What is The Difference Between a Psychotherapist, Psychiatrist, and Psychologist?

Those three titles sound very similar, so it is easy to see why they often get confused. But we are here to break it down and help you understand the role of each title. Please take note this is for Ontario, Canada, and may vary based on geographical location. All of these professions are regulated in Ontario through a governing body/ college. Some provinces across Canada do not offer regulation.

1) Psychologist: A psychologist is a doctorate level degree that provides its students with the ability to be competent in various mental health conditions. Psychologists can offer therapy, can assess, and can diagnose mental health conditions. MOST psychologists cannot prescribe medication without additional training and/ or credentials.

2) Psychotherapist: A psychotherapist can be a bachelor's or master's level degree that provides students with the ability to be competent in providing therapy services providing fundamental education around therapeutic models, skills, ethics, diversity, and more topics to form a competent therapist. Psychotherapists can complete certain assessments, metrics, and scales, though they CANNOT diagnose or prescribe medication.

3) Psychiatrist: A Psychiatrist is a doctorate level education with a specialty in medicine, focused on assessing, diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. They have the ability to prescribe medication for various mental health conditions. A psychiatrist can offer therapy services, though it is not as common as the other titles. They often treat more severe mental health conditions, trying to find the appropriate treatment regime, with combination medication and therapy services.

If your'e confused at what you are needing in your mental health journey, reach out today for a free consultation and we can help guide you in the right direction!