Psychologist vs Counsellor vs Psychotherapist in Canada: Key Differences by Province

Learn the differences between psychologists, counsellors, and psychotherapists in Canada. Explore licensing requirements by province and find the right support for your needs.

Psychologist vs Counsellor vs Psychotherapist in Canada: Key Differences by Province
Photo by Thought Catalog / Unsplash

Mental health care in Canada offers a variety of professionals to support emotional well-being, personal growth, and treatment of mental health conditions. However, navigating the distinctions between psychologists, counsellors, and psychotherapists can be challenging. Each title carries specific qualifications, regulatory oversight, and practice boundaries, which differ across provinces and territories. Understanding these differences ensures that Canadians can make informed decisions about their care and choose a professional whose training aligns with their needs.

This guide provides a comprehensive, province-by-province overview of these three mental health professions, including the role of official licensing bodies and practical considerations.

Understanding the Roles

Psychologists are highly trained professionals, often holding a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology. Their expertise lies in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating mental health disorders, as well as conducting psychological testing and research. Psychologists employ evidence-based interventions to address emotional, cognitive, and behavioural challenges. In most provinces, they are required to register with a regulatory body that enforces professional standards, ethics, and ongoing competence.

Counsellors offer support through conversation, guidance, and practical coping strategies. Counselling focuses on personal growth, stress management, life transitions, and relationship issues. The regulation of counsellors varies widely. In some provinces, the title is protected and requires registration, while in others, counsellors operate under voluntary professional associations. Training can range from short-term certifications to advanced degrees in counselling psychology or related fields.

Psychotherapists provide structured, therapeutic treatment for emotional and psychological challenges. Their focus is primarily on talk therapy and interventions aimed at addressing specific mental health conditions or patterns of behaviour. In certain provinces, such as Ontario and Quebec, psychotherapists are regulated and must meet specific education, supervision, and ethical standards. Elsewhere, the title may be unregulated but often aligns with voluntary professional standards.

Provincial and Territorial Regulations

Mental health regulation in Canada is determined at the provincial and territorial level. This means the scope of practice, required qualifications, and protection of titles like psychologist, counsellor, and psychotherapist can vary widely depending on location.

Ontario

Ontario is one of the most heavily regulated provinces for mental health professionals. Psychologists are regulated by the College of Psychologists of Ontario, which requires a doctoral degree, supervised practice, and successful completion of licensing exams.

Psychotherapists are regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, which requires specific training in psychotherapy, supervised clinical experience, and adherence to a code of ethics.

Counsellors in Ontario are not regulated by law, but many professionals hold credentials through associations such as the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), which offers voluntary standards and ethical guidelines.

Quebec

In Quebec, mental health professionals are regulated through the Ordre des psychologues du Québec. Psychologists must meet strict degree and training requirements, and psychotherapists are also licensed by the Ordre when practicing psychotherapy. Counsellors, however, are not legally regulated, although many follow voluntary professional standards and codes of conduct.

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia regulates psychologists through the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology, requiring a master’s or doctoral degree and supervised practice. Counselling therapists are regulated by the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists, which sets training, ethics, and continuing education standards. The term psychotherapist is not protected in Nova Scotia.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick has regulatory oversight for psychologists through the College of Psychologists of New Brunswick. Counsellors may be registered under the New Brunswick Association of Counselling Therapists, which provides voluntary certification and professional guidance. Psychotherapy is not separately regulated, though many practitioners adhere to professional codes.

British Columbia

In British Columbia, the College of Psychologists of British Columbia regulates psychologists, requiring graduate-level education, supervised clinical experience, and licensing exams. Counsellors are not legally regulated but can choose voluntary membership with associations such as the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, which ensures ethical practice. Psychotherapy is not separately regulated but often overlaps with counselling practices.

Alberta

Alberta regulates psychologists through the College of Alberta Psychologists. Counsellors and psychotherapists do not have protected titles in Alberta, but professional associations offer certification and ethical standards for voluntary membership.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan has a similar framework: psychologists are regulated through the Saskatchewan College of Psychologists, while counsellors and psychotherapists are not formally regulated, though voluntary membership in associations is common.

Manitoba

Manitoba’s psychologists are regulated by the Psychological Association of Manitoba, with requirements for graduate-level education, supervised practice, and ethical standards. Counsellors and psychotherapists operate without provincial regulation, relying on voluntary associations for guidance and certification.

Prince Edward Island

In PEI, psychologists are regulated by the PEI Psychologists Registration Board, ensuring formal education, clinical training, and professional ethics. Counsellors and psychotherapists are not regulated but may belong to professional associations that provide voluntary standards.

Newfoundland and Labrador

The Newfoundland and Labrador Psychology Board regulates psychologists with licensing standards, education, and ethical practice requirements. Counsellors and psychotherapists are unregulated, though voluntary professional organizations provide ethical guidelines.

Territories

Regulation in Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut is less formalised. Psychologists may be licensed through government departments or interprovincial agreements, while counsellors and psychotherapists remain largely unregulated. Professional associations may offer voluntary certification and ethical oversight.

Practical Differences in Practice

While the regulatory details are important, the day-to-day roles of these professionals also differ.

Psychologists are often involved in assessment and diagnosis. For example, they may administer cognitive or psychological tests to understand learning difficulties or evaluate mood disorders.

Counsellors focus on supporting coping skills, stress management, and life transitions. A counsellor might help a client navigate workplace stress or relationship difficulties without offering formal diagnosis.

Psychotherapists use structured therapeutic interventions to address ongoing emotional challenges or behavioural patterns. They may work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, or trauma, using evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy or psychodynamic approaches.

Across Canada, the distinction often comes down to training, scope, and provincial regulation, but in practice, there is some overlap. Many clients find benefit from the expertise of more than one type of professional depending on their needs.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinctions between psychologists, counsellors, and psychotherapists—and how they are regulated across provinces—is crucial for Canadians seeking mental health support. Knowledge of official licensing bodies, protected titles, and scope of practice ensures clients can access qualified professionals.

For Canadians looking for a straightforward way to find qualified mental health professionals, Theralist provides a searchable directory of therapists across the country. By filtering by province, city, speciality, and credentials, Theralist helps users connect with professionals who are appropriately trained and regulated in their area, making the journey toward emotional well-being more informed and accessible.