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Frequently Asked Questions

Psychologist? Counsellor? Psychiatrist? What's the difference?

Many people are not clear on the distinctions among various types of health professionals. Knowing something about these distinctions can help you make an informed choice when seeking help. Regardless of what kind of professional you decide to see, you should feel free to ask any professional from whom you seek services questions about their qualifications, training, expertise, theoretical approach, fees, etc.

PSYCHOLOGISTS are regulated health professionals under the Health Professions Act of BC. This means that the provincial government has given psychologists (and other health professionals designated by this legislation) the responsibility to license and regulate their profession. Psychologists are regulated by the College of Psychologists of BC. The College's mandate is to protect the public by making sure that psychologists are competent and well trained. The College sets the requirements for licensing and is responsible for investigating complaints about psychologists. In BC, the the title "psychologist" is protected by legislation—only those individuals who have been licensed by the College can legally refer to themselves as psychologists.

Becoming a psychologist in BC requires (1) The completion of a doctoral degree in psychology, including a 2000 hour supervised internship and (2) Registration with CPBC (which requires the successful completion of 2 written examinations and an oral examination). Psychologists are also required to take part in continuing professional development activities each year in order to maintain their license to practice.

COUNSELLORS and THERAPISTS are not designated or regulated as health professionals under the Health Professions Act of BC. There is no legislation limiting the use of the titles "counsellor" and "therapist."

Many counsellors and therapists in BC are members of professional associations that allow their members to use particular titles provided that they meet various criteria. Visit the BC Association for Marriage and Family Therapy web site to find out more about Registered Marriage and Family Therapists (RMFT). Visit the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors to find out more about Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC). Visit the Canadian Counselling Association web site to find out more about the requirements for Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC).

PSYCHIATRISTS are regulated health professionals under the Health Professions Act. Psychiatrists have medical degrees as well as specialized training in the nature and treatment of mental illness. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication. Psychologists and counsellors cannot prescribe medication. Like all other physicians in BC, psychiatrists are regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC.

To learn more about regulated health professions in BC, download the brochure, Your Assurance of Competent, Ethical Health Care from the College of Psychologists of BC web site. This brochure, along with other information about regulated health professions in BC can also be found on the BC Ministry of Health web site.

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