The short version
- Both provide psychotherapy. Psychotherapists and psychologists can both provide psychotherapy in Ontario. The real differences are training, legal authority and what each profession is set up to do.
- Only some professionals can diagnose. Psychologists can communicate a psychological diagnosis. Registered Psychotherapists assess your concerns to guide therapy, but cannot give a diagnosis. Physicians and nurse practitioners can also diagnose.
- Psychologists are trained in formal assessment, including standardized psychological testing. If you need an assessment, or documentation that requires a diagnosis, a psychologist is the place to start.
- Neither can prescribe medication in Ontario.
- For ongoing therapy, fit matters more than the title: experience with your concern, the approach used, and the quality of the therapeutic relationship.
Psychologists are authorized to communicate a psychological diagnosis and are trained in formal psychological assessment. Registered Psychotherapists (RPs) assess your concerns to guide therapy but cannot give a diagnosis. Neither profession can prescribe medication.
The distinction matters because it helps you match the professional to what you actually need: ongoing therapy, a formal assessment, a diagnosis for school, work or insurance purposes, or a medication review. This guide explains each role, where the two overlap, and what usually matters more than the title.
Psychotherapist vs. Psychologist: Quick Comparison
| Topic | Registered Psychotherapist | Psychologist |
|---|---|---|
| Professional designation | RP. Those still completing requirements use RP (Qualifying). | Psychologist (C.Psych.). The same college also registers master's-level Psychological Associates (C.Psych.Assoc.). |
| Regulatory college | College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) | College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) |
| Education and training | Psychotherapy education through a CRPO-recognized program or equivalent training, then supervised practice and a registration exam | A doctoral degree in psychology, a year of supervised practice, and written, ethics and oral exams |
| Psychotherapy | Yes, the core of the profession | Yes, many psychologists provide it, but not all |
| Psychological assessment | Assesses concerns to plan and guide therapy | Trained in formal psychological assessment, including standardized testing, within their authorized practice areas |
| Diagnosis | Cannot communicate a diagnosis | May communicate a psychological diagnosis within their authorized scope |
| Prescribing medication | No | No |
| Insurance | Many extended health plans cover RPs. Not covered by OHIP in private practice. | Many extended health plans cover psychologists. Not covered by OHIP in private practice. |
| Common reasons to see one | Ongoing therapy for anxiety, stress, low mood, relationships, grief or trauma | A formal assessment, diagnostic clarification, documentation that requires a diagnosis, or therapy |
What Is a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario?
A Registered Psychotherapist is a mental health professional registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. CRPO defines the scope of the profession as the assessment and treatment of cognitive, emotional or behavioural disturbances by psychotherapeutic means, through a therapeutic relationship built mainly on conversation.
"Registered Psychotherapist" is a protected title under the Psychotherapy Act, 2007. Only CRPO registrants may use it. Nurses, occupational therapists, physicians, psychologists and social workers who are authorized to practise psychotherapy may call themselves psychotherapists alongside their own professional title, for example "Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist."
Training. Applicants qualify through a CRPO-recognized psychotherapy program, a substantially equivalent program or combination of education and training, or an Indigenous registration pathway. Many complete a master's-level program, but a master's degree is not the only route. New registrants start as RP (Qualifying) and practise under clinical supervision. To become a full RP they must complete at least 450 hours of direct client contact and 100 hours of clinical supervision, and pass CRPO's registration exam. They keep practising under supervision until they reach 1,000 client contact hours and 150 supervision hours.
What they do. RPs provide individual, couples, family and group therapy for concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, grief, relationship difficulties and trauma. Approaches vary widely between practitioners, from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and emotionally focused therapy to psychodynamic, Gestalt and somatic approaches.
Limits. RPs can assess your concerns to plan therapy, but they are not authorized to communicate a diagnosis. They cannot prescribe medication or give advice about it.
What Is a Psychologist in Ontario?
A psychologist is registered with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario, which was called the College of Psychologists of Ontario until July 2024. Only college members may use the titles "Psychologist" or "Psychological Associate."
Training. Psychologists hold a doctoral degree in psychology, complete 12 months of supervised practice after their doctorate, and pass a national written exam, a jurisprudence and ethics exam, and an oral exam. Psychological Associates hold a master's degree in psychology, have at least four years of relevant work experience, and complete supervised practice. Both can be authorized to practise independently, each within specific practice areas and client groups.
What they do. Ontario law defines psychology as including the assessment of behavioural and mental conditions, the diagnosis of neuropsychological, psychotic, neurotic and personality disorders, and the prevention and treatment of behavioural and mental disorders. Under the Psychology and Applied Behaviour Analysis Act, 2021, psychology registrants are authorized to communicate a diagnosis and to provide psychotherapy. In practice, some psychologists focus mainly on therapy, some mainly on assessment (for example ADHD, learning or neuropsychological assessments), and many do both.
Limits. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication in Ontario. Each psychologist practises only within the areas and client groups the college has authorized for them, so a psychologist registered to work with adults may not assess children.
Key Differences Between Psychotherapists and Psychologists
Education and professional training
Psychotherapy training centres on therapeutic skills and supervised client work. Psychology training, especially at the doctoral level, adds extensive study of research methods, psychopathology and psychological testing. More years of training does not by itself mean better therapy for a given person. It does prepare psychologists for tasks RPs are not authorized to do, chiefly communicating a diagnosis.
Diagnosis and psychological assessment
Three activities are easy to mix up:
- Assessment means gathering information to understand your difficulties. It is not restricted by law, and both professions do it. A psychologist's assessment may also include standardized psychological testing and a written report.
- Communicating a diagnosis means telling you that a specific disorder is causing your symptoms. This is a controlled act, and psychologists may perform it; RPs may not.
- Psychotherapy for a serious disorder of thought, cognition, mood, emotional regulation, perception or memory is also a controlled act, and both professions are authorized to perform it.
Therapeutic approaches
Neither title tells you how someone works. Two RPs can practise very differently, and so can two psychologists. If a particular approach matters to you, such as CBT for panic or emotionally focused therapy for couples, ask the individual practitioner about their training in it.
Professional regulation
Both professions are regulated health professions with their own college, code of ethics, standards, complaints process and public register. Both colleges exist to protect the public, not to promote the profession. You can look up any RP on the CRPO public register and any psychologist or psychological associate on the CPBAO public register.
Fees and insurance
Fees in private practice are set by each practitioner and vary with experience, service and location, so ask for the exact fee before booking. Psychotherapy and psychological services in private practice are not covered by OHIP. Many extended health plans cover RPs, psychologists, or both, but plans differ in which designations they list, how much they pay per session, and their yearly maximum. Check your plan's wording before you choose, because a plan that lists only "psychologist" may not reimburse an RP, and the reverse can also be true.
Can a Psychotherapist Diagnose Mental Health Conditions in Ontario?
No. A Registered Psychotherapist cannot give you a diagnosis. Ontario's Regulated Health Professions Act restricts "communicating a diagnosis": telling a person that a disease or disorder is the cause of their symptoms, in circumstances where they are likely to rely on it. RPs are not authorized to do that.
That does not mean an RP can't understand what you are going through. Several related activities are part of their work:
- Clinical assessment. Exploring your symptoms, history and goals to plan treatment.
- Screening. Using questionnaires, for example for anxiety or depression symptoms, to track how you are doing.
- Therapeutic formulation. A working explanation, shared with you, of the patterns that keep a problem going.
- Discussing an existing diagnosis. If your doctor or a psychologist has already diagnosed you, an RP can talk with you about it and how it shapes your therapy.
You do not need a diagnosis to start therapy. If you need one, for example for workplace accommodations, a disability claim or school supports, the professionals who can provide it include physicians (such as family doctors and psychiatrists), nurse practitioners, and psychologists and psychological associates working within their authorized scope.
Can Psychologists or Psychotherapists Prescribe Medication?
No. Neither psychologists nor Registered Psychotherapists can prescribe medication in Ontario, and RPs cannot give advice about medication either. The college that regulates psychologists has said it is awaiting Ministry of Health direction on possible prescribing privileges, but nothing has changed.
If medication might help, start with your family doctor, who can prescribe or refer you to a psychiatrist. Nurse practitioners can also prescribe. Therapy and medication often work alongside each other, and with your consent a therapist can coordinate with your prescriber.
Should You See a Psychotherapist or a Psychologist?
It depends on what you need, not on which profession is "better."
- Anxiety and stress. If you want help managing worry, panic or burnout, either professional can provide effective therapy. Experience with anxiety and a structured, evidence-based approach matter more than the title. See how to find a good therapist for anxiety.
- Depression. Either can provide therapy for low mood. If symptoms are severe, if you have thoughts of suicide, or if you are considering medication, involve your family doctor as well.
- Relationship concerns. Couples and family work is offered by both professions. Look for specific training in couples therapy.
- Trauma. Both may offer trauma therapy. Ask about training in trauma-focused approaches and how the therapist paces the work.
- Formal psychological assessment. For ADHD, learning, cognitive or neuropsychological assessment, see a psychologist authorized for that area and client group.
- Diagnostic clarification. If you want to know whether your experiences fit a specific diagnosis, see a psychologist or a physician.
Many people start with therapy and seek an assessment later if questions arise, or start with an assessment and then continue therapy with someone else.
What Matters More Than the Professional Title?
Once you know which type of professional you need, these factors usually shape your experience more than the designation:
- Registration. Confirm the person is registered and in good standing on their college's public register.
- Experience with your concerns. Ask how often they work with problems like yours.
- Therapeutic approach. Ask what they would do and why, in plain terms.
- The therapeutic relationship. A meta-analysis of 295 studies found a moderate, consistent link between the strength of the client-therapist relationship and treatment outcomes, across different types of therapy (Flückiger et al., 2018).
- Availability and access. Consider wait times, session times, in-person versus online, and language.
- Fees and insurance. Confirm the fee and whether your plan covers that designation.
- Personal preferences. Gender, culture, faith and lived experience can all matter. It is reasonable to ask.
Our guide to choosing a therapist in Burlington lists questions to ask on a first call.
Finding Psychotherapy in Burlington and Oakville
Balancy Counselling & Psychotherapy is a local group practice offering psychotherapy and counselling in person in Burlington and Oakville, and online. Our team is made up of Registered Psychotherapists, including RP (Qualifying) registrants practising under clinical supervision, and a social worker who practises psychotherapy. We do not offer psychological assessments or diagnosis. If you need either, your family doctor or a psychologist registered with CPBAO is the right place to start.
We offer individual therapy, including support for anxiety and stress and trauma, as well as couples therapy. Every therapist offers a free 15-minute first consultation, so you can ask questions and see whether the fit feels right before booking a session.
Considering psychotherapy in Burlington or Oakville? Explore Balancy's therapists and fees and insurance to see what's available.
Also worth reading
Not sure which professional you need?
Start with a free 15-minute consultation. Tell us what you are looking for, and we will help you work out whether one of our therapists fits, or whether an assessment elsewhere should come first.
Meet the therapistsFrequently Asked Questions
Is a counsellor the same as a Registered Psychotherapist?
Not necessarily. "Counsellor" is not a protected title in Ontario, so it doesn't tell you whether someone is regulated. Check whether a counsellor is also registered with a college such as CRPO or the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
What does RP (Qualifying) mean?
The person is registered with CRPO and has completed, or nearly completed, their psychotherapy education. They are gaining supervised clinical hours or preparing for the registration exam. They practise under clinical supervision and are fully accountable to the college.
Can a psychotherapist write a letter for my employer or school?
Sometimes. CRPO allows RPs to use professional judgement in providing documentation about their assessment and observations, but a letter from an RP cannot include a diagnosis. If the employer or school requires a diagnosis, you will need a physician, nurse practitioner or psychologist.
Do I need a referral to see a psychotherapist or psychologist?
In private practice you can usually book directly. Before you book, check whether your benefits plan sets any conditions for reimbursement, such as a physician's referral.
How is a psychiatrist different?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health. Psychiatrists can diagnose and prescribe medication, and their services are covered by OHIP. You usually need a referral from a family doctor. Some also provide psychotherapy.
How do I check someone's registration?
Search the CRPO public register for Registered Psychotherapists and the CPBAO public register for psychologists and psychological associates. Both show the person's registration status and any conditions on their practice.
References and Further Reading
- Regulated health professions, Government of Ontario
- Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, Government of Ontario
- Psychotherapy Act, 2007, Government of Ontario
- Psychology and Applied Behaviour Analysis Act, 2021, Government of Ontario
- Who We Are, CRPO
- Registration requirements, CRPO
- Controlled Acts (Standard 1.4), CRPO
- Can I write a letter for my client?, CRPO
- Supervision Requirements, CRPO
- General Information for Applicants, CPBAO
- Information for Employers, Insurers and Third-Party Payers, CPBAO
- The Controlled Act of Communicating a Diagnosis, CPBAO
- CPBAO Public Register
- Nurse Practitioner Practice Standard, College of Nurses of Ontario
- Psychotherapy and the Controlled Act, Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
- Flückiger, C., et al. (2018). The alliance in adult psychotherapy: A meta-analytic synthesis. Psychotherapy.
This article is educational and is not a substitute for professional advice about your own situation. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 in Canada. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.