I know, it’s confusing. There are so many different mental health professionals in Ontario - what’s the difference between a Clinical Psychologist, a Psychiatrist, a Psychotherapist, or a Social Worker?

It’s important to find the right support for your mental health needs.

Clinical Psychologists are one of the most highly qualified mental health professionals. In Ontario, most Psychologists hold a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology (PhD or PsyD) in addition to a master’s degree. During training, Psychologists complete comprehensive coursework on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders. This coursework is complemented by supervised training in numerous practicum settings (i.e., university counselling centres, hospitals, community mental health clinics) as well as a predoctoral residency (typically a full-time, year-long experience). Following completion of the doctoral program, psychologists must complete another year of supervised practice before being able register with the College of Psychologists of Ontario as autonomous clinicians.

This means that the typical Clinical Psychologist in Ontario undergoes between 6-7 years of specialized graduate training, and then completes another year of training before independent practice. The education, training, and experience that a psychologist receives is extensive.

Clinical Psychologists are able to provide a mental health diagnosis, but do not prescribe medication.

For more information on the differences between the training, education, and scopes of practice between mental health professionals, check out this chart created by the Ontario Psychological Association.