What is a therapist in Ontario? In everyday use, a therapist is a professional who offers talk therapy to help people with stress, anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties and other life challenges. The word itself is broad. In Ontario, the title that comes with it tells you more: a Registered Psychotherapist, a psychologist or a counsellor each have a different level of regulation behind them. This article explains what “therapist” means, which related titles are protected by law, and how to check who you are about to book.

What Does “Therapist” Mean?

“Therapist” is a general word, not a single profession. People use it for anyone who provides therapy, whether that is individual sessions, couples sessions or family work. Many therapists work through conversation, which is often called talk therapy or psychotherapy. What a therapist can offer depends on their training, the college or association they belong to, and the kind of support you are looking for.

That is why the specific title matters more than the general word. Two people can both call themselves therapists and have very different training and oversight.

Which Titles Are Protected in Ontario?

Ontario regulates some titles and leaves others open. The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) states that the Psychotherapy Act, 2007 restricts the use of the titles “Psychotherapist,” “Registered Psychotherapist” and “Registered Mental Health Therapist.” Only people registered with CRPO may use them. The word “therapist” on its own is not on that list.

“Psychologist” is a separate protected title, overseen by the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO). “Counsellor” is not among the regulated health professions on the Government of Ontario’s list, so there is no college behind the title and no public register to check. That does not mean a counsellor is untrained, only that the title alone does not tell you their qualifications.

What Is a Registered Psychotherapist?

A Registered Psychotherapist (RP) is a member of CRPO. CRPO lists each registrant’s current registration category and any terms or conditions on its public register. New registrants usually start in the RP (Qualifying) category and move to the full RP category after passing CRPO’s registration exam and completing 450 hours of direct client contact and 100 hours of clinical supervision. Independent practice, without ongoing clinical supervision, follows 1,000 hours of direct client contact and 150 hours of clinical supervision. Until then, ongoing clinical supervision is a condition on the registrant’s certificate.

Serenity Psychotherapy Clinic’s founder and director is Ahmad Shihab, MA, RP (CRPO #11572). You can read about his background on our Registered Psychotherapist page.

Therapist, Psychologist or Counsellor: What Is the Difference?

The clearest difference is diagnosis. Communicating a diagnosis is a controlled act under Ontario law, and psychologists are authorized to perform it. The controlled act of psychotherapy is different: CRPO defines it as treating an individual’s serious disorder of thought, cognition, mood, emotional regulation, perception or memory by means of psychotherapy technique, delivered through a therapeutic relationship. That is treatment, not diagnosis.

  • If you want ongoing talk therapy for anxiety, low mood, stress or relationship difficulties, a Registered Psychotherapist is a common and well-supported choice.
  • If you need a formal diagnosis or psychological testing, for example for a learning assessment, a psychologist is generally the right starting point.
  • If you are considering a counsellor, ask directly about their training and any professional association, since the title alone does not tell you.

None of these is better than the others. The right fit depends on what you are looking for.

How to Check a Therapist’s Credentials

  1. Ask for the exact title and, for a Registered Psychotherapist, their CRPO registration number.
  2. Search the name on CRPO’s public register. It is free and shows the registration category and status.
  3. For a psychologist, use the public register of the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario.
  4. For a counsellor, ask about their training, supervision and the professional association they belong to.

Do I Need a Referral to See a Therapist?

You do not need a referral or an existing diagnosis to start therapy at Serenity. OHIP, Ontario’s public health plan, generally does not cover psychotherapy delivered in private practice, so most people pay directly or use extended health benefits through a workplace or personal plan. We directly bill with most insurance providers, so please call us to ask about your policy. Our fees and insurance page lists session fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a therapist the same as a psychotherapist?

Not always. “Psychotherapist” and “Registered Psychotherapist” are protected titles in Ontario, while “therapist” is a general word. Every Registered Psychotherapist is a kind of therapist, but not everyone who uses the word therapist is a Registered Psychotherapist.

Can a therapist diagnose me?

Communicating a diagnosis is a controlled act in Ontario, and psychologists are authorized to perform it. Registered Psychotherapists provide treatment through psychotherapy. If you need a formal diagnosis, a psychologist or physician is the usual route.

What does therapy cost at Serenity?

Individual sessions are $220 per hour. A free 30-minute consultation is a low-pressure way to ask questions before booking a first full session.

When to Reach Out

If a Registered Psychotherapist sounds like the right fit, you can book a free 30-minute consultation through our online scheduler whenever you are ready. You can also learn more about individual therapy, or read What Is Psychotherapy in Ontario? and What Is Counselling in Ontario?.

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