How to Choose a Mental Health Professional in Toronto
Psychologist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist…there is a lot of help out there, but how do you know the difference between these, and how do you choose the right mental health professional for you?
When we're experiencing distress or anxiety, it can be tough to understand what kind of help we need, how soon we can be treated, and how much it will cost. We're here to help you understand exactly what each professional does and what the experience might be like for you.
A psychologist is someone that has a doctoral degree in psychology, and unlike a psychiatrist, a referral is not needed to see a psychologist (just like here at KMA Therapy). Psychological services by a registered psychologist is not covered by OHIP in Ontario, but can be covered by extended health insurance, benefits in the workplace, motor vehicle accident insurance, W.S.I.B. or other government sources. Both psychologists and psychiatrists assess and treat mental health issues and both have the capability to diagnose psychiatric conditions.
A psychologist is a great choice if you have one of the following issues:
- Anxiety
- Depressive Feelings
- Marriage or relationship difficulties
- Stress or problems at work
- Family issues
- Abuse or trauma
- Obsessive or compulsive thoughts/behaviours
- Learning Disabilities
- Addictions
- Eating Disorders
A psychiatrist is someone that has a degree in medicine and has completed a residency in psychiatry and is able to prescribe medication.
These services can be covered by OHIP in Ontario because an appointment and referral is typically arranged through a medical professional, such as your family doctor. A psychiatrist is a great choice if you need prescription medication or would like an emergency psychiatric assessment.
A psychotherapist generally has a minimum of Master’s level training and has training in many mental health issues and therapies.
A psychotherapist is able to treat a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, phobias, low self-esteem, family issues, and many other issues that you can find on our website at www.kmatherapy.com. You don't need a specific clinical issue to see a psychotherapist - it is therapeutic to talk about a wide range of things in your life, including how to make it better! Along with our couples counseling, our psychotherapy services here at KMA Therapy are usually covered under insurance plans under registered practitioners.
Here at KMA Therapy, we like to start off by having you in for a 50-minute intake session to determine and recommend the best mental health professional for you so that you can connect well with the therapist and achieve wonderful results. To book an intake session, you can visit our website and register online through our booking form, or you can reach our administrative team at 416-487-6288.
