannot call themselves psychotherapists or offer psychotherapy)
• cannot diagnose
• cannot prescribe
• cannot offer therapeutic support for conditions regulated under Psychotherapy Act
• support tends to be more advice-based

Coach

• education & certifications available but not required… literally anyone can call themselves a coach
• cannot diagnose
• cannot prescribe
• cannot offer therapeutic support for conditions regulated under Psychotherapy Act
• support tends to be in helping clients achieve goals

Hope that helps!
Andrew