If you’ve ever looked into starting therapy, you’ve probably come across different titles, psychologist, psychotherapist and social worker, and wondered: What’s the difference? Does it matter who I see?
Here’s the simple answer: at Sageview Health, all of our therapists, whether they are psychologists, registered psychotherapists or social workers, are qualified and authorized to provide psychotherapy in Ontario.
That means no matter who you work with, you’ll be supported by a professional trained to help you work through emotional challenges. They help you learn new coping skills and build a more fulfilling life.
Therapists with Different Backgrounds, One Shared Goal
While their professional titles may differ, all of our clinicians:
- Are trained in evidence-based approaches
- Help clients manage issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and stress
- Are compassionate, ethical and committed to your well-being
- Are registered with a professional college that ensures quality and accountability
In short: they all do the same kind of work when it comes to providing therapy, just with slightly different backgrounds and training.
So, What’s the Difference?
Each type of therapist gets to the same place, a role helping people through therapy, but through a slightly different path:
- Psychologists often have a doctoral degree and can do formal assessments and diagnoses, in addition to therapy. They are registered with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario.
- Registered Psychotherapists usually hold a master’s degree and are trained in a wide range of therapeutic approaches. They are registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
- Social Workers typically have a master’s degree and often bring a strong understanding of social systems (like families, schools or communities). This is in addition to their psychotherapy training. They are registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
But here’s the thing: when it comes to therapy, listening, supporting and guiding you through evidence-based care, they are all doing the same work.
Psychologist, psychotherapist or social worker: side by side
| Psychologist | Registered psychotherapist | Social worker | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Usual training | Doctoral degree | Master’s degree | Master’s degree |
| Provides psychotherapy | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Regulated by | College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario | College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario | Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers |
Sageview also has a lower cost option, with sessions from $90, through supervised therapists and practicum students who work under the supervision of a registered psychologist or psychotherapist. See our low-cost therapy service for details.
How do I check a therapist’s registration?
Each of the three colleges keeps a public register where you can look up any member by name: the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario, the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Every clinician on our Sageview Health team has a bio with their training and the services they provide.
Is psychotherapy covered by insurance in Ontario?
Most extended health benefits plans in Ontario cover psychotherapy provided by psychologists, registered psychotherapists and/or social workers. Coverage varies depending on your plan, so we always recommend that you check with your provider to confirm which designations are included.
Sageview direct bills 11 insurers, including Sun Life, Canada Life, Desjardins and Industrial Alliance. See the full list on our page about direct billing for therapy in Mississauga.
What Matters Most? The Right Fit.
The most important part of therapy isn’t the title of the person sitting across from you. It’s how safe and supported you feel in the room.
At Sageview Health, we help match you with a clinician based on your needs, preferences and goals. You don’t need to figure it all out; we’re here to guide you. If you’re unsure of what type of clinician you’d like to book with, our client care team can help walk you through the options or book you a consultation call.
A few things worth telling us when you call:
Language. If you feel more comfortable doing therapy in your first language, please let our client care team know at time of booking. We have clinicians available to provide services in English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and Japanese.
Approach. Our clinicians use cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based approaches such as dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), emotion focused therapy (EFT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
Format. Appointments are available at our Mississauga office and virtually for clients located throughout Ontario.
In Summary: Don’t Worry About the Title
If you’re thinking about therapy but feeling unsure about whether to see a psychologist, a social worker or a psychotherapist, rest easy knowing this:
- All three are trained, licensed and legally able to provide psychotherapy in Ontario
- All offer compassionate, skilled support
- All can help you make meaningful changes in your life
- Most extended health benefits plans in Ontario cover psychotherapy provided by psychologists, registered psychotherapists and/or social workers. Coverage varies depending on your plan, so check with your provider to confirm which designations are included.
Committed to Excellence: How Sageview Supports Our Clinicians
At Sageview Health, we know that great therapy starts with great therapists. That’s why we’re deeply committed to the ongoing education, training and development of our team.
- Our clinicians regularly engage in advanced training in areas such as trauma, anxiety, ADHD, emotion regulation and couples therapy.
- We hold peer consultation groups, clinical supervision and professional development sessions to ensure our team is always learning and evolving.
- Sageview is also a training site for graduate-level therapists, which means we invest in the next generation of mental health professionals. We do this by mentoring and supervising student clinicians.
When you work with a Sageview therapist, you’re working with someone who is not only qualified but also actively committed to staying current, competent and compassionate in their care.
Ready to Start? We’re Here to Help.
Our team at Sageview Health includes professionals from all of these backgrounds. We can help you find the right match, whether you’re looking for support with anxiety, depression, parenting, trauma or anything in between. Many adults start with individual therapy in Mississauga.
Call our team at 905-814-8200 or contact us to book a consultation. Whichever title you choose, every clinician at Sageview is authorized to provide psychotherapy in Ontario.
Find your way
Our clinicians provide safe, compassionate support to help people manage mental health challenges using evidence based approaches including CBT, DBT, and ACT.