How to Find a Psychologist in Toronto
Living in Toronto, there's no shortage of mental health professionals available to you.
Neighbourhoods like Yonge and Eglinton are home to a ton of therapists, social workers, and psychologists who are ready to help you reach your mental health goals.
With all of these options available, it can be hard to know which is the right fit for you. You may be interested in speaking to a psychologist, but what does a psychologist actually do? What makes them different from any other mental health professional?
Here at KMA, we're passionate about helping you find the best fit for your mental health needs. For over 15 years, we've helped our clients and community learn about what type of mental health professional will be the most helpful for them.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand the qualifications it takes to become a psychologist, the services a psychologist can provide, and questions to ask potential psychologists.
4 Things to Consider When Choosing a Toronto Psychologist
Many people think of a psychologist when they think of a mental health professional. While seeing a psychologist can be a great option to support your mental health, there are also times when it can be better to see a psychotherapist or social worker.
Follow these four steps to make sure a psychologist is the right choice for you and to make sure you find the right psychologist for your needs.
1. Understand the Qualifications of a Psychologist
When deciding to see a psychologist, it's important to understand their background.
In Ontario, a registered Psychologist is someone who has received a Ph.D. in Psychology. This is different from social workers and psychotherapists, who generally have a Masters level of training.
This is also different from Psychiatrists, who have gone to medical school. Psychiatrists are the only mental health professional who can provide medication as a form of treatment, but many people choose to see both a psychologist and psychiatrist as part of their treatment.
If you're looking to see someone with a Ph.D., make sure they have the specific title of psychologist.
2. Determine What Services You’re Seeking From a Psychologist
The main difference between seeing a psychologist and another mental health professional is their ability to give you a diagnosis.
While a psychologist's high level of education can help them provide you with expert-level care, it also means that they often cost more and have longer wait times before you can see them.
A psychologist can help you by finding evidence-based treatment techniques for the mental health challenges that you’re facing and can help you if you're looking to receive a diagnosis. They can also work with a psychiatrist to help you access medication if you decide that this is something you could benefit from.
Understanding what services psychologists provide will help to narrow down the potential questions you have for a psychologist, and have a better understanding of the support you can expect to receive.
If you aren't looking for a diagnosis and just want someone to talk to, seeing a psychotherapist or a social worker for therapy can be another great choice.
Read What Type of Therapist Should I See? to learn more.
3. Explore What Questions To Ask a Psychologist
Once you've decided to meet with a psychologist, it's important to ask the right questions.
When finding a psychologist, it can be helpful to ask your family doctor for a referral.
When first meeting with a psychologist, they will likely ask you questions about your mental health background, the challenges you’re experiencing, and what you hope to get out of your time together.
This is also a time for you to ask any questions you may have to the psychologist.
Questions to ask a psychologist include:
- What are their areas of expertise?
- Are they able to give you a diagnosis?
- What is their approach/what type of therapy do they use?
- What experience do they have with clients facing challenges like yours?
- How many sessions do they expect it will take to find a solution to the challenges you’re experiencing?
- Do they have experience with other areas of interest (for example, if you would like a psychologist who has experience with LGBTQ+ issues)
Knowing the answers to these questions will make sure that whatever psychologist you choose will be the best fit for you, in all areas of your life.
4. Review the Other Considerations for Finding a Psychologist in Toronto
While a psychologist’s professional skills are important in determining whether they’ll be the right fit for you, it’s also important to consider the logistics of seeing them.
Some other important questions to consider while finding a psychologist include:
- Do they have positive reviews from previous clients?
- Are they taking new clients, or do they have a waitlist?
- Where are they located, and do they offer virtual sessions?
- How much do they charge, and do they accept your insurance?
- Do they offer sliding-scale appointment costs based on income?
These final questions can help you feel confident in your ability to choose the best psychologist for you.
Next Steps for Finding a Psychologist in Toronto
After reading this article, you now have an understanding of the education it takes to become a psychologist, the services a psychologist can provide, and a list of questions to help you find the best psychologist for you.
To explore a list of psychologists in Toronto, visit the Ontario Psychological Association as a great place to begin your search.
If you're interested in seeing a psychotherapist or social worker, explore our Teams page to learn more about the therapists at KMA Therapy.
You can also explore these resources for more information:
- Is Therapy Covered by OHIP?
- How to Find a Therapist in Toronto
- What’s the Difference Between a Psychologist and a Therapist? How to Choose
About the Author
Emily Weatherhead has a Masters in Community Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University, where her research focused on improving post-secondary student mental health. She is passionate about finding new ways to make mental health research more accessible and break down the barriers that prevent people from receiving mental health care.
