What is the difference between Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Counsellors and Social Workers?
As a registered psychotherapist, I have been encountering with many similar questions and I understand that it can be very confusing. So here I would like to clarify these terms, roles and titles from a mental health perspective.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who is specialized in mental health. Nowadays, psychiatrists typically do not get involved in talk therapy very much. They usually prescribe psychiatric medication to treat mental disorders. You can mostly benefit from psychiatric services, when you need pharmacotherapy or medications.
In Ontario “psychologists” (PhD) and “psychological associates” (Master’s degree) are registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO). They are allowed to diagnose and treat mental health disorders. But the type of services psychologists offer could go beyond therapy. They can be offering consultation to organizations, or conducting research or teach at colleges and universities.
In Ontario psychotherapists are registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). A psychotherapist is a professional who specifically offer talk therapy for the purpose of treating mental disorders. Members of CRPO usually hold at least a Master’s degree in psychology or relevant fields.
Counsellors may have a range of backgrounds, and may have various level degrees from counselling programs. However, individuals may otherwise refer to themselves as a "therapist" or "counsellor", but may or may not have training in the assessment or treatment of mental health issues. Titles such as "Registered Clinical Counsellor" do not mean that individuals are formally regulated or specifically trained. Counsellors are not regulated under the health professions act in Ontario.
In Ontario, social workers are registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Social workers do offer talk therapy and are concerned with individual and personal problems but also with broader social issues such as poverty, unemployment and domestic violence. Social workers practice a variety of roles in a range of settings, including schools, hospitals, correctional centres, childrens’ aid societies, as well as in private practice.
When you choose to work with a “registered professional”, you can be assured that the professional has extensive formal training, experience, supervision, and knowledge in their declared area of expertise; is expected to meet or exceed basic standards of practice and ethical responsibilities; and maintains an annual program of continuing education.