Understanding The Different Types of Mental Health Care Providers in Canada 

Last Updated: July 14, 2026

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Quick answer: In Canada, the most common mental health care providers are registered social workers (RSW/RCSW), registered psychotherapists (RP), registered counselling therapists (RCT), psychologists (C.Psych), and psychiatrists. All can provide psychotherapy, but they differ in what they're additionally licensed to do: only psychiatrists, psychologists, and advanced social worker designations (RCSWs) can diagnose, only psychiatrists can prescribe medication, and only psychiatrists are covered by public health insurance through a physician referral (e.g., OHIP). Fees, waitlists, and benefits coverage vary significantly by designation and province.

The Differences Between Social Workers, Psychotherapists, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Counsellors in Canada — and How to Choose What's Right For You

When searching for mental health support in Canada, you've likely come across a long list of credentials and titles that can feel confusing. What's the difference between a psychologist and a psychotherapist? Can a social worker provide therapy? Do you need a referral?

This guide breaks down each type of provider — what they're trained to do, what they can and can't offer, and what you can expect to pay — so you can make a confident, informed decision about your care.

Note: Regulations apply at a provincial/territorial level and therefore each province may differ in requirements. For full information on professional regulations, please visit the provincial and professional regulatory body websites.

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Registered Social Workers (RSW)‍ and Registered Clinical Social Workers (RCSW)

A social worker is a mental health professional who supports people to manage and overcome various life challenges. Social Workers can work in different roles, including treatment and biopsychosocial assessment, case management, research, and policy development.

Social work education focuses on systemic issues and within an MSW program, one can choose to specialize in a specific area of Mental Health. This can include social policy, therapeutic intervention, or focusing on supporting specific populations. Social Workers are able to practice psychotherapy under the Psychotherapy Act [1].

Social workers who provide psychotherapy hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and are regulated by their provincial college of social workers [2]. They address individual issues using various therapy modalities, which they can review with you at the beginning of your therapy journey.

What is an RCSW? In British Columbia and Alberta, social workers can obtain an advanced designation, Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW), by completing additional clinical training, supervised hours, and a standardized clinical exam [3]. RCSWs are required to hold a master’s degree in social work. This designation allows them to use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) independently to make mental health diagnoses, which RSWs are not authorized to do [4]. Saskatchewan has a comparable advanced designation through its Authorized Practice Endorsement (APE) [5]. No equivalent clinical designation for RCSW currently exists in Ontario.

When to choose an RSW: RSWs are highly qualified mental health professionals trained to provide evidence-based therapy for a wide range of presenting concerns. Therapeutic approaches such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, and trauma-informed therapy are all within their scope depending on the individual's practice. RSWs are also trained to consider how life circumstances, relationships, and social factors may be relevant to a client's mental health, which can complement strong clinical work. They are one of the most broadly covered designations under employer extended health plans, making them an accessible option for many Canadians.

• Regulated by: Provincial Regulatory Body (varies by province)
• Education Level: Master’s level degree (MSW) for clinicians providing psychotherapy
• Provide Diagnosis: RSW — No; RCSW — Yes (BC and AB); APE — Yes (SK)
• Prescribe Medications: No
• Conduct Assessment: Yes, but diagnostic capabilities dependent on designation
• Therapy Treatment: Yes
• Session Fee: Typically ranges from $150-$200 per session. Prices vary depending on location and therapist
• Coverage: Covered by most employer extended health benefits plans

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Registered Psychotherapists (RP or RP (Qualifying)‍) and Registered Counselling Therapists (RCT or RCT-C)

A Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) are mental health professionals specifically trained and licensed to provide psychotherapy. 

While the scope of practice is the same, the title differs by province [6]. RP is the designation in Ontario, regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). RCT is the designation in Nova Scotia and PEI, regulated by the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT) and the College of Counselling Therapy of PEI (CCTPEI) respectively. New Brunswick regulates the equivalent title as Licensed Counselling Therapist (LCT), governed by the College of Counselling Therapists of New Brunswick (CCTNB).

To become an RP or RCT, practitioners must complete a relevant master's-level degree or equivalent, in fields such as counselling, psychology, social work, or education, along with supervised clinical hours and a registration exam set out by their provincial college.

Each psychotherapist or counselling therapist has their own approach and areas of specialization based on their experience and training. They can use a wide range of evidence-based approaches and have a holistic approach, incorporating systemic and environmental factors into their practice.

Provincial scope: The RP, RCT, and LCT titles are protected by law in Ontario, Nova Scotia, PEI, and New Brunswick respectively. In most other provinces, including BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, psychotherapy titles are not yet regulated by provincial law, though some provinces are in the process of establishing frameworks [7].

Qualifying designations (RP (Qualifying) and RCT-C): Both the RP and RCT have a candidate-level designation for practitioners who have completed their education but are still accumulating the supervised hours required for full registration. In Ontario, this is the Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) [8]. In Nova Scotia, this is the Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate, or RCT-C, who must complete a minimum of 2,000 post-graduate supervised hours over two to five years before qualifying for full RCT licensure [9]. Both RP (Qualifying) and RCT-C practitioners are licensed to provide therapy and work under the supervision of a fully registered colleague.

When to choose an RP or RCT: If your primary goal is talk therapy, working through issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, or life transitions, an RP or RCT is a strong fit. Their training is focused specifically on psychotherapy, and they're well-covered by most employer extended health plans. Note that RPs and RCTs cannot diagnose or prescribe medication; if you need a formal diagnosis or are exploring medication, you'll need a psychologist or psychiatrist.

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• Regulated by: Provincial Regulatory Body (ON ; NB; NS; PEI )
• Education Level: Master’s degree or degree in counselling and psychotherapy
  
  • RP (ON): Graduate-level program in psychotherapy or substantially equivalent field, as assessed by CRPO
  • RCT (NS/PEI): Master's degree in counselling therapy
• Provide Diagnosis: No
• Prescribe Medications: No
• Conduct Assessment: Yes, not diagnostic
• Therapy Treatment: Yes
• Session Fee Typically ranges from $130–$200 per session; $150–$220 in larger urban centres
• Coverage: Covered by most employer extended health benefits plans

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Psychologists (C. Psych) and Psychological Associates (C. Psych. Assoc)‍

A psychologist is a mental health professional with expertise in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions. They are trained to assess and diagnose cognitive, emotional, and behavioural challenges, and many also provide ongoing psychotherapy. However, while psychotherapy and diagnostic assessment are within their scope, not all licensed psychologists practise psychotherapy or provide diagnostic assessments.Psychologists are one of the few designations authorized to formally diagnose psychological disorders and conduct standardized psychological assessments.

Psychologists complete either a doctoral or master's degree depending on the province [10]. A doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) is required to use the title Psychologist in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and PEI. In Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, a master's degree may be sufficient to use the title Psychologist. Regardless of degree level, registration in all provinces requires a period of supervised clinical practice and successful completion of a licensing exam.

What is a Psychological Associate? In Ontario, BC, Manitoba, and PEI, practitioners who hold a master's degree in psychology, rather than a doctorate, may register under the designation Psychological Associate [10]. Their scope of practice is more limited than a fully registered psychologist. In some provinces, the ability to diagnose may be granted by the provincial regulatory authority but is not automatic, scope varies by province and registration status [11].

A note on Quebec: Psychologists in Quebec are regulated by the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ). Unlike most other provinces, Quebec restricts the practice of psychotherapy by law, it is reserved exclusively for psychologists, physicians, and other regulated health and social services professionals who hold a psychotherapist's permit issued by the OPQ [12].

When to choose a psychologist: A psychologist is the right choice when you need a formal diagnosis and/or a comprehensive psychological assessment (e.g., for ADHD, learning disabilities, or complex mental health conditions). For psychotherapy alone, a psychologist, RSW, or RP can all provide specialized evidence-based treatment; your choice may come down to availability, cost, and benefits coverage. 

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• Regulated by: Provincial college of psychologists (varies by province)
• Education Level: Educational requirements differ across provinces.
  
  • Psychologist: Doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) required in ON, BC, QC, MB, NB, and PEI; master's degree may be sufficient in AB, SK, NS, NL, and the territories
  • Psychological Associate: Master's degree in psychology, available in ON, BC, MB, and PEI. Followed by a set amount of time completing supervised practice
• Provide Diagnosis: Yes; though not all psychologists provide diagnostic assessment; confirm with your provider
• Prescribe Medications: No
• Conduct Assessment: Yes; including formal psychological assessment and standardized testing
• Therapy Treatment: Yes; though not all psychologists provide psychotherapy; confirm with your provider
• Price Per Session: Typically ranges from $200–$350 per session
• Coverage: Covered by most employer benefits

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Psychiatrists (MD)‍

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. They often focus on more complex mental health issues, and will typically perform a diagnostic assessment when first meeting with a patient. 

As physicians, psychiatrists are uniquely positioned among mental health providers: they are the only designation that can both diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. Psychiatrists generally provide follow-up medication management until a patient is stable on medication. 

Given their medical training, psychiatrists typically focus on the assessment and treatment of more complex or severe mental health conditions, focusing primarily on diagnosis and medication management rather than ongoing psychotherapy. They may hold expertise in a specific area of mental health, for example Psychiatrists who specialize in Borderline personality disorder (BPD) or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). When therapy is needed alongside psychiatric care, psychiatrists will often refer patients to another provider, a psychologist, social worker, or registered psychotherapist.

Typically, a referral from your family doctor is required to see a psychiatrist. Because psychiatrists are medical doctors, their services are covered by provincial and territorial health insurance plans when referred by a family physician, making them the only mental health provider whose services are publicly funded in this way. No out-of-pocket cost applies for insured services accessed through a referral. Unfortunately, the waitlists to see psychiatrists has the potential to be quite lengthy.

A note on private psychiatry: Some psychiatrists operate outside the public system in private practice and do not bill provincial health insurance. In these cases, sessions are paid out of pocket at the psychiatrist's own rate, which varies and is not publicly standardized.

When to choose a psychiatrist: A psychiatrist is the right choice when you need medication prescribed or managed for a mental health condition, when you have a complex or severe diagnosis, or when other providers have recommended a psychiatric assessment. If your primary need is psychotherapy, a referral to another provider is typically more appropriate and accessible.

Wait times: Access to psychiatry can require significant wait times and vary considerably by province. Accessing a psychiatrist through the public system requires a physician referral; ask your family doctor about current wait times in your area.

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• Regulated by: Provincial Physician Regulatory Body
• Education: Medical degree (MD) and five-year psychiatry residency
• Provide Diagnosis: Yes
• Prescribe Medications: Yes; the only mental health provider in Canada with this authority
• Conduct Assessment: Yes
• Therapy Treatment: Yes; though most psychiatrists focus primarily on diagnosis and medication management rather than ongoing psychotherapy and will often refer to other resources for therapy
• Session Fee: Covered by provincial health insurance when referred by a family physician; private practice rates vary and are not publicly standardized
• Coverage: Covered by provincial health insurance (physician referral usually required); private psychiatry is not covered

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Counsellors

Note: Registered Counselling Therapists (RCT) and Licensed Counselling Therapists (LCT) are provincially regulated designations covered in the Registered Psychotherapists section of this article.

Counsellor is a broad term in Canada covering a wide range of practitioners, from those with graduate-level training and recognized credentials to those with no formal mental health education. Unlike psychologists, social workers, and registered psychotherapists, the counsellor title is not uniformly regulated across Canada.

Counselling therapy is currently regulated in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and PEI. British Columbia is in the process of establishing provincial regulation for counselling therapists, with implementation expected November 2027 [13]. Most other provinces remain unregulated, in those provinces, anyone can legally call themselves a counsellor regardless of training [14].

In provinces where counselling is not yet regulated, the Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) designation, issued by the CCPA, is particularly valuable as the most widely recognized national standard. It requires a graduate degree in counselling, supervised practicum hours, and adherence to a professional code of ethics  [14]. In BC, the equivalent is the Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), issued by the BCACC. Both are voluntary certifications, not provincial licences, but signal a meaningful level of accountability. Many extended health plans specify CCC or RCC as eligible designations.

When to choose a counsellor: A credentialed counsellor (CCC, RCC) can be a good fit for support with anxiety, stress, grief, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and general well-being. In unregulated provinces, a credentialed counsellor may offer equivalent depth of care to other regulated providers, depending on their training and experience. Always verify credentials and ask what body, if any, your counsellor is credentialed by. If you need a formal diagnosis or medication, a psychologist or psychiatrist is the appropriate referral.

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Choosing the Right Provider

Each designation covered in this article has a distinct scope of practice, but the practice of psychotherapy itself is similar across them. For instance, training in specific therapy approaches such as CBT, EMDR, or ACT is consistent regardless of designation, assuming psychotherapy is within scope for the practitioner. The designation matters most when your needs require something specific, like a formal diagnosis, medication, or a particular type of assessment.

Here are some guiding questions to help you choose the right provider:

• Do I need a provider who can diagnose mental health conditions? If so, do I want/need the person diagnosing me and the person treating me to be the same?
• Is medication recommended as part of my mental health treatment? If so, do I need a psychiatrist for specialized medications or is this something my GP can address?
• What type of training and qualifications are important to me in a mental health provider?
• Which therapy designations are covered by my benefits plan?

Finding the right therapist involves more than selecting a designation. Remember, choosing the right designation for a mental health provider is only one aspect of your therapy journey. The most important factor in a successful therapy experience is fit. Your relationship with your therapist, how comfortable you feel with them, and the specific approaches they use typically dictates more about your therapy journey than what designation they have.

For detailed information on designation requirements, ethics, and training, visit the regulatory body websites referenced throughout this article.

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‍Finding the right support

If you require any immediate support, please reach out to a professional, or click here to explore our crisis and community resources. If you’d like to inquire about finding mental health support that’s right for you, a member of our team is happy to assist you. You can email us at contact@layla.care for any inquiries, or complete our intake form to reach out to a member of our care team.

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If you’re interested in exploring a psychological assessment, Layla offers comprehensive virtual evaluations through our psychological assessment program. We offer virtual psychological assessments for individuals located in Ontario and Alberta, with limited availability in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Nunavut and Yukon.

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References and external links

[1] Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. (n.d.). Psychotherapy. https://www.ocswssw.org/registrants/psychotherapy/

[2] Canadian Association of Social Workers. (n.d.). Section 11: About registered social workers. https://www.casw-acts.ca/en/section-11-about-registered-social-workers

[3] Canadian Clinical Supervision. (n.d.). RCSW vs. RSW: What’s the difference? https://canadianclinicalsupervision.ca/rcsw-vs-rsw/

[4] Canadian Clinical Supervision. (n.d.). How to become an RCSW in British Columbia. https://canadianclinicalsupervision.ca/how-to-become-a-rcsw-in-bc/

[5] Saskatchewan College of Psychologists. (n.d.). Authorized practice endorsement. https://www.skcp.ca/?page_id=57

[6] Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. (n.d.). Understanding the titles of counsellors and therapists in Canada. https://canadiancounselling.ca/understanding-the-titles-of-counsellors-and-therapists-in-canada/

[7] Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. (n.d.). Inter-provincial practice. CCPA. https://www.ccpa-accp.ca/inter-provincial-practice/ 

[8] College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. (n.d.). Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). CRPO. https://crpo.ca/registrant-information/registrant-requirements/registered-psychotherapist-qualifying/

[9] Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. (n.d.). Counselling therapy. NSCCT. https://nscct.ca/counselling-therapy/

[10] Government of Canada. (n.d.). Psychologists—Job requirements. Job Bank. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/requirements/2218/ca

[11] Employment and Social Development Canada. (n.d.). National Occupational Classification profile: 4151.0. Government of Canada. https://noc.esdc.gc.ca/CH/CHProfile?code=4151.0

[12] Ordre des psychologues du Québec. (n.d.). What are unlawful practices and usurpation of title? https://www.ordrepsy.qc.ca/web/english/what-are-unlawful-practices-usurpation-title

[13] College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia. (n.d.). Regulating psychotherapy. https://chcpbc.org/legislation/regulating-psychotherapy/

[14] Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. (n.d.). The profession and regulation. https://www.ccpa-accp.ca/profession-and-regulation/

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