Anyone can call themself a ‘therapist’, which is a catch-all term referring to various types of clinicians. ‘Therapy’ is also a general term that can refer to a wide range of services such as supportive counselling, problem solving, and the use of psychotherapy (or therapy) to treat serious mental health disorders (this last one can only be done by a licensed therapist).

Ideally, you should ensure that the therapist you choose is licensed by a College which oversees their training and qualifications, and regulates their practice to ensure a high standard of care. There are several types of licensed therapists in Ontario: Psychiatrists, Registered Psychologists / Psychological Associates, Registered Psychotherapists, Registered Social Workers, and to some degree, Family Physicians, Registered Nurse Practitioners, and Registered Occupational Therapists, depending on their training.

Psychiatrists are medical physicians with training in mental health and can diagnose and treat mental health disorders. They are the only mental health professionals in Canada who can prescribe medications. As such, their work is usually focused on serious mental health disorders that require medical intervention, and less focused on psychotherapy. Because their services are covered by OHIP, psychiatrists tend to have very long waitlists.

Psychologists and Psychological Associates are licensed by the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Registered psychologists may hold a doctoral degree, or a masters degree. Registered psychological associates usually hold a masters degree. Both are held to the same high standard of knowledge and practice, and are both licensed to provide the same scope of services: mental health assessments, diagnosis of learning, developmental, or mental health disorders, and psychotherapy and treatment of serious mental health disorders. Psychological services in private clinics are not usually covered by OHIP.

Registered Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists have mental health training in psychology, counselling, or related fields, and are licensed to provide counselling and psychotherapy services. They do not diagnose mental health disorders, but offer treatment services for a wide range of mental health concerns, depending on their training and experience. Their services are not usually covered by OHIP.

Some ‘therapists’ may be unregulated and unlicensed, meaning that they are not held to any specific standards of training and oversight. It’s wise to ask if your therapist is licensed, and about their training and experience in treating people with your kind of concern.

Everyone experiences some anxiety, low days, irritability, relationship problems, and so on. Many children and adolescents present with behavioural challenges.
It’s usually a good idea to consult a therapist if you or your child’s concerns persist over time, and if symptoms begin negatively impacting you and your family’s life, or stops you from doing things you would or should want to do.

Choosing a therapist can be confusing – we get it!
Who you should see depends on several factors, including the referral concern, the therapist’s ability to treat your concern, the connection between you and the therapist, your age, location, and availability. To help you navigate this, we’re happy to ask you the relevant questions when you call, and to match you with the most appropriate therapist.

Yes! By law in Ontario, all sessions with licensed therapists are confidential. There are some exceptions that your therapist will explain to you during your first meeting. If you have questions about privacy or confidentiality, please ask. You can also learn more about Ontario’s privacy laws here.

In your initial consultation, your therapist usually discusses your referral concerns (or your child’s referral concerns) and develops a treatment plan with you, including an estimate of how many sessions may be needed to help get things back on track. Your treatment plan is unique and tailored just for you. Some clients may only need a few therapy sessions, while other clients may need consistent therapy for years. Your therapist will be able to give you a better idea within your first few therapy sessions.

In your initial consultation, your therapist will usually develop a treatment plan with you, including their recommendation of how often you should have therapy sessions. For most new clients, a therapist may want you to attend therapy sessions on a weekly basis. As things progress during the course of treatment, the therapist may adjust the frequency of therapy sessions to biweekly, and then monthly.