There seems to be a lot of confusion around the different mental health professionals. Who can blame you for being confused when it feels like there are so many different titles for what feels like the same thing!
Often times clients are just wanting to make sure they have the right professional so they can use their benefits correctly. No one likes being denied coverage. Let’s try to break it down and clear up some of the confusion.
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Psychotherapist
It might be easiest to think about the term psychotherapy as an umbrella term.
What is a Psychotherapist?
A Psychotherapist is a mental health professional that uses talk therapy, and the development of the therapeutic relationship, to bring about positive change for a client.
This includes thoughts, feelings, moods, emotional regulation, communication, insight, perception of memory and behaviors that has negatively impacted their daily lives, social functioning with others, and their general happiness or ability to enjoy life.
Psychotherapy became a controlled act in 2007. This means that the term psychotherapist may only be used, and performed, by regulated health professionals.
The regulation of the term ‘Psychotherapist’ is a way to protect the public from harm.
These acts are put in place in order to protect the public from unqualified, incompetent and unfit practitioners.
Since 2017, Social Workers were officially encompassed in the term psychotherapist because Social Workers comply with the definition of psychotherapy services.
Psychotherapy services are defined as any form of treatment for psycho-social or emotional difficulties, behavioral maladaptations and/or other problems that are assumed to be of an emotional nature, in which a College member establishes a professional relationship with a client for the purposes of promoting positive personal growth and development.
As such, Registered Social Workers (RSW) will likely have the title of psychotherapist beside their name.
However, social workers are also required to add MSW, RSW to their designation. (eg. Jane Doe, Psychotherapist MSW, RSW).
With psychotherapy as an umbrella term, Who can provide the controlled act of psychotherapy?
Social Workers registered with OCSWSSW
Registered Psychotherapists,
College of Psychologists of Ontario
College of Nurses of Ontario
College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
Can Psychotherapists Diagnose?
Psychotherapist vs. Psychologist – What’s The Difference? – Infographic
What is a Psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists are medically trained, meaning they have completed Med School and are qualified medical doctors. You would likely see the designation of M.D associated with their name.
Psychiatrists have branched off to focus on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental health issues.
Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems. They are able to prescribe medication as well as provide a diagnosis using the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
Their diagnoses are based on criteria established in the DSM which provides descriptions, symptoms and other criteria for diagnosing mental disorders.
Psychiatrists in Ontario are typically covered by OHIP due to their nature as medical professionals. Some psychiatrists see clients ongoing while others only see clients for the purpose of assessment, diagnosis and medication follow-up.
What is a Psychologist?
Psychologists require an advanced degree in the study of the human behaviour. More specifically:
Psychologists and psychological associates are trained in the assessment, treatment and prevention of behavioural and mental conditions. They diagnose neuropsychological disorders and dysfunctions as well as psychotic, neurotic and personality disorders and dysfunctions.
In addition, psychologists and psychological associates use a variety of approaches directed toward the maintenance and enhancement of physical, intellectual, emotional, social and interpersonal functioning.
Essentially, a psychologist has extensive training in research or clinical practice and can provide psychological testing and evaluation.
Just to add to the confusion, they can also be referred to as Doctors. The distinction is that psychologists won’t likely be a doctor of medicine but rather have obtained a doctorate PhD.
A psychologist with a PhD is a professional who has completed an original thesis offering a significant new contribution to knowledge. They are also required to defend their thesis to their peers. It is important to note that not all psychologists have PhDs, and not all Doctors are M.D’s.
What is a Social Worker and What does MSW, RSW mean?
social workers are trained to assess, diagnosis, treat and evaluate individuals, interpersonal and societal problems. This is done through the use of social work knowledge, skills, interventions and strategies.Social workers assist individuals, dyads, families, groups, organizations and communities to achieve optimum psychosocial and social functioning.
Bachelors of Social Work (BSW) vs. Masters of Social Work (MSW) vs. Registered Social Worker (RSW)
BSW
A mental health professional that has the credential BSW, means that they have a bachelor of social work and completed ~ 4 years of an undergraduate social work program. Having a BSW is an entry level requirement for becoming registered with a professional college.
MSW
A Masters of Social Work typically requires a BSW and an additional year of post-graduate education at the University level. MSW program students are required to complete their course work as well as practical training in the form of supervised placements.
RSW
A RSW is a registered social worker that has pursued additional and specialized education at the university level but has also registered with a professional college.
The professional college (Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers) requires that all members participate in continued learning and development. This involves continuing education and skills development to fulfill the requirements of their professional regulatory body and continue their social work practice.
Registered social work members are held to a professional code of ethics to ensure professional conduct and protect the public.
Insurance Implications for Therapists with MSW, RSW
For the purpose of insurance coverage, your insurance provider may want you to find an MSW, RSW. You must find a professional that has both designations beside their names.
Insurance companies will only provide funding for professional registered with a college because of the professional standards associated with the colleges.
Meaning, if you only find a therapist with the MSW title, but are not registered as a RSW it is likely you will not receive coverage. This is true across all mental health professionals.
Whats the Difference Between Psychiatrists and Psychologists? – Infographic
Psychologist vs Psychiatrist vs Psychotherapist and the impact on insurance coverage – final thoughts
A lot of people find mental health professionals based off of what their insurance companies cover.
Luckily for you, if you are covered for Psychotherapist there is a range of professionals you can work with.
The next step would be determining what you are looking for in terms of help with your mental health.
If you are needing a diagnosis and medication you want a psychiatrist which is covered by OHIP.
If you are looking for psychological tests to be administered you are looking for a psychologist.
If you are looking for someone who can help you work through challenges with mood, emotional regulation, relationships or talk therapy, you are looking for a psychotherapist. Psychotherapists can be found in agencies or private practice.
It is important to note that some insurance companies are specific as to what they will or won’t provide coverage for.
Some will not cover the umbrella term ‘psychotherapy’ and will only provide coverage for a registered social worker (MSW, RSW) or psychologist. Be sure to call your insurance provider for clarity.
If you’re interested in Psychotherapy for individuals or Couples Counselling in the Kitchener, Waterloo or Cambridge area contact us today at Trillium Counselling for a consultation or to book an appointment!
We provide MSW, RSW Psychotherapy services.