Understanding Mental Health Professionals in Ontario: Who Does What?
- Alyson Turcotte
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
If you're thinking about starting therapy, you've probably noticed there are several types of mental health professionals in Ontario. It can feel confusing to figure out who does what and who might be the right fit for you. Let me break it down in a way that hopefully makes the decision a bit easier.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed additional specialized training in mental health. After medical school, they spend several years focusing specifically on psychiatry. Because they're physicians, psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and provide psychotherapy. They often work with people who have complex mental health needs or who might benefit from medication management alongside therapy.
In Ontario, psychiatrists are covered by OHIP, which means you won't pay out of pocket for appointments. However, you'll need a referral from your family doctor or another healthcare provider to see one. Wait times can be long, depending on where you live and the urgency of your needs.
Psychologists
Psychologists hold doctoral degrees (PhD or PsyD) in psychology and have extensive training in psychological assessment, testing, and evidence-based therapy approaches. They can conduct comprehensive psychological assessments that other professionals cannot perform, which can be helpful for diagnosing learning disabilities, ADHD, or complex mental health conditions.
Psychologists provide psychotherapy and often specialize in specific populations or disorders. They cannot prescribe medication in Ontario. Many psychologists work in private practice, and their services are typically not covered by OHIP, though some extended health insurance plans will cover part or all of the cost.
Registered Psychotherapists
Registered Psychotherapists (like myself) have master's level education and are regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Our training includes many hours of supervised clinical work, and we're qualified to provide psychotherapy for a wide range of mental health concerns.
Many Registered Psychotherapists pursue specialized training in specific approaches or populations. For example, some of us focus on trauma-informed therapy, couples counselling, or working with specific age groups. We cannot prescribe medication or conduct formal psychological assessments, but we can provide effective psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and many other concerns.
Services from Registered Psychotherapists are usually offered through private practice and aren't covered by OHIP, though many extended health plans include coverage for psychotherapy.
Social Workers
Social Workers can have either a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work and are regulated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. They work with individuals, families, and communities, and they're trained to consider the broader social context of people's lives.
With specialized training, social workers can provide psychotherapy. They often work in hospitals, community agencies, schools, and private practice. Social workers bring a unique perspective to mental health care, considering factors like housing, employment, and social support systems alongside mental health symptoms.
Like psychotherapy services, social work services in private practice are typically not covered by OHIP but may be covered by extended health insurance.
Finding the Right Fit
The most important factors in choosing a mental health professional are finding someone with expertise in your specific concerns and feeling comfortable with them as a person. The letters after someone's name matter less than whether they have experience with what you're working through and whether you feel heard and supported in the therapy room.
Whatever professional you choose, I encourage you to ask about their experience with your particular concerns and their approach to therapy. A good fit makes all the difference in your healing journey.
