Who Should I Talk To? Understanding the different types of mental health professionals.

By Molly McMillan

If you need immediate help or are in immediate danger, call 911 or visit your local emergency department.

Recognizing that you may need support is often the first step toward caring for your mental health. That first step looks different for everyone. It might mean opening up to a trusted friend or family member, connecting with a peer support group, speaking with your family doctor, or reaching out to a mental health professional. There is no single "right" way to begin, and seeking support is a personal journey that can evolve over time.

Finding the right mental health support isn't always straightforward, especially when there are many different types of professionals and services available. For people living in rural communities, accessing care can present additional challenges, including fewer local services, longer travel distances, and limited availability of specialized care. 

This post provides a general overview of different types of mental health professionals and supports. It is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Instead, it aims to explain the roles of different professionals, the services they may provide, and how they may fit into a person's mental health journey. 

Depending on where you live, some of these professionals may be available in person, while others may be accessible through virtual care or by referral. If you're unsure where to start, your family doctor, nurse practitioner, or local community health centre can often help connect you with appropriate services.

Family Doctor or Primary Care Provider can: 

• Assess your overall physical and mental health

• Diagnose some conditions or disorders 

• Prescribe medication, when appropriate

• Discuss treatment options and help create a treatment plan

• Refer you to other health professionals or specialized services when appropriate

Psychologist

Psychologists have graduate-level education and specialized training in psychology. They can: 

• Assess and diagnose some mental health conditions, depending on their training and scope of practice

• Provide psychological therapies and other forms of treatment

• Use psychological tests to support assessment and diagnosis (3) 

• Help people develop strategies to manage mental health concerns and improve their well-being

Psychologists cannot prescribe medication in Canada. Depending on where you live and the service you are seeking, a referral may or may not be required.

Psychiatrist 

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health. Psychiatrists can:

• Assess, diagnose and treat mental health conditionsMedical doctor 

• Prescribe medication 

• Help create and manage a treatment plan

• Provide some forms of psychotherapy

• In many parts of Canada, a referral from a family doctor or other primary care provider is required to access publicly funded psychiatric care. Some private services may have different referral requirements.

Psychotherapist or Counsellor

Psychotherapists and counsellors support people through talk therapy and other therapeutic approaches. Depending on their training, professional designation and location, they may work in private practices, hospitals, clinics, community health settings, rehabilitation programs and other settings.

Different professionals may use different therapeutic approaches, including:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy

• Interpersonal therapy

• Psychodynamic therapy

• Dialectical behaviour therapy

• Solution-focused therapy

When looking for a psychotherapist or counsellor, you may want to ask about their education, training, professional registration and experience with the concerns you are seeking support for.

The terms used to describe counselling and psychotherapy can vary depending on where you live, the professional's training and the regulatory requirements in your province or territory.

Social Worker

Social workers consider the many factors that can affect a person's mental health and overall wellbeing, including relationships, family, work, finances, housing and access to community resources.

Depending on their education, training and professional designation, social workers may:

• Provide counselling or psychotherapy, depending on their education, training and professional designation

• Help people navigate challenging life circumstances

• Connect people with community, health and social services

• Make referrals to other professions and resources

• Advocate for clients and help them navigate complex systems.

If you are looking for a mental health professional who understands agriculture, our crisis resource page includes a list of therapists and counsellors with experience supporting people in agricultural communities. Visit the section “I am looking for a therapist/counsellor who understands agriculture” to learn more.

Choosing the right type of mental health support doesn't have to happen all at once. Whether you begin by talking to your family doctor, connecting with a counsellor or social worker, joining a peer support group, or simply having an honest conversation with someone you trust, each step is a meaningful one. Every person's needs, experiences, and circumstances are different, and it's okay if finding the right fit takes time. The most important thing is knowing that support is available, and that reaching out is a way of taking care of yourself.

This post has been reviewed for clinical accuracy by a qualified mental health professional.