What is the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist, a social worker, a psychotherapist, a counsellor, and other types of therapists?
The easiest way to answer this question is the type of education that the individual has and the types of services that (s)he is able to offer.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (like your family doctor, a pediatrician, or a surgeon) who decided to specialize in working with the way people think or feel and their mental health. Since a psychiatrist is a medical doctor, medications may be offered as a part of the treatment, along with talk therapy. Psychiatrists can offer a diagnosis if a mental health concern is present. Like all other medical specialists, a referral from another doctor will be required to access a psychiatrist's services.
A psychologist is someone who has a PhD in psychology. Psychology is the study of human emotion and behaviour. Psychologists can offer a diagnosis if a mental health concern is present.
A social worker is someone who has completed a degree in the field of social work. In counselling, social work looks at problem-solving and the possibility of change for individuals and their environments. Social work values are based on the respect, equality, worth, and dignity of all.
A psychotherapist is an individual who is registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Mental Health Therapists. In 2007, psychotherapy became recognized as a "controlled act" that can only be offered by health professionals - including registered psychotherapists, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists.
A counsellor is an individual who may have training in counselling, a specific type of therapy, or no training at all. Possible post-secondary degrees that a counsellor may have include educational counselling, pastoral counselling and/or spirituality, counselling psychology, and mental health nursing. These programs can provide excellent training in counselling. Some counsellors may also have training in various types of therapies (i.e. CBT - cognitive behavioural therapy, EMDR - eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, Narrative Therapy). Given that an individual can refer to themselves as a counsellor without any specific training, however, it may be advantageous to review the counsellor's background and education to determine if (s)he has the qualifications and experience to properly address your needs.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (like your family doctor, a pediatrician, or a surgeon) who decided to specialize in working with the way people think or feel and their mental health. Since a psychiatrist is a medical doctor, medications may be offered as a part of the treatment, along with talk therapy. Psychiatrists can offer a diagnosis if a mental health concern is present. Like all other medical specialists, a referral from another doctor will be required to access a psychiatrist's services.
A psychologist is someone who has a PhD in psychology. Psychology is the study of human emotion and behaviour. Psychologists can offer a diagnosis if a mental health concern is present.
A social worker is someone who has completed a degree in the field of social work. In counselling, social work looks at problem-solving and the possibility of change for individuals and their environments. Social work values are based on the respect, equality, worth, and dignity of all.
A psychotherapist is an individual who is registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Mental Health Therapists. In 2007, psychotherapy became recognized as a "controlled act" that can only be offered by health professionals - including registered psychotherapists, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists.
A counsellor is an individual who may have training in counselling, a specific type of therapy, or no training at all. Possible post-secondary degrees that a counsellor may have include educational counselling, pastoral counselling and/or spirituality, counselling psychology, and mental health nursing. These programs can provide excellent training in counselling. Some counsellors may also have training in various types of therapies (i.e. CBT - cognitive behavioural therapy, EMDR - eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, Narrative Therapy). Given that an individual can refer to themselves as a counsellor without any specific training, however, it may be advantageous to review the counsellor's background and education to determine if (s)he has the qualifications and experience to properly address your needs.
How often should you go to counselling?
Generally, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly sessions are recommended. However, other scheduling options may be appropriate and can be explored.
