Decoding Mental Health Professions
There is a lot of crossover in language, areas of practice, and ways of practice between the jobs: Counselling, Registered Clinical Counselor, Professional Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Therapist, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Social worker, and Coach.
As someone who works in the field and was trained in a particular way of thinking, I have found it confusing to navigate and hard to understand. I have found myself trying to explain some of this to family, friends, and clients. and though I’d spend some time sharing some of the similarities and differences I have found.
Starting with the definition of Counselling
Counselling is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as:
to give advice to someone
to give professional help and advice to someone to resolve personal or psychological problems
Recommending
Similar to: advise, guide, direct, recommend, encourage, entreat, urge….
There are many professions that may offer counseling services in terms of giving advice, recommending, or helping someone resolve personal problems. some of these roles might include clinical counselor, professional counselor, social worker, support worker, life coach, somatic coach, spiritual practitioner and so many more.
Why does it matter?
The terms counselor, therapist, and psychotherapist are not regulated in BC. This means that anyone can call themselves a counselor and can set up a private practice. Also, many registered counselors might refer to themselves as a counselor, therapist, or psychotherapist interchangeably.
When you are looking for someone to help you with your worries, concerns, and issues it is important for you to find the right person and the right fit for you. My hope below is to clear up what roles you might find in the mental health field and to describe in some detail the differences between each role and how it might affect the therapeutic process.
I will start with a Registered Clinical Counsellor because this is the one I know the most about and impacts me the most (I am an RCC).
Clinical Counsellor
A Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) is someone who has completed at least 6 years of university and has obtained a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree; has passed a set of comprehensive exams and has undergone a lengthy internship under the direct supervision of a clinical supervisor who also holds the same credentials but has been in practice. In BC, you are likely to find an RCC who is registered with the national association, The Canadian Association for Clinical Counsellors, or the provincial association British Columbia Association for Clinical Counsellors.
Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
A Registered Professional Counsellor (RPC) and a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor is someone who has undergone a diploma program (often 56 weeks) in the counseling profession and has learned the skills, and techniques in counseling to work in the field of counseling. The former holds a professional registration with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada and the latter holds a voluntary designation with the ACCT regulatory body for counsellors and therapists.
One of the main differences that I know between a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a Registered Professional Counsellor is that some insurance providers will cover an RCC, but not a RPC. Some insurance providers will not cover either RCC or RCP but will cover a Clinical Social Worker.
Clinical Social Worker (MSW)
Someone who holds the designation of MSW - or Masters of Social Work, might also practice as a counselor in BC. Someone who holds this designation has completed a bachelor’s degree in a related area and two years of human service experience and completed an additional 2-year postgraduate program that blends academic modules and placement experiences with a focus on professional standards of the School of Social Work.
Psychologist
A Psychologist has completed a doctoral degree or Ph.D. in psychology. A psychologist is uniquely trained to use psychological testing to help with assessments and formal diagnoses for mental health disorders. A psychologist may also provide counseling and therapeutic services and work in the private or public sector. A counselor, therapist, coach, or social worker cannot formally diagnose anyone with a mental health disorder, but a psychologist and psychiatrist can.
Psychiatrist
A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor, who goes on to specialize in mental health and mental health disorders. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess and diagnose both mental and physical aspects of psychological problems. Psychiatrists are able to use a variety of treatments - including prescribing medications that help treat mental health disorders. A psychiatrist may also provide counseling or other psychotherapy approaches to assist those facing difficulties related to mental health.
Life Coach
A life coach is someone who can help you set goals and find ways to change unwanted behavior. A coach might offer guidance, advice, accountability, creating structure, or an agenda to help you achieve changed behavior. Life coaching is considered an unregulated field of work. This means anyone can call themselves a coach. However, many coaches may choose to undertake a study and mentorship to ensure they have the knowledge and skillset to assist in helping others achieve their goals.
Conclusion
No wonder it is so hard to navigate the mental health system. There are so many titles that work in very similar but nuanced ways. Not only is there multiple professions doing very similar work, but within each of these professions, there is an infinite amount of differences between each practitioner and how they practice.
If you are having a hard time finding someone who is right for you, please know it isn’t you!
Sometimes it takes a few tries to see what you like, to see what approaches land well or feel good to you.
When you are looking for a mental health professional, take some time to reflect on what type of support you are looking for is helpful both for you and the practitioner.
Are you seeking a diagnosis? Medication? Someone to explore past trauma with? Would you like help to come up with a plan and clear direction to get you to achieve your next goal? are you hoping to use extended health insurance to cover some of the costs?
Hopefully, this post can help provide a bit of clarity as to what some of your options are.
Reach out today for help, clarification, guidance, or support on which services might be right for you.
With love
Chantelle
