Canadian Mental Health Professionals

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has specialised in psychiatry. This means they’ve completed medical school and followed this with a residency in mental health. Because of their medical training, psychiatrists can diagnose mental illnesses, prescribe psychiatric medication, and monitor how those medications affect the body.

Psychiatrists may also offer psychotherapy, but if they do, they tend to focus on diagnosis and medication management. In Ontario, psychiatric services are covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan), although access is often through a referral from a family doctor, and the wait times can be quite long.

Psychiatrists typically become involved when a person’s mental health condition is complex, severe, or has not been improved or helped by talk therapy alone.

Psychologist

A psychologist will have completed doctoral-level training (usually a PhD or PsyD) in psychology. Psychologists are licensed to provide psychological evaluations and diagnoses, and many also offer therapy. However, they are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication.

Psychologists are trained in understanding how people think, feel, and behave. Their expertise often includes formal assessments for conditions such as ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, and mood or anxiety disorders. They also work with individuals or groups to address a wide range of emotional or behavioural concerns.

Psychological services are not covered by OHIP, but many extended health insurance plans do include them.

Psychotherapist

The term “psychotherapist” refers to someone trained in delivering talk-based therapy. In Ontario, the title “Registered Psychotherapist” (RP) is legally protected and regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

Psychotherapists are trained in various therapeutic approaches – such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, or trauma-informed methods – and work with individuals, couples, or families to address emotional, relational, or psychological difficulties.

Psychotherapists cannot prescribe medication or diagnose medical conditions. However, they are often the most accessible professionals for those seeking therapy in a private practice setting. Some insurance plans cover psychotherapy services, depending on the provider and policy.

Social Worker

Registered Social Workers (RSWs) are licensed by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).  Many are trained in psychotherapy and are authorised to provide it, often using approaches similar to those used by psychotherapists and psychologists.

What distinguishes social workers is their training in understanding how broader social and structural factors such as income, housing, family dynamics, and community support affect mental health. Their perspective is often described as biopsychosocial, meaning they look at the person as a whole, within their environment.

Social workers may also help their client navigate practical systems (such as access to community resources or health care). In private practice, many provide therapy similar in format to that offered by Registered Psychotherapists or psychologists. Social work services are commonly covered by extended health benefits.

How to Choose

The right choice of mental health professional depends on what kind of help you’re seeking. If you need a formal diagnosis or think you may require medication, a psychiatrist or psychologist may be the most appropriate starting point.