Choosing the Right Mental Health Professional in Ontario
Understanding Credentials: Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Psychotherapists, and Social Workers
Finding the right therapist in Ontario can feel overwhelming. With so many titles — psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist, social worker — it’s natural to wonder what the differences are and who is best suited to support your needs. At Routes to Resilience Counselling & Consulting, we believe that transparency and education help clients feel empowered in choosing care that’s right for them.
Psychiatrists
Training: Medical doctors (MDs) who specialize in mental health.
Services: Can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication.
Approach: Often provide shorter, medication-focused appointments rather than ongoing talk therapy.
Best Fit For: Clients seeking psychiatric assessment, medication management, or treatment for complex conditions requiring medical oversight.
Psychologists
Training: Hold a PhD or PsyD in psychology.
Services: Provide in-depth psychological assessments, testing (e.g., ADHD, learning disabilities), and evidence-based therapy.
Approach: Focuses on research-based interventions, such as CBT, DBT, or trauma therapies.
Best Fit For: Clients needing formal assessments, diagnostic clarity, or structured therapy with measurable outcomes.
Registered Psychotherapists & Social Workers
Psychotherapists (RP):
Registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
Specialize in talk therapy, counselling, and relational support.
Often trained in specific modalities such as CBT, ACT, Narrative Therapy, or trauma-focused care.
Social Workers (RSW/MSW):
Registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).
Provide counselling and psychotherapy, as well as broader systems support (advocacy, case management, family support).
Often trained in specific modalities such as CBT, ACT, Narrative Therapy, or trauma-focused care.
Services are often covered by extended health benefits.
Best Fit For: Individuals, couples, and families seeking ongoing counselling, trauma support, or therapy for life transitions, relationships, and sexual wellness.
What to Look For When Choosing a Therapist
Because the market can feel oversaturated, it’s important to evaluate a therapist’s credentials and training:
Registration: Are they regulated by a professional college (CRPO, OCSWSSW, CPSO, CPO)?
Specialized Training: Do they have additional certifications (e.g., AASECT-certified sex therapy, trauma therapy, art/play therapy)?
Experience: How many years of practice, and with which populations?
Approach: Do they explain how therapy works, and does it fit with your needs?
Fit: Most importantly — do you feel safe, heard, and understood?
Questions to Ask Before Starting Therapy
What are your credentials and registrations?
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
Do you have specialized training relevant to my concerns?
How are sessions structured, and what are your fees?
Are services covered by insurance or direct billing programs (e.g., NIHB for Indigenous clients, first responder benefits)?
Why Choose Routes to Resilience Counselling & Consulting
At Routes to Resilience, you receive care from a Registered Social Worker (RSW, MSW) with over a decade of experience and advanced training in:
Evidence-based therapy (CBT, DBT skills, ACT, Narrative Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, Attachment Theory, Motivational Interviewing)
Creative therapies (art therapy, play therapy)
Specialized certifications including AASECT-certified sex therapy
Expertise with diverse communities: first responders, neurodivergent individuals, 2SLGBTQ+, and Indigenous clients (with NIHB direct billing available).
We prioritize trauma-informed, culturally safe, and inclusive care to support individuals, couples, and families across Ontario.
Choosing the right therapist shouldn’t be confusing. Book a consultation today to learn how Routes to Resilience can support your mental health and wellness.
