Anxiety and Stress Relief Clinic :: What is the difference between a psychologist, counsellor, and psychiatrist?

What is the difference between a psychologist, counsellor, and psychiatrist?

Psychologists and counsellors work similarly with various psychological approaches on providing counselling and psychotherapy. If medication is needed, they will work jointly with a psychiatrist or your G.P. to determine the best treatment option.

Psychologists in B.C. generally have an academic doctoral degree in the field of psychology.

Registered Clinical Counsellors have a master’s degree in the field of psychology.

Registered Professional Counsellors have certifications in various psychology programs.

A psychiatrist has a medical degree (MD). Only psychiatrists and your GP are licensed to prescribe medication for your condition. Most psychiatrists restrict their services to medication management for treating psychological problems

Anxiety & Stress ▪ Depression ▪ Guilt ▪ Anger Management ▪ Grief and Loss ▪ Low Self-Esteem ▪ Procrastination ▪ Insomnia

Relationship Difficulties ▪ Alcohol or Drug Use ▪ Family Stress ▪ Teen Issues ▪ Chronic Pain ▪ Eating Disorders

Stress ▪ Generalized Anxiety Disorder ▪ Panic Disorder ▪ Agoraphobia ▪ Social Anxiety ▪ Bashful Bladder

Simple Phobia ▪ Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder ▪ Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ▪ Acute Stress Disorder

Associations We Belong To ▪ Our Experience ▪ Easy to Talk to ▪ Our Team

Claire Maisonneuve ▪ Elizabeth Russell ▪ Dr. Avrum Miller ▪ Lisa Ferrari ▪ Adrienne Mahaffey ▪ Alison Holt

Is anxiety treatable? ▪ Are anxiety disorders common? ▪ Is the cost covered by my extended health care plan? ▪ Fees

Psychologist, Counsellor or Psychiatrist - What is the difference? ▪ Do I need a doctor's referral? ▪ How long will therapy take?