As a licensed therapist, I’ve had so many conversations that start with a simple, heartfelt question: “Who should I see for help—what’s the difference between a psychologist and a psychotherapist?”

If you’ve been wondering the same thing, you’re not alone. Taking that first step toward caring for your mental health is incredibly brave, but choosing someone right for you can be overwhelming. Keep on reading to understand the difference between psychologists and psychotherapists and figure out what might fit best for you.

What is a Psychologist?

A psychologist is a mental health professional with deep training in human behaviour and emotions. In Canada, they’ve completed a doctoral degree—think of it as years of studying how the mind works, often paired with research and clinical practice. They’re equipped to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders. So, if you need something like an ADHD assessment or if you're curious about a diagnosis for anxiety or depression, a psychologist is the right fit. They can run psychological tests and build treatment plans based on scientific research.

What is a Psychotherapist? 

A psychotherapist focuses on sitting with people, hearing their stories, and helping them navigate emotions, relationships, and life’s ups and downs through talk or somatic therapy. In Ontario, psychotherapists are registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). They may come from different educational backgrounds (social work, counselling, psychology), but all share a common goal: to support emotional healing and personal growth. Unlike psychologists, psychotherapists don’t provide formal diagnoses or psychological tests, but they offer tools to help you thrive.

What is the difference in training between a psychologist and a psychotherapist?

• Psychologist: Years of study, research, and clinical training culminating in a doctoral degree (Ph.D., Psy.D.).
  
• Psychotherapist: Specialized training in therapeutic techniques, typically with a master’s degree in a related field like counselling, social work, or psychotherapy itself.
  

What are the similarities between a psychologist and a psychotherapist?

Here’s where things feel a bit more fluid. Despite the formal differences, psychologists and psychotherapists share a mission: to support your mental health.

Goals of Treatment: Whether you sit down with a psychologist or a psychotherapist, the goal is the same—we’re here to help you feel better, to find new ways of coping, and to support your personal growth.

Client Engagement: They both offer regular therapy sessions, creating a safe, supportive space where you can unpack what’s weighing on you. Therapy is a collaborative process—whether with a psychologist or psychotherapist, they work together.

How to decide between a psychologist and a psychotherapist? 

Let’s bring this into real life. Here are some gentle guidelines to help you decide:

Considerations for different needs:

• Need a formal diagnosis or psychological testing? A psychologist is your go-to. They can diagnose conditions like ADHD, anxiety disorders, PTSD, or depression and offer structured treatment plans based on those assessments.
  
• Looking for support navigating life’s twists and turns? A psychotherapist is a wonderful choice. They help with relationship struggles, stress, grief, and emotional healing—no diagnosis required. They can also provide treatment and psychotherapy to help you if you’re diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety disorders, PTSD or depression, but they do not offer diagnosis.
  
  

Scenarios for seeking each professional:

Psychologist:

• You’ve been wondering if your symptoms point to a specific mental health diagnosis.
  
• You need assessments for school, work, or medical reasons (like ADHD testing).
  
• You’re dealing with complex mental health conditions like PTSD, OCD, or severe anxiety.
  

Psychotherapist:

• You’re feeling overwhelmed and need a safe place to talk.
  
• You’re struggling with relationships, work stress, or emotional pain.
  
• You want to explore your past, work through trauma, or build new coping strategies.
• You’re dealing with complex mental health concerns like trauma, PTSD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that have already been diagnosed by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
  
• You’re interested in specific types of therapy like mindfulness-based approaches, CBT, or EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy).
  

Breaking down symptoms:

• Anxiety or Depression:
  
  • Feeling mild to moderately anxious or down? A psychotherapist can help you talk it out, develop coping tools, and feel supported. Can offer support to severe mental health concerns once you have a diagnosis.
    
  • Struggling with severe, life-disrupting symptoms? A psychologist can assess and diagnose, and guide you through structured treatment.
    
• ADHD:
  
  • Wondering if you have ADHD? A psychologist can provide formal testing and diagnosis.
    
• Complex trauma or severe mental health disorders:
  
  • Both professionals can help, but starting with a psychologist for diagnosis might give you more clarity on treatment options.
    
    

Choosing the right person to support your mental health is such a personal decision—it’s about finding someone you feel safe with, someone who understands you.

Here at Wellnest, we have a diverse team of psychologists and psychotherapists, all with different backgrounds and specialties. Whether you need a diagnosis, a listening ear, or tools to navigate life’s ups and downs, we’re here for you.

Looking for a therapist? Get help now with Wellnest:

• Explore our therapists – Discover professionals from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds and specialties.
  
• Therapy for individuals – Get the support you need, tailored to your journey.
  
• Wellness support for organizations – Support for teams and workplaces.
  
  

If you’re wondering whether now is the right time for therapy, check out our post: When is the Right Time for Therapy?

FAQs:

Who is more qualified, a psychotherapist or a psychologist? It’s less about who’s more qualified and more about what kind of support you need. Psychologists have doctoral degrees and offer diagnoses and testing. Psychotherapists have specialized training in therapy techniques and focus on emotional healing.

How do I know if I need a psychologist or psychotherapist? If you need a diagnosis or testing, choose a psychologist. If you’re seeking emotional support, talk therapy, or coping strategies, a psychotherapist is a great fit.

Can a psychotherapist diagnose? In Ontario, psychotherapists cannot provide formal diagnoses. Their focus on therapy, healing, and support.

Who benefits most from psychotherapy? Anyone feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or stuck. Whether it’s relationship challenges, past trauma, or personal growth—you don’t need a diagnosis to benefit from psychotherapy.

Can a psychologist give a formal diagnosis? Yes. Psychologists are licensed to assess and diagnose mental health conditions.

Can a psychologist diagnose you with anxiety? Absolutely. Psychologists can assess and diagnose anxiety disorders, and offer structured treatments to help manage them. Psychiatrists (medical physicians) can also provide diagnosis.

Who is better for anxiety, a psychologist or a psychiatrist? If you’re looking for therapy and coping tools, a psychologist or psychotherapist is ideal. If medication feels like it might be part of your journey, a psychiatrist (who’s a medical doctor) would be the next step.

Wherever you are on your mental health journey, know that support is out there—and the right help is possible.