Looking for a Psychiatrist in Ontario? A Psychotherapist might be able to help.
By Carly Fleming, Registered Psychotherapist & Director
If you’re looking for a Psychiatrist in Ontario and having trouble, this is how a Psychotherapist might be able to help.
Are you struggling with your mental health? Have you tried looking for a Psychiatrist in Ontario? If you’re having trouble finding suitable supports, you’re not alone. Psychiatrists are medial doctors and their services are covered under our provincial health insurance plan (OHIP). When people are struggling with their mental health and want professional support, their first thought is often to look for a Psychiatrist.
The problem is that there are long wait times for most Psychiatrists in Ontario and even once you do see a Psychiatrist, you may only be able to see them for short appointments focussed on medication management. If you are looking for a mental health professional who can see you quickly and who can work with you over a longer period of time, a Psychotherapist might be your best bet.
What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychotherapist?
Psychiatrists diagnose mental disorders whereas Psychotherapists do not have the training to provide a diagnosis. However, Psychotherapists are very familiar with the various types of mental health diagnoses that their clients may face. They won’t be able to provide a diagnosis but they will be very interested in understanding what your daily life is like and how it feels to be you.
Psychiatrists can prescribe medication and manage medication whereas Psychotherapists cannot. They can’t prescribe medication but they can use therapy techniques to help reduce your symptoms.
Psychotherapists are trained in psychotherapy and counselling skills. They will work with you to understand the roots of your mental health struggles, and how to manage the every-day symptoms and struggles that you are dealing with. Psychiatrists often have this training as well but their time and availability is limited so they often cannot provide this kind of in-depth counselling.
Psychiatrists are covered by OHIP whereas most Psychotherapists work in private practice, charging fees for appointments.
Psychiatrists and Psychotherapists are both regulated health professionals in the province of Ontario and can work with you to provide you with the support you are looking for.
It can be beneficial for people to see a medical doctor (either a Psychiatrist or a Family Physician) for medication purposes and work with a Psychotherapist on the ongoing process of healing, building healthy relationships with self and others, and bringing more joy and meaning to their life. However, it is not necessary to have a diagnosis or be under the care of a medial doctor to work with a Psychotherapist.
Looking for some support?
If you have been searching for a Psychiatrist or you are on a waitlist but struggling in the meantime, we can help. We have a team of Psychotherapists who are available to start working with you right now. If cost is a barrier, we offer an Affordable Counselling program so you can access counselling at a reduced cost. If you have extended health benefits through an employer, you are likely covered for services by a Psychotherapist.
Book a free 30 minute consultation and let’s talk about it.