Psychologist
- AKA “Registered Psychologist“
- Training:
- university undergraduate degree
- university graduate school (usually a Master’s degree followed by a PhD or “doctorate”), followed by a one year internship.
- trained in research and talk therapy.
- They DO NOT usually prescribe medication
- They Do talk therapy
- They are Registered Health Care Professionals in BC
- Regulated by the College of Psychologists of BC who manage complaints
- Not usually covered by BC Medical Services Plan
- Often covered by Extended Health
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Psychiatrist
- AKA “Physician“
- Training
- university undergraduate degree
- medical school, followed by a five year mental health residency.
- trained in medication and talk therapy.
- DO prescribe medication
- Some do talk therapy
- They are Registered Health Care Professionals in BC
- Regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC who manage complaints
- Often covered by BC Medical Services plan
- NOT usually covered by Extended Health
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Click here to to LEARN MORE about BC’s Regulated Health Professions
Click here to see a LIST of BC’s Regulated Health Care Professions
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Counsellor (RCC)
- AKA “Registered Clinical Counsellor” or “RCC”
- Training
- university undergraduate degree
- university graduate school (usually a Master’s degree ), followed by 100 hours of supervised practice.
- trained in talk therapy and some research courses
- They DO NOT prescribe medication
- They do talk therapy
- They are NOT Registered Health Care Professionals in BC
- They are NOT formally ‘regulated’, but those using the term have joined an association called the BC Association of Clinical Counselors This group checks credentials and provides a platform to take and investigate complaints.
- NOT covered by BC Medical Services plan
- Sometimes covered by Extended Health
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Counselor, therapist, life coach, etc…
- In BC, anyone can use these terms to describe their services. Some may be skilled at their craft and some may not. Some have joined an association and some have not.
- Training
- Variable
- They DO NOT prescribe medication
- They do talk therapy
- They are NOT Registered Health Care Professionals in BC
- They are NOT formally ‘regulated’
- NOT covered by BC Medical Services plan
- NOT usually covered by Extended Health
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