Psychologist

A psychologist is a professional who has specialized university training, either a master's or a doctorate degree, in psychology. This training focuses on understanding human behaviour and learning a variety of techniques to help clients resolve their psychological difficulties. A psychologist is familiar with interview techniques, has completed supervised internships in psychotherapy and is able to use psychological tests to evaluate clients’ intellectual abilities, aptitudes or aspects of their personality. At this time in Quebec, the title “psychologist” is protected, which means that all psychologists must be listed on the membership roll of the Ordre des psychologues du Québec.

The difference between a psychologist, a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist

A psychiatrist is a medical specialist, like a cardiologist or a surgeon. To benefit from the services of this doctor specializing in mental health, a client must be referred by a physician. The psychiatrist’s training prepares him or her to treat major mental disorders, which usually require the use of medications. Because psychiatrists are doctors, they can prescribe drugs. They may also use interview techniques and psychotherapy to treat their patients. In Quebec, the practice of psychiatry is protected, which means that all psychiatrists must be medical specialists who are members of the Collège des médecins du Québec.

A psychotherapist can be defined as someone who provides psychotherapy services. The title “psychotherapist” is not controlled in Quebec, which means that there are no specific regulations governing the practice of psychotherapy, and no university program awards a degree in psychotherapy. The title “psychotherapist” can be used by psychologists and psychiatrists who provide psychotherapy services, but also by any other person, who may or may not have adequate training. To be certain of obtaining quality services, it is preferable to ascertain that the psychotherapist has received appropriate training and is a member of a professional order.  Bill 21, which was adopted by the National Assembly of Quebec in june 2009, will change this situation as soon as it goes into effect.