Do I Need A Psychotherapist, Psychologist, or Psychiatrist?
Published August 11, 2022
Updated July 24, 2025
6 min read
Understand the differences between a psychotherapist, psychologist, and psychiatrist to help you choose the right mental health professional.
Written by Simon Spichak
For many people struggling with mental health, figuring out where to start is the hardest step. Trying to understand the difference between different mental health professionals can be confusing and intimidating. What’s the difference between a psychotherapist, psychologist, and a psychiatrist in Canada? This guide helps you understand each role and helps you decide which mental health professional is best for your needs.
Psychotherapist vs Pyschologist vs Psychiatrist
| Professional | Can Diagnose? | Can Prescribe? | Training | Insurance | Session Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychotherapist | No | No | Specialized training | Sometimes (private plans) | $100–$150+ |
| Psychologist | Yes | No | Master’s/Doctorate | Sometimes (private plans) | $150–$250+ |
| Psychiatrist | Yes | Yes | Medical Doctor (MD) | Usually (provincial insurance) | Covered |
What is a Psychotherapist
Whether you’re looking to delve inward to learn about yourself or need help managing anxiety or depression, a psychotherapist can help. These licensed professionals are trained in talk therapy to help across a spectrum of mental health including OCD, ADHD, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, and other problems.
Background and Training
Psychotherapists are trained across different therapy modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Some therapists have additional specialties and offer art therapy or specific forms of trauma therapy. At Resolvve, our therapists are also experienced with career counselling and academic coaching.
Certification in Canada
In Canada, psychotherapist is a protected title in many provinces. That means a governing body sets out guidelines for who can and can’t call themselves a psychotherapist in Ontario and Quebec. In Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick, professionals are registered as Counselling Therapists.
How Much Does A Session with a Psychotherapist Cost?
Psychotherapists are often the most affordable mental health practitioners. Resolvve’s practitioners are priced at $100. The cost is usually covered in part by the university or college health insurance plan in Ontario.
Can A Psychotherapist Diagnose Mental Health Conditions?
While some psychotherapists might administer assessments, they cannot formally diagnose mental health conditions.
What is a Psychologist?
A psychologist holds a master’s (MA/MSc) or doctorate (PhD/PsyD) in psychology. They’re trained to understand how we feel, think and behave, then use science-based methods to help people change their behaviours. Many psychologists also split their time between the clinic and research at a university or hospital.
Background and Training
It takes six to 10 years to become a practicing psychologist because of the required postgraduate education and training.
Certification in Canada
Psychologists are a regulated profession in Canada. Only people with the required training who are registered with a provincial body can call themselves a psychologist. While they have a general license, practitioners can also declare and practice within one specialty area. For example, someone trained as a child psychologist will focus on practicing with children.
How Much Does A Session with a Psychologist Cost?
Due to their specialty academic training, psychologists may charge more than $200 per hour. The cost is often covered by private insurance but not by public health plans in most provinces.
Can A Psychologist Diagnose a Mental Health Condition?
A licensed psychologist may be able to provide a mental health diagnosis. However, they cannot prescribe medication.
What is a Psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a type of medical specialist who focuses on mental health conditions and psychiatric disorders. Like with other specialists, people need a referral from a family doctor to see a psychiatrist.
Background and Training
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have undertaken specialized training. Their expertise allows them to work with people who have a wide range of mental health issues, including more severe or complex psychiatric problems. Some psychiatrists are also active researchers or professors, working to advance knowledge in the field.
Certification in Canada
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs).
How Much Does A Session with a Psychiatrist Cost?
In Canada, psychiatrists are covered by provincial health insurance.
Can Psychiatrists Diagnose A Mental Health Condition?
Psychiatrists are the only mental health specialists who both diagnose and prescribe medications for mental health conditions. They help people troubleshoot and find the right treatment, and also help people come off medication once they’re feeling better.
How Do I Choose?
Choosing the right mental health professional depends on your unique situation:
For Therapy/Counselling: Both psychotherapists and psychologists can provide talk therapy for stress, relationships, anxiety, and other concerns. Psychotherapists are often more affordable.
For Diagnosis: See a psychologist (for in-depth psychological testing) or a psychiatrist (for diagnosis plus medical management).
For Medication: Only psychiatrists and some family doctors can prescribe medication.
For Combined Care: Many people work with more than one professional. Some may see a psychotherapist for therapy as well as a psychiatrist to help manage medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see a mental health professional?
For psychologists and psychotherapists, you can often book an appointment directly. Psychiatry appointments require a referral.
Are services covered by public health insurance?
Only psychiatrists are covered through public health insurance like OHIP. Many private insurance plans now cover psychologists and psychotherapists.
What type of mental health professional can diagnose me?
In Canada, only psychologists and psychiatrists can diagnose patients with mental health conditions.
What type of mental health professional can prescribe medications?
Only psychiatrists can prescribe medications to patients.
Do I need a formal diagnosis to see a psychotherapist?
No, you don’t need to have a formal diagnosis to see a psychotherapist.
Take the Next Step
Finding the right support can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to navigate your mental health alone. Our team of psychotherapists at Resolvve is trained to provide the best care for your mental health needs. When you’re ready to talk, you can book a free consultation.
Please note that this post is written for educational purposes, it is not therapy. If you need to talk to a professional please book a consultation with a psychotherapist through Resolvve.
