A: In Canada, a Registered Psychotherapist is a qualified mental health professional who has met the academic and practical requirements of an overseeing college. I am a Registered Psychotherapist under the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.



When you choose to see a Registered Psychotherapist for counselling, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands; we are legally qualified to practice psychotherapy, and have enough experience and knowledge for you to be able to trust us. However, it’s important to note that as a Registered Psychotherapist, I cannot give you a diagnosis or a medication prescription.



A psychologist is a mental health professional who has a doctorate degree in psychology. Many psychologists also practice psychotherapy. Psychologists can conduct a psychological assessment to give you a mental health diagnosis; however, they can’t prescribe medications.



A psychiatrist is a medical practitioner who specializes in mental health; they have a medical degree and a license to practice medicine. A psychiatrist is the only type of mental health practitioner that is able to prescribe psychiatric medications. They usually work with people who have severe or persistent mental illness.