What do psychologists do?

Psychologists have the most extensive and comprehensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of psychological, emotional, and behavioural disorders.  A psychologist studies how we think, feel and behave from a scientific viewpoint and applies this knowledge to help people understand, explain and change their behaviour using a variety of psychological treatments and psychotherapies.Psychologists engage in research, clinical practice, and teaching across a wide range of topics. A psychologist is uniquely trained to use psychological tests to help with assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. 

A psychologist holds a Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral degree (C.Psych. or Psy.D.) in psychology, meaning that they have been trained in how people think, feel and behave a minimum of 10 years. In Ontario, one must attain a doctoral degree in order to use the title "psychologist".  Following this extensive university training, psychologists complete a 1-2 year post-doctoral internship/fellowship to gain research and clinical experience. This is followed by 1-2 years of clinical supervision through the regulating body for psychologists - the College of Psychologists of Ontario - during which time psychologists visit with clients and patients under the tutelage of a clinical supervisor.  Following a series of clinical and legal examinations, psychologists then receive their license to practice psychology.  Even as independent psychologists, we are mandated by our governing body to complete extensive continuing education on a yearly basis in the areas of clinical practice, psychopathology, statistics, and law and ethics.  Psychologists are one of only five healthcare professionals legally allowed to use the title of “Doctor”. 

A psychological associate has a Master's degree in psychology, which is then followed by four years of experience working in the scope of practice of psychology, followed by at least one additional year of formal supervised experience and the successful completion of all examinations required by the College of Psychologists of Ontario.  As independent psychological associates, they are mandated by their governing body to complete annual continuing education similar to that of psychologists.  

The College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) is the governing body for psychologists and psychological associates in Ontario.  Its mandate is to protect public interests by monitoring and regulating the practice of psychology. The CPO ensures you receive competent and ethical professional psychological services from qualified providers. The CPO sets the requirements for entry to practice, sets and monitors practice standards and ethical behaviour of the profession, administers a Quality Assurance program and ensures continued competence of the profession. As responsible members of the profession, psychologists adhere to the Standards of Professional Conduct of the CPO and are accountable to the public to provide ethical and competent services.

Psychotherapists provide supportive counselling and psychotherapy for non-complex mental health issues.  As they are not psychologists/psychological associates and do not hold a doctorate, they are not regulated by the College of Psychologists of Ontario and are not legally empowered to use the terms "psychological" or "psychology", to administer psychological tests or psychological assessment, to provide psychological treatment, nor to provide psychological diagnoses.  Psychotherapists scope of practice is regulated by the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario.  

Psychologists and psychiatrists have separate but overlapping areas of expertise, and often work closely together. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who largely focus on medication management of mental health whereas psychologists adhere to a biopsychosocial model of mental health. Psychiatrists have less training in psychological test administration and perform less psychological testing compared to psychologists. When appropriate, psychologists work collaboratively with psychiatrists to create the most effective treatment plan for individuals on a case-by-case basis.