Whether you’re contemplative or ready to begin therapy, the following information will be helpful for you! Therapy is an amazing resource for you to utilize on your journey of self-discovery and healing. Sometimes we can’t rely on our friends or family to give us unbiased support so seeking guidance from a therapist is the natural next step. But where do you start? After reading this blog, you will learn about the different mental health provider roles, how to find a therapist, and what to ask your prospective psychotherapist in Toronto. Let’s begin!
Clarify your goals
Why are you seeking therapy? It’s important to be specific.
For example:
- Is it to learn how to cope with stress?
- Is it to manage addiction or trauma?
- Is it because there’s communication issues in your relationship?
- Is it for self discovery or assistance in finding purpose?
- Is itfor the desire to talk to someone unbiased who may also shed light on your blind spots?
Another question to consider is whether you want talk therapy (individual, couple, group), online vs in-person, medication, EMDR, psychedelic assisted psychotherapy, somatic therapy, etc.
Once you are able to clarify your treatment goals, you are then able to filter the type of therapist in Toronto you are seeking.
What’s the difference between mental health professionals?
It’s useful to understand the different type of treatment providers. Some people may be looking for a therapist with advanced training while others may find great support in life coaches, clergy, or others. Schooling doesn’t always mean the best therapist, but let’s break down some of the more advanced degrees.
Psychologists and psychotherapists undergo rigorous schooling, training, and internships to receive their degrees. There are many highly-trained and qualified professionals, who undergo about eleven years of schooling to obtain their doctoral degree, so finding the right therapist is not a matter of education but of research and personal preferences.
Psychiatrist
- are medical doctors who can prescribe medication in addition to providing some talk therapy
- usually a referral is required from your family physician
- some psychiatrists can be covered by OHIP (government funding) or the hourly fee is between $200-$300 or they are covered by extended health insurance
- have the capability to diagnose psychiatric conditions
Psychologist
- similar to psychiatrists however they are unable to prescribe medication
- usually a referral is required from your family physician
- some psychologists can be covered by OHIP (government funding) or theirhourly fee is between $200-$300 or they are covered by extended health insurance
- have the capability to diagnose psychiatric conditions
Social workers
- usually have a Master’s degree in social work
- undergone thousands of supervised hours and training
- provide counselling, therapy, psychotherapy
- usually covered under insurance plans under registered practitioners
- fees can range from $80-$200+ per hour
Psychotherapists
- if within Canada, must be registered and have completed thousands of hours of training, practice, and supervision
- includes clinicians that are also addiction counsellors, social workers, nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists
- provide counselling, therapy, psychotherapy
- usually covered under insurance plans under registered practitioners
- fees can range from $80-$200+ per hour
- some psychotherapists offer a sliding scale for their services at a reduced fee with demonstrated need such as low income, unemployment, etc and some psychotherapists offer reduced fees while they are in the process of getting professionally licenced/registered and would have to include the word Qualifying after their credentials
How to search for a psychotherapist in Toronto?
Great! You have clarified yours goals for treatment and the type of therapist you’re looking for. Now where do you find them? Here are some great places to start:
- Talk to your family doctor for possible referrals
- Get feedback and recommendations from friends or family
- Search on sites such as Psychology Today (Psychology Today Canada: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist CA )
What questions should you ask prior to meeting?
Most psychotherapists in Toronto offer a complimentary, brief (10-20 minute) consultation to see if it is a good fit. During this consultation, you would discuss your goals and reason for seeking therapy. Some helpful questions to ask your prospective psychotherapist may include:
- Are they accepting new clients?
- Are they registered professionals?
- How many years of experience do they have?
- What areas do they specialize in?
- What does a typical session look like?
- What is their hourly fee?
- Do they accept extended health insurance?
- Do they offer online vs in-person treatment?
- Do they have the ability to prescribe medication? Do they work with a psychiatrist who can?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Remember, seeking therapy is a brave thing to do and the fact that you are in a place in your life where you may be open to learning more about yourself and how to better manage your emotions/stress is a very good thing. You are ready to evolve, grow, learn, discover, and heal. Kudos to you! If you feel like your therapist may not be the right fit for you, that’s okay! Let them know and have a discussion about what’s going well and what isn’t. And maybe it’s time to search for a new therapist. If so, consider the tips listed above and good luck on your search! Do not settle on your mental health.
Here is a helpful video: How to Choose the Right Therapist for You (verywellmind.com)
Want to learn more or have some questions? Contact me today!