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Navigating Mental Health Professionals in Ontario: Who Does What?
- Rucha Patel
- May 30
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 1
If you’re looking for mental health support in Ontario, you might feel overwhelmed by the many professional titles—Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist, Social Worker, and others—and not know where to start.
This guide from Liberated Mind Therapy helps you navigate these roles clearly and confidently, so you can make an informed choice about the support that’s right for you.
1. Psychiatrist (MD)
Medication + Diagnosis + Therapy
A medical doctor who specializes in mental illness
Can diagnose psychiatric conditions and prescribe medication
May offer psychotherapy, though many focus primarily on diagnosis and medication management
Usually accessed through a referral (e.g., family doctor)
Long wait time are common
Fees are covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
Private psychiatrists are rare and expensive
Regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO)
Best for: Conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or when medication is a primary concern.
2. Psychologist / Psychological Associate
Assessment + Diagnosis + Therapy
Specializes in psychological assessments and evidence-based treatments
Can diagnose mental health conditions
Cannot prescribe medication
Typically accessed through self-referral, with clients initiating contact directly
Not covered by OHIP but often covered under extended health benefits
Psychological evaluations typically range from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the type and complexity of the assessment
Private insurance may offer partial reimbursement for some evaluations; however, educational assessments are often not covered
May have a waitlist
May supervise or delegate clients to associates or supervisees under their oversight
Regulated by the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO)
Best for: Clients needing ADHD or psychoeducational assessments or formal diagnoses.
3. Registered Psychotherapist (RP)
Talk Therapy + Somatic Healing + Creative Therapy (e.g. Art)
Specializes in providing psychotherapy, including couples counselling, mindfulness, skills-based interventions, somatic exercises, trauma therapy, and emotional processing
Their specialization varies based on their training, interests, and clinical focus
Works with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues
Cannot diagnose or prescribe
Typically accessed through self-referral, with clients initiating contact directly
Not covered by OHIP but often reimbursed through extended health benefits
For RPs working in community mental health programs, a referral may be required based on the organization's intake process
Regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
Best for: Clients seeking relational, trauma-informed, or ongoing talk therapy.
4. Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Therapy + Advocacy + System Navigation
Offers therapy, case management support, and access to community resources
May hold a BSW or MSW
Cannot diagnose or prescribe
Clients can self-refer directly to RSWs working in private practice
Typically accessed through self-referral, with clients initiating contact directly
Not covered by OHIP but often covered under extended health benefits
In public settings (e.g., hospitals, community mental health programs), a referral may be required depending on the organization's intake process
Regulated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
Best for: Therapy in community contexts or access to social supports and systems navigation.
5. Nurse Practitioner / Mental Health Nurse (RN/RPN)
Clinical Mental Health + Diagnosis + Medication Support
May specialize in mental health, but their availability remains limited across Ontario
NPs can diagnose and prescribe medication
OHIP-funded NP programs may require referral (e.g. Family Health Teams)
NP in private practice are typically accessed through self-referral and may be reimbursed through extended health benefits
Regulated by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
Best for: Clients needing combined medical and mental health support.
6. Occupational Therapist (OT) – Mental Health Focus
Daily Functioning + Emotional Support
Helps clients improve daily life function, routines, and self-regulation
Some are trained in psychotherapy but often collaborate with other professionals for mental health recovery
Typically accessed through self-referral, except when part of a hospital or rehabilitation setting
Unless provided in a hospital setting, services are generally not covered by OHIP but may be reimbursed through extended health benefits
Regulated by the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO)
Best for: Clients working on independence and life balance during mental health recovery.
7. RP (Qualifying), Intern Therapist, or Student Counsellor
Affordable Therapy Under Supervision
Registered but in early practice or still completing hours
Work under clinical supervision
May offer lower-fee therapy
Typically accessed through self-referral or assigned under the supervision of a regulated professional
Regulated by CRPO or another regulatory college depending on designation
Best for: Cost-effective therapy with emerging professionals under close supervision.
What About Unregulated Titles?
Terms like “therapist,” “counsellor,” or “coach” are not protected titles in Ontario. This means anyone can legally use them—even without formal training. These titles may not indicate a licensed mental health professional:
Counsellor / Mental Health Coach / Life Coach
Spiritual Advisor / Pastoral Counsellor
Addiction Counsellor (unless also an RSW/RP)
Peer Support Worker
These professionals cannot legally provide psychotherapy unless registered with a regulatory college (like CRPO, CPO, or OCSWSSW). Always ask about a provider’s education, regulatory college, and supervision if you're unsure.
You can verify a therapist’s registration using their college’s public registry online.
Who Is Considered a Therapist in Ontario?
In Ontario, only certain regulated professionals are authorized to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy. If you're seeking mental health care, it's important to ensure your provider is properly credentialed.
Regulated professionals who can provide psychotherapy:
Registered Psychotherapists (RP)
Psychologists / Psychological Associates
Psychiatrists
Registered Social Workers (RSW)
Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
Occupational Therapists (with psychotherapy training)
These professionals are trained, accountable, and follow strict ethical standards. They are also legally allowed to practice psychotherapy in Ontario.
Quick Guide to Choosing a Mental Health Professional in Ontario
Additional Clarifying Notes
OHIP only covers services provided by physicians (e.g., psychiatrists) or in publicly funded settings (e.g., NP-led clinics).
Organizations such as the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) offer publicly funded programs that provide free counselling for a range of mental health concerns.
Couples therapy is typically not covered by OHIP or publicly funded programs.
Most private practice mental health care is not covered by OHIP, but many are reimbursed through employer or student insurance plans.
Referral requirements are usually for publicly funded psychiatric services, not private therapy.
Be sure to check with your extended health insurance provider to confirm whether your chosen services and professional are eligible for reimbursement.
Personalized Support at Liberated Mind Therapy
At Liberated Mind Therapy, you’ll work one-on-one with a qualified and registered therapist who provides warm, individualized support rooted in evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches. Whether you're navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, or working toward deeper personal growth, therapy is tailored to meet your needs—both individually and as a couple.
We offer:
In-person sessions in Barrie, Ontario
Secure virtual sessions across Ontario
Services covered by most extended health insurance plans
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