Registered Psychotherapist vs. Psychologist in Ontario — What's the Difference?

If you've been trying to find a therapist in Ontario, you've probably come across a confusing alphabet soup of credentials: RP, RSW, C.Psych, RP (Q), PhD. It's not always obvious what any of it means — or who you should be looking for.

The most common question people run into is the difference between a Registered Psychotherapist and a Psychologist. They both offer talk therapy. They're both regulated professionals. But there are real differences in training, scope, cost, and what your insurance may cover — and knowing them can help you make a more informed choice about who to work with.

Registered Psychotherapists (RP) in Ontario

A Registered Psychotherapist is regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). To hold this designation, a therapist must complete a graduate-level degree in psychotherapy or a related field, meet the CRPO's competency requirements, and maintain their registration through ongoing professional development.

RPs are trained specifically in the practice of psychotherapy — the therapeutic relationship, evidence-based treatment approaches, and the assessment and treatment of mental health concerns through talk therapy. They work with individuals, couples, and families across a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, self-esteem, and more.

You may also see the designation RP (Qualifying) — this means the therapist has completed their training and is registered with the CRPO while working toward full RP status under supervision. They provide the same quality of care, often at a more accessible rate.

In Ontario, RPs cannot prescribe medication or formally diagnose mental health conditions — but for the vast majority of people seeking therapy, diagnosis isn't required to receive meaningful, effective support.

Psychologists (C.Psych) in Ontario

A Psychologist in Ontario holds a doctoral-level degree (PhD or PsyD) and is regulated by the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO). Their training covers not only psychotherapy but also psychological assessment, testing, and formal diagnosis of mental health and learning conditions.

Psychologists are qualified to administer and interpret psychological assessments — for ADHD, learning disabilities, cognitive functioning, personality disorders, and more. If you're seeking a formal psychological assessment (for workplace accommodations, school support, or a complex diagnostic picture), a psychologist is the right professional for that.

Because of their doctoral-level training and broader scope of practice, psychologists typically charge higher session fees than RPs — often significantly so.

How They Compare

Training:

• RP: Graduate-level degree in psychotherapy or counselling
• Psychologist: Doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD)

Regulated by:

• RP: College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
• Psychologist: College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO)

Can provide therapy:

• RP: Yes
• Psychologist: Yes

Can formally diagnose:

• RP: No
• Psychologist: Yes

Can prescribe medication:

• RP: No
• Psychologist: No (only physicians and nurse practitioners can)

Psychological assessments:

• RP: No
• Psychologist: Yes

Typical session cost:

• RP: Generally more accessible (Reset's rate is $170 for a 50-minute session)
• Psychologist: Often $250–$400+ per session

Insurance coverage:

• RP: Covered under most extended health plans that include psychotherapy benefits
• Psychologist: Covered under plans that specify psychological services (often a separate or higher annual limit)

What About Registered Social Workers (RSW)?

You may also encounter Registered Social Workers — another regulated designation in Ontario, overseen by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). RSWs are trained in both clinical therapy and broader social systems work. In a private practice therapy setting, an RSW offering counselling provides a very similar experience to working with an RP.

Many extended health plans cover both RP and RSW designations under their mental health benefits — though it's always worth calling your insurer to confirm.

Does It Matter Which One I See for Therapy?

For most people seeking talk therapy — for anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma, stress, life transitions, or personal growth — a Registered Psychotherapist is an excellent choice. RPs are trained specifically in the therapeutic relationship and evidence-based treatment, they're regulated, and their sessions are typically covered under extended health benefits.

A psychologist is the right fit when you need formal psychological assessment, a complex diagnostic evaluation, or your insurance plan specifically requires a C.Psych for reimbursement. If that's the case, resources like Psychology Today's therapist directory can help you find one in your area.

If you're unsure what your plan covers, the most useful step is to call your insurance provider and ask which designations are included under your mental health or paramedical benefits. You can find more answers to common questions on Reset's FAQs for Clients page.

Working With a Registered Psychotherapist at Reset

At Reset Counselling in Barrie, our team includes Registered Psychotherapists, Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying), and Registered Social Workers — all regulated professionals whose services are recognized by most extended health benefit plans in Ontario.

Daniel Burgoyne, RP is one of our Registered Psychotherapists, specializing in mood and personality disorders and offering compassionate, evidence-based therapy for individuals of all ages. He talks about the difference between psychotherapists and psychologists in his Instagram reel (click here to view).

No referral is needed to get started, and sessions are available in-person in Barrie and virtually across Ontario.

Book a session online — and take the first step with a therapist who is qualified, regulated, and ready to help.



Reset Counselling & Psychotherapy | Unit 201-151 Essa Road, Barrie, ON | resetbarrie.ca