The terms therapist and counsellor are often used interchangeably. A psychotherapist or counsellor is a term for therapists who employ a “talk therapy” approach with clients to establish rapport in order to work toward improvement in quality of life, relationship satisfaction, healthy and rewarding functioning in work, home and play, general health and well-being.
People often ask what the difference is between a social worker, psychologist, psychotherapist and psychiatrist. There are major differences in the training and standards prescribed by professional bodies that regulate these professions.
Additionally the methods of treatment may vary though many practitioners are fairly eclectic, that is they may utilize a number of treatment strategies to suit their client’s individual needs.
The following descriptions are an attempt to help clarify the confusion! They are quite general; there is tremendous variety as well as similarity in the way therapists work.
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
A Social Worker may have a Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate degree in Social Work. Most counselling services provided in Ontario are with a Masters Level Registered Social Worker who belong to a professional organization, such as the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). In Ontario, a Social Worker does not have the ability to prescribe medication or make a clinical mental health diagnosis
Social Workers employ a variety of social theories to understand client problems: working from a biopsychosocial model, Social Workers explore the client’s physical, emotional, and social relationships, environment and societal influences. In therapy, Social Workers utilize a variety of tools including (but not limited to) psycheducation, CBT, 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 are beginning to cover the services of Master Level, Registered Social Workers; check your plan to see if MSW or RSW counselling is covered.
Bliss Therapists With This Designation:
- Tammy Benwell, MSW, RSW
- Lindsay Kenna, MSW, BSW, RSW, Certified Clinical Sexologist
- Kelly McDonnell-Arnold, MA, MBA, RSW, RP, Certified Clinical Sexologist
- Jenna Luelo, MA Counselling, RSW
- Stacey Harris, MSW, BSW, RSW
- Rob Smith, MSW, RSW
- Athena Ferraro, MSW, RSW
- Melissa Fellin, MSW, RSW, MA, Ph.D
- Sergius Semuyeh MSW, RSW
- Mark Fellin MSW, RSW, MBA
- Fariba Nabati MSW, RSW
- Sheila McDonough MSW, RSW
Psychotherapist (RP)
In addition to the undergraduate degree, a Psychotherapist designation requires two or more years of study at a graduate level. They are required to belong to a professional organization in order 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 does not have the ability to prescribe medication or make a clinical mental health diagnosis.
A Psychotherapist is able to provide brief or long term counselling to individuals, families or groups. They are trained in a variety of theories, models and approaches and practice in a culturally sensitive and ethical way. A Psychotherapist provide counselling intervention using the latest research approaches that are specifically tailored to each individual and practices from a biopsychosocial model, considering biological, emotional, and social factors, and are encouraged to use evidence-based practice.
At this time counselling services provided by a Psychotherapist are not covered by OHIP. Many employee benefit plans are beginning to cover the services of Psychotherapists and Counsellors; check your plan to see if a Masters level Counsellor, Marriage and Family Therapist or Psychotherapist is covered.
Bliss Therapists With This Designation
- Karen Grierson MFT., RP
- Kelly McDonnell-Arnold, MA, MBA, RSW, RP, Certified Clinical Sexologist
- Marni Moss MA, RP
- Heather Craig M.Ed, MSc, RP (Q)
- Sarah Sutey MA, RP
- Josh Rinz MA, RP
- Valentina Messier MA, RP (Q)
Psychologist
Psychologists may work in private practice and provide counselling and psychological services. Psychologists provide counselling intervention using the latest research approaches that are specifically tailored to each individual.
Clinical Psychologists are responsible for the assessment, diagnosis, and evidenced-based treatment, and prevention of mental disorders. Clinical Psychologists are able to conduct psychological (including Psych-Ed) diagnostic testing and assessments, in addition to having the capability to diagnosis psychiatric conditions.
Psychologist services are not covered by OHIP. Many employee benefit plans are beginning to cover the services of Psychological Services; check your plan to see if a Psychologist is covered.
Bliss Therapists With This Designation
None at this time.
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 with a referral from your Family Physician or General Practitioner (MD).
Bliss Therapists With This Designation
None. Please contact your Family Physician for a referral.
Certified Clinical Sexologist
Sexology refers to the scientific study of human sexuality. A therapist with a Masters Degree in Sexology or related field with specialized training in Sex Therapy provides effective talk therapy for both individuals and partners with respect to 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.
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 College of Sexologists (ACS) as well as a professional association in order to practice under the title of Psychotherapist and Social Worker and Counsellor.
In Ontario, a Sexologist does not have the ability to 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 Masters level Social Worker or Psychotherapist is covered.