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What Is the Difference Between a Psychologist, a Therapist and a Counsellor?

In Alberta, "psychologist" is a legally protected title: only people registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists can use it. "Therapist" and "counsellor" are general descriptions rather than licences. The practical differences are in training, in what each can assess or diagnose, in who oversees them, and in which ones your insurance will pay for.

Psychologist

Psychologists in Alberta hold at least a master's degree in psychology, complete a period of supervised practice and pass licensing exams before full registration. They provide therapy, and they can also assess and diagnose conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, ADHD and learning disorders. Formal assessments, such as a psychoeducational assessment for a child, are psychologists' work.

A registered provisional psychologist has completed the degree and is registered with the College, but is still finishing the supervised practice and exams. They see clients under the supervision of a registered psychologist.

Social worker

Social workers in Alberta are regulated by the Alberta College of Social Workers. Many work as therapists, and some hold a clinical social worker designation for advanced practice. Social workers bring particular strength in the practical side of people's lives: family systems, community resources and the pressures around a person as well as inside them.

Counsellor

"Counsellor" is not a protected title in Alberta. A qualified counsellor usually holds a master's degree in counselling or a related field, and many are Canadian Certified Counsellors, a national certification from the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association with its own code of ethics and continuing education requirements. Counsellors provide therapy but typically do not provide formal diagnoses.

Therapist and psychotherapist

"Therapist" is an umbrella word for anyone who provides therapy, whatever their profession. "Psychotherapist" is a regulated title in some provinces, such as Ontario, but it is not a separate licence in Alberta. When someone describes themselves as a therapist, ask what their designation is.

What about life coaches?

Coaching is unregulated. A coach may be very helpful for goals, motivation or career questions, but coaching is not mental health treatment, and coaches are not trained or regulated to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety or trauma. Coaching is also rarely covered by health benefits.

How to check someone's credentials

Psychologists and provisional psychologists: search the College of Alberta Psychologists' public register.
Social workers: the Alberta College of Social Workers keeps a public registry.
Canadian Certified Counsellors: the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association lists its certified members.

A reputable clinic will tell you each clinician's designation without being asked, and will not mind if you check.

Does the difference matter?

For everyday concerns like stress, relationship strain, grief or low mood, a skilled clinician from any of these professions can help, and the fit between you matters more than the letters after their name. The distinctions start to matter when:

You need a formal assessment or diagnosis, for example for school or workplace accommodations. That is a psychologist's role.
You want to use insurance. Plans differ in which designations they cover.
You want a specific approach, such as EMDR, which requires additional training whatever the clinician's profession.

Which ones does insurance cover?

Most extended health plans cover registered psychologists. Many also cover provisional psychologists and social workers, and more plans now cover counsellors, sometimes under a separate or combined mental health maximum. Check your booklet or ask your insurer which designations are eligible before your first session.

Our team

Supporting Wellness has registered psychologists, registered provisional psychologists, Canadian Certified Counsellors and social workers across our Calgary, Red Deer and Cold Lake clinics. When you call 1-888-622-8350, we will match you with the right person and check which of our clinicians your plan covers.

We direct bill many insurers, including Alberta Blue Cross, Canada Life, Sun Life, Manulife, Greenshield and Medavie Blue Cross, so you pay only what your plan does not cover. Direct billing and insurance lists them all.

Book online

Call 1-888-622-8350

Direct billing and insurance

Our Matching Process

Over the Phone Consult

Give us a call for an over-the-phone consultation. Booking a therapy session requires no referral. We look forward to getting to know you and helping you access the care you need.

Pair With a Practitioner

Once we’ve spoken on the phone, we’ll be able to assess your concerns and pair you with a practitioner in our office who is best suited for your situation. We want you to receive relevant and relatable support. We have locations in Calgary, Red Deer and Cold Lake.

Come in to Talk

We look forward to having you come in for your first session; our goal is to make you feel welcome and comfortable. You will sit down with a therapist who has specialized knowledge of your area of concern.

Why Choose Supporting Wellness

Safe & Welcoming Environment

Our office is comfortable and inviting for clients of all ages with a modern, open, and friendly atmosphere. We do our best to ensure you feel completely safe and comfortable when you come for your appointment, whether with a family member or on your own.

Family Oriented Practice

We cater to families with multiple concerns. We are knowledgeable about marriage and family counselling, couples therapy, and child therapy. We are dedicated to maintaining an environment that is safe, comfortable and inviting to families.

We Listen & Work Collaboratively

We use a collaborative approach in our therapy and counselling sessions. We listen intently, respond with care, offer helpful feedback, and often recommend activities or reading materials to support progress between sessions.

Specialized Care

Our team includes specialized psychologists and therapists with advanced training. You can trust that the professional supporting you has the experience and expertise needed to provide high-quality care.

No Referral Necessary

We do not require a referral from your family physician; seeking care from one of our trained practitioners is the first step to better mental and emotional health, and we want you to have easy access to the care you need.

Free Connection Calls

All of our therapists offer free 15-minute connection calls to help you determine if they’re the right fit for your needs. It’s a chance to ask questions, share what you’re looking for, and feel confident in your next steps, so you can move forward knowing you’re supported from the very beginning.