What is the difference between a Psychotherapist and a Psychologist?

Doctorate, Degree, Diploma? How are they different, and how do you know what type of care is best for you?

At CHATT Inc. you will find Registered Psychotherapists and/or a Registered Social Workers. A Registered Psychotherapist or Social Worker refers to a person who often holds a Masters Degree or higher and is registered with either the College of Social Workers, and/or the College of Registered Psychotherapists. They are able to assess, treat and utilize therapeutic approaches within a therapeutic relationship, to aid clients who are struggling with a disorder of thought, mood, emotion that is impairing the person’s judgement, behaviour or functioning. They are not able to diagnose or prescribe medication. The therapists at CHATT Inc. work with our supervising psychologist to ensure the highest standard of care and our therapists are accountable to both the supervisor and the college for which they belong.

A Psychologist holds a Doctorate degree in psychology and is registered with, and accountable to, a provincial College of Psychologists. A psychologist often performs all the functions of a Psychotherapist but can also perform the protected act of communicating a diagnosis. Psychologists are not only involved in psychotherapy, but are often also very involved in research, assessments, publishing scholarly articles, teaching and supervising others in their field.

A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating illnesses of the mind. Most psychiatrists work in hospital settings and often prescribe medications, whereas a psychologist or psychotherapist cannot prescribe medications. Psychiatrists are often, but not always, less involved with psychotherapy and more involved in assessments, report writing, diagnosing, prescribing, and sometimes research, publishing scholarly articles, teaching and supervising others.

A Life Coach may or may not have a certificate or diploma in Life Coaching. Life Coaches have varying credentials and levels of skill. They do not require any specialized training when they are non-certified. Therapists all perform the duties of a Life Coach, but also offer more comprehensive care for the whole person, including symptom and relationship management.