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You're ready to seek support, but who do you go to? Here we look at the difference between psychologists and psychotherapists and how they can help.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychotherapist?
Sometimes you may need therapy for a variety of concerns such as anxiety, depression or substance use. It is not always easy to know where to go for help and who to talk to. It can also be unclear what the difference is between a psychologist and a psychotherapist.
Both professions provide evidence-based, up-to-date mental health care to individuals, couples, and families. The main difference between psychologists and psychotherapists is that they have different basic training. In Canada, the schooling and practice requirements for psychologists and psychotherapists differ from province to province.
Registered psychologist
Psychologists are a regulated profession in every province and territory except for the Yukon. In most provinces, a doctoral degree is required to practice psychology in Canada. Psychologists learn evidence-based psychological treatment and neuropsychiatric assessment with cognitive testing during their training. A period of supervised practical training is also necessary before practicing psychology independently.
A psychologist works with the assessment, investigation and treatment of mental illness. They work, for example, in medical centers, in psychiatry, as school psychologists, in the prison system and in private practice. Psychologists can also train to become specialists in different areas such as clinical psychology, occupational psychology or neuropsychiatry.
What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!
Benedetta Osarenk
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12 common questions and answers on psychologist vs psychotherapist
What is a psychologist?
A psychologist is a person who works to assess, investigate and treat mental health concerns in public and private health care. It is a licensed profession in Canada, except for in the Yukon.
What is a psychotherapist?
A psychotherapist is a person involved in the assessment and treatment of mental health concerns in the public and private sectors. It is a licensed profession in some areas of Canada.
What is a therapist?
A therapist is a person who works as a counsellor providing mental health support. In Canada, anyone can call themselves a therapist, as it is not a regulated title.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychotherapist?
The difference between these professions is that they have different basic training, with psychologists having completed a doctoral degree in psychological treatment and assessment, while psychotherapists may have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and can be social workers or nurses.
What methods and techniques are used in psychotherapy?
One of the most common methods is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), but there are other methods that are also helpful. In CBT, you work with thoughts, feelings and behaviours to feel better.
What does it mean to be licensed?
Having a license means that you have attended a program such as the psychologist or psychotherapist program and done the required internship before applying for a license from a provincial or territorial regulatory body. Once you are licensed, you need to prove that you are maintaining your competency and completing continuing education on a regular basis.
I am thinking of meeting a coach, what does that mean?
A coach is a person who can work with counselling to create change. This can be helpful, but coaches do not make psychological assessments or have broader knowledge of different conditions. Coaches are not regulated in Canada. Psychologists are also often taught coaching as part of their initial training.
What is level 1 training in CBT?
Sometimes you can read that someone has level 1 training in CBT, which means that they have had basic CBT training. This is a certification course that can be taken in addition to mental health training programs, and is sometimes included in psychology training programs.
Can you get psychotherapy online?
It is possible to receive treatment digitally via video. Research has shown that the outcome of the treatment is equivalent to meeting in person.
What is a CBT therapist?
A CBT therapist is either a licensed psychologist or psychotherapist who is trained in CBT or a therapist who has completed level 1 in CBT, which is a shorter basic training in CBT.
What does it cost to attend psychotherapy?
At Lavendla, it is the psychologists and therapists who set the price and you can see these on the therapist’s profile page. An individual therapy session with Lavendla therapists usually lasts 45 minutes and costs between $100-$200 CAD.
Where can I go if I need help?
At Lavendla, we have experienced psychologists and therapists who can help you feel better. If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, call 911, call or text the National Suicide Hotline at 988, or go to the nearest emergency room.
What is a psychotherapist?
In general, a psychotherapist is someone who has completed a psychotherapy course or degree, along with a period of supervised practice. In Canada, psychotherapy is only regulated in certain areas, like Ontario and Nova Scotia. This means that the training and experience required to call yourself a psychotherapist can vary greatly throughout the country.
A psychotherapist can work in public health care such as a medical center or hospital, but also in private practice. They work mainly in the assessment and treatment of mental health problems. They cannot diagnose or prescribe medications.
What is a therapist?
In Canada, therapist is not a protected title. This means that anyone regardless of training or experience can call themselves a therapist. Thus, there is not the same quality assurance and patient safety as with a licensed profession. Before choosing someone to attend therapy with, it is a good idea to look into the education and experience of each person you are considering. Someone who has a license with a regulatory body has to uphold certain standards of practice, including committing to upholding confidentiality and patient safety.
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