CHART: psychiatrist vs psychologist vs social worker vs psychotherapist

If you’ve been looking for therapists in Canada, you may have noticed many different types of counsellors. According to the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, there are more than 70 mental health professional titles covering various types of therapies in Canada. 

What do they all mean?

In Canada, the titles of psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker are regulated by law at the provincial level. That means, if you’ve found a therapist with one of those designations, you’ll know they must meet specific education and training requirements to use that title. They are also overseen by a legally appointed organization—a college or an association.

Depending on which province you live in, the titles of psychotherapist or counselling therapist may or may not be regulated. In unregulated provinces (British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and all three territories), you can look for therapists with the title Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), which is overseen at a national level by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.

• Read More: Psychiatrist vs. psychologist vs. social worker vs. psychotherapist

In addition to the CCPA at a national level, there are associations at the provincial level that may certify their professionals. For example, if you’re looking for a counsellor in British Columbia, look for certified practitioners with credentials such as Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), provided by the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.

First Session carefully vets all therapists and counsellors to ensure they meet requirements in their region and are certified by the correct legal or credible self-governing bodies. 

We know this can be confusing. The chart below outlines which provinces currently regulate counselling and psychotherapy, as well as the varying regulations for psychologists and social workers. 

What about those other 70+ titles? Do a little digging before working with someone. You might get advice and guidance from professionals like a life coach — that’s great! — but they are not a certified or licensed therapist unless they meet the regulations for psychology, social work or psychotherapy/counselling therapy in your province as well. 

Note: Anywhere in Canada, a psychiatrist will need to be certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) at a national level, and they will need to register with the appropriate medical college at the provincial level. They are not included in the chart.