Who Does What? Types of mental health practitioners

Family doctors can diagnose mental health disorders and prescribe medication for mental health disorders. Some family doctors also provide counselling for mental health concerns. They are covered by OHIP. A referral from your family doctor is usually needed to access as psychiatrist.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed advanced medical training in psychiatry. They can diagnose mental health disorders and prescribe medications. In Ontario, psychiatrists predominately support medication management, however some will offer counselling. A referral from your family doctor is usually needed to access as psychiatrist. There is currently a shortage of psychiatrists in Canada often resulting in long wait times. Psychiatrists are covered by OHIP.

A clinical psychologist is a mental health professional who “studies how we think, feel and behave from a scientific viewpoint  and applies this knowledge to help people understand, explain and change their behaviour” (Canadian Psychological Association). They have graduate level training in psychology. Psychologists have special training in the use of psychological tests to assess and diagnosis mental health disorders and learning disabilities. They use a variety of therapies and approaches when treating a person with a mental health concern. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication because they are not medical doctors. You do NOT usually need a referral from a family doctor, however your health benefit plan might require one. Psychologists are NOT covered by OHIP and are either paid out-of-pocket or through extended health benefits.

An MSW is a mental health professional who has completed a Master of Social Work degree. When people say “counsellor” they are usually referring to either an MSW or a Registered Psychotherapist (see below). MSWs work in a variety of settings including, schools, clinics, hospitals, government organizations, and private practice to provide counselling for mental health concerns. MSWs use a variety of strategies and approaches when treating individuals with mental health concerns, but they cannot prescribe medication. MSWs are NOT covered by OHIP and are either paid out-of-pocket or through extended health benefits.

A Registered Rsychotherapist is a mental health professional who has completed a Master of Counselling Psychology or similar degree. When people say “counsellor” they are usually referring to either an MSW (see above) or a Registered Psychotherapist. Like MSWs, psychotherapists work in a variety of settings including, schools, clinics, hospitals, government organizations, and private practice to provide counselling for mental health concerns. Psychotherapists use many of the same approaches and strategies as MSWs. The biggest differences between MSWs and psychotherapists is the type of degree they hold, and agency they are licensed through. Like MSWs, psychotherapists cannot prescribe medication and are NOT covered by OHIP. They are either paid out-of-pocket or through extended health benefits.

There are a number of other professions that often play a significant role in mental health recovery that are not considered mental health professionals. These roles include:

• Pharmacists
• Occupational therapists
• Recreational therapists
• Nurses/Nurse Practitioners
• Nutritionists/dietitians
• Personal trainers (impacts of exercise on wellbeing)
• Complimentary services such as: physiotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, etc.
• Life coaches
• Traditional elders/healers, or other spiritual leaders