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What is a Therapist?

If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between a Registered Social Worker, Registered Psychotherapist, Psychologist, or Psychiatrist…you’re not alone. Ontario has several regulated mental health professions, each with distinct training, scope of practice, and insurance coverage. Here’s what you need to know to find the right fit.

Now, social workers, psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychiatrists are in a whole different ball game. They each have training and standards set by professional bodies that regulate these professions.

Each therapist’s treatment methods can vary, too! Many are eclectic, using different strategies that fit your unique needs. So, if you’re scratching your head about these terms, don’t worry—we’ve got your back. Keep reading for the lowdown on what sets them apart! Therapists are a diverse bunch, each with their own style, but we’re here to clear up the confusion.

At Bliss Counselling, our team of Registered Social Workers, Registered Psychotherapists, and Clinical Sexologists serve clients in Kitchener-Waterloo, Milton, and virtually across Ontario.

  • Registered Social Worker (RSW)

    A Social Worker may have a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate in Social Work. Most counselling services provided in Ontario are with a Master-Level Registered Social Worker from a professional organization, such as the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). In Ontario, a Social Worker cannot prescribe medication or make a clinical mental health diagnosis.

    Social workers use a variety of social theories to understand client problems. By working from a biopsychosocial model, they explore the client’s physical, emotional, and social relationships, as well as their environment and societal influences. In therapy, Social Workers bring various tools into the session, including (but not limited to) psychoeducation, cognitive behaviour therapy, solution-focused therapy, family systems, and client-centred therapy. Social Work is informed using evidence-based, culturally sensitive practice.

    At this time, counselling services provided by a Social Worker are not covered by OHIP. Many employee benefit plans cover the services of Master-Level Registered Social Workers; check your plan to see if MSW or RSW counselling is covered.

  • Registered Psychotherapist (RP)

    In addition to the undergraduate degree, a Psychotherapist designation requires two or more years of study at a graduate level. Psychotherapists are required to belong to a professional organization to practice under the title of Psychotherapist and Counsellor, such as the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) or the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists (OACCPP). In Ontario, a psychotherapist cannot prescribe medication or make a clinical mental health diagnosis.

    A Psychotherapist can provide brief or long-term counselling to individuals, families or groups. They are trained in various theories, models and approaches and practice in a culturally sensitive and ethical way. A Psychotherapist provides counselling intervention using the latest research approaches specifically tailored to each individual and practices from a biopsychosocial model, considering biological, emotional, and social factors and is encouraged to use evidence-based practice.

    At this time, counselling services provided by a Psychotherapist are not covered by OHIP. However, many employee benefit plans are beginning to cover the services of Psychotherapists and Counsellors; check your plan to see if a Master’s level Counsellor, Marriage and Family Therapist or Psychotherapist is covered.

  • Psychologist

    Psychologists may work in private practice and provide counselling and psychological services. Psychologists provide counselling intervention using the latest research approaches tailored to each individual.

    Clinical Psychologists are responsible for the assessment, diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and prevention of mental disorders. They can conduct psychological (including Psych-Ed) diagnostic testing and assessments and diagnose psychiatric conditions.

    OHIP does not cover psychologist services. However, many employee benefit plans are beginning to cover Psychological Services; check your plan to see if a Psychologist is covered.

    At this time, Bliss does not have any therapists with this designation. If you require the services of a Psychologist, let us know, and we’ll make sure to connect you with a referral.

  • Psychiatrist

    A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing mental illness and prescribing medication. They do not typically provide counselling. However, these services are covered under OHIP.

    At this time, Bliss does not have any therapists with this designation. If you require the services of a Psychiatrist, contact your Family Physician or General Practitioner (MD) for a referral.

  • Clinical Sexologist

    Sexology refers to the scientific study of human sexuality. A therapist with a Masters’s Degree in Sexology or a related field with specialized training in Sex Therapy provides effective talk therapy for both individuals and partners concerning the confidential treatment of sexual concerns.

    A sexologist has specialist knowledge and skills in the area of human sexuality. They explore recent research into biological, emotional and social aspects of human sexuality and learn to integrate this knowledge into therapy.

    The sexological study includes one’s experience with love and sexuality, human relationships, pleasure and fulfillment, sexual emotions, human sexual response, sexual function, changes throughout life, diversity, fetishes, desire, fixations, arousal, human reproduction and sexual health, cross-cultural, sexual practices, and many more topics.

    Most Sexologists are certified through the American Association of Sexuality, Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT), a professional association, to practice under the titles of Psychotherapist, Social Worker, and Counsellor.

    In Ontario, a Sexologist cannot prescribe medication or make a clinical mental health diagnosis. At this time, counselling services provided by a Sexologist are not covered by OHIP. Check your plan to see if a Master’s level Social Worker or Psychotherapist is covered.