Clinical counsellors are healthcare professionals with training in areas such as psychology or social work. Clinical counsellors primarily use connections and relationships in order to create change in clients’ lives.
A clinical counsellor’s toolkit will often include psychotherapy (talking therapy), coaching and support. Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), Registered Social Worker, and Canadian Certified Counsellor are specific designations that indicate a minimum of a masters level education and clinical supervision.
Clinical psychologists are healthcare professionals who specialize in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, emotional disorders and behavioral problems. A clinical psychologist’s toolkit includes standardized assessments, psychological tests and psychotherapy.
Registered Psychologist (R.Psych) is a designation that, in most cases, indicates a minimum of a doctoral degree in psychology. All TELUS Health Clinical psychologists are R.Psych designated.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have pursued specialized training in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. Psychiatrists are experts in the use of medical treatments, such as medication to treat mental illness.
Psychiatry has also recently expanded to include the use of brain imaging, non-invasive brain stimulation and genomics. Some psychiatrists also provide psychotherapy.