Psychotherapist

Psychotherapists are health care professionals that use talk-based therapy to improve and maintain mental health. Psychotherapists treat those with thoughts, emotions, moods, or behaviors which adversely affect their quality of life, relationships, or social interactions. They work together with clients to make positive changes that allow them to live fulfilling, satisfying, and productive lives. 

Some mental conditions and disorders psychotherapists treat include:

• Anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, panic disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder
• Addictions
• Eating disorders
• Mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder
• Personality disorders such as narcissism, dependant personality disorder or borderline personality disorder
• Psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia

Psychotherapists provide services in a wide range of settings, including private practice, clinics, care centers, hospitals, and rehabilitation centres. Some of these psychotherapist services include: 

• Intellectual, behavioural, emotional and neuropsychological assessment and diagnosis,
• Treating mental disorders and conditions using talk-based therapy.
• Identifying emotions, attitudes or beliefs that cause problems and design solutions.
• Helping manage stresses and conflicts such as relationship problems, recovering from sexual abuse, coming to terms with serious health problems and dealing with grief or stress.
• Assessing patients’ social and personal risk.
• Promoting public mental health through government policy and educational programs.
• Developing and implementing treatment plans.

In Ontario, “Psychologist” is a regulated profession subject to the Standards and Regulations and Code of Ethics defined by The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. For more information on regulatory colleges, view our What is a Regulatory College page.