There are diverse mental health professionals in Ontario, offering different approaches and performing multiple activities. Navigating this field, understanding what each professional can do, and when to look for them can be quite challenging.
To better understand that, it is important to recognise that
the Regulated Health Professions Act (1991) set out 14 controlled acts that are
inherently risky and should only be performed by a properly qualified
professional to ensure client safety. The controlled act of psychotherapy is
one of these legally restricted acts. More information: Regulated Health Professions
The Controlled Act of Psychotherapy is defined as “treating,
by means of psychotherapy technique, delivered through a therapeutic
relationship, an individual's serious disorder of thought, cognition, mood,
emotional regulation, perception or memory that may seriously impair the
individual's judgement, insight, behaviour, communication or social
functioning". More information: Understanding the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy
Only members of six authorized colleges can legally perform
this controlled act in Ontario. The controlled act of psychotherapy applies to
practitioners physically present in Ontario, and those located outside of
Ontario who are providing services to clients in this province (virtual care).
Here's a differentiation of regulated mental health
professionals in the province of Ontario:
-
Medical Doctors / Psychiatrists: medical
doctors who specialize in mental health. They can diagnose mental illnesses,
prescribe medication, and provide psychotherapy. Some Medical Doctors offer
psychotherapy, but they are not Psychiatrists. They are regulated by the
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario: CPSO
-
Psychologists / Psychological Associates:
they have completed a graduate degree in psychology (Doctorate for
Psychologists, masters for Psychological Associates). They can assess,
diagnose, and treat mental health disorders using various forms of
psychotherapy. They are regulated by the College of Psychologists of Ontario: CPBAO
-
Registered Psychotherapists: Registered
Psychotherapists are mental health professionals who provide psychotherapy
services. They are regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of
Ontario: CRPO
-
Registered Nurses / Mental Health Nurse
Practitioners: nurses with specialized training in mental health. They can
diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medications, and provide
psychotherapy. They are regulated by the College of Nurses of Ontario: CNO
-
Social Workers / Social Service Workers: provide
counselling and psychotherapy services. They are regulated by the Ontario
College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers: OCSWSSW
-
Occupational Therapists: can provide
mental health services, including some forms of psychotherapy. They are
regulated by the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario: COTO
Some individuals may be registered in more than one College,
depending on their education and qualifications.
Certain activities fall outside of the Controlled Act of
Psychotherapy, such as intake and referral, case management, short-term
counselling (for a full list of services, please check: Understanding the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy).
Those activities can be performed by non-regulated Mental Health Professionals,
including:
-
Psychometrists: administer and score
psychological tests but do not interpret results or provide therapy. They are
not specifically regulated in Ontario. More information: OAMHP
-
Psychoanalysts: practice a specific form
of psychotherapy based on psychodynamic principles. They will be regulated
under one of the above colleges depending on their primary profession. They
should complete specific training programs. More information: TPS&I
-
Counsellors / Mental Health Counsellors:
the term "counsellor" is not regulated in Ontario. Counsellors may
provide supportive listening and guidance but cannot perform the controlled act
of psychotherapy unless registered with one of the authorized colleges. But
they do have a specific association. More information: CCPA
-
Art Therapists: use creative processes in
therapy. They may be regulated if they are also registered with one of the
authorized colleges. They should complete specific training programs, and have
a specific association. More information: OATA
-
Life Coaches: provide guidance and
support for personal or professional goals. They are not regulated and cannot
perform psychotherapy. More information: ICF Toronto
-
Traditional Healers: Ontario also
embraces traditional Indigenous healing practices, including the use of
traditional songs, dance, and art in the healing process. These practices aim
to heal the spirit and foster connections to culture and community. Traditional
healers provide culturally specific healing practices. While respected, they
are not formally regulated under Ontario's health professions legislation. More
information: Anishnawbe Health Toronto
All mental health professionals should be committed
to providing compassionate and culturally responsive care that addresses the
whole person, whether through psychological assessment, traditional talk
therapy, creative art therapies, or Indigenous healing practices. There are
many paths to wellness, and mental health professionals should specialize in
the field they are working, following specific code of ethics and standards of
practice.