A Psychologist is a professional trained in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health issues. Psychologists are registered and regulated by the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO). In Ontario, only a member of the CPO may call himself or herself a Psychologist. In order to be registered as a Psychologist in Ontario, an individual must have completed a graduate degree (currently a doctorate) as well as a one-to-two-year supervised internship. He or she must then pass professional examinations and agree to follow an ethical code and standards of professional practice as defined in the Health Professions Act legislated by the Province of Ontario.

Many people, at some time in their life, need professional help with their personal problems. The role of a Psychologist is to help you find solutions to the problems and challenges you may be facing at home, school, or work. It is often difficult to recognize when help is needed. Listed below are some of the reasons why people see a Psychologist. If you or someone you care about is experiencing problems such as these, think about consulting a Psychologist.

• You are chronically anxious
• You are depressed
• You suffer from phobias
• You have an eating disorder (anorexia, bulimia, compulsive over-eating)
• You are addicted to alcohol or other drugs
• You have difficulty getting along with your partner, family, or co-workers
• You are faced with a major life change
• You are overwhelmed or “burned out” by workplace stress You are having problems with parenting
• You simply feel like you need someone to talk to, either to unburden yourself, to develop healthy strategies, or to provide support not available from other people in your life

Your problem does not have to be overwhelmingly serious to benefit from psychological help. Delays in seeking help may cause you needless suffering and may cause your problem to become worse in the long run, if left untreated.
(Source: Ontario Psychological Association www.psych.on.ca )

Psychologists are registered and regulated by the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO). In Ontario, only a member of CPO may call himself or herself a Psychologist. The CPO maintains an up-to-date list of registered Psychologists in the province of Ontario at: http://www.cpo.on.ca/

Note: There are many other kinds of “Counsellors” and “Therapists” who may or may not have training in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health issues. When you choose a Psychologist, you can be assured that the professional has extensive formal training and supervision in their area of expertise, will adhere to a strict code of ethics and professional standards, and is governed and regulated by the College of Psychologists.
(Source: Ontario Psychological Association www.psych.on.ca )

A psychologist holds a Ph.D., and in addition to providing therapy (e.g., CBT, DBT, ACT) can also do a psychological assessment and provide a formal diagnosis. A social worker and psychotherapist hold a master’s degree and can provide therapy (e.g., CBT, DBT, ACT). However, they cannot provide a diagnosis or a psychological assessment. All three types of therapists can treat a variety of concerns and problems. Only a registered psychologist is typically recommended to treat complex cases since they have more years of education and training.

Psychologists and Psychiatrists have approximately the same number of years of formal training. The basic difference is the kind of training they have received. Psychologists have a doctoral degree in psychology and specialize in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of human emotion, thought, and behaviour. They have advanced training in psychotherapy and the science of behaviour change. Although they may have training in the use of medication to treat mental illness, in Ontario they are not licensed to prescribe medication. Psychologists are the only professionals qualified to use certain kinds of psychological tests to assess intelligence, emotional and behavioural problems, and neuropsychological dysfunction. Their fees are covered by private payment, extended medical plans, employee assistance programs, and through government agencies or other special programs. In Ontario, they are licensed by the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

Psychiatrists have a degree in medicine like your family physician and then take specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of emotional and behavioural problems. They are able to prescribe medication and their fees are covered by OHIP. In Ontario, they are licensed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.

(Source: Ontario Psychological Association www.psych.on.ca )

These services are not currently covered by OHIP, but are partially covered by extended health insurance plans (e.g., Sun Life, Manulife, Great West Life, etc.). The coverage for each carrier is different so please check with your plan to see what coverage is available for psychologists, social workers, and psychotherapists.