What is the difference between a Registered Social Worker and a Registered Psychotherapist?
To put it simply, their education!
A Registered Social Worker at Shift has completed a Master’s of Social Work degree. Registered Social Workers are regulated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). They are trained to provide individual, group, and family counselling, as well as case management and advocacy services. Most employee benefit plans cover Registered Social Workers. When reviewing your benefits, check whether MSW/RSW counselling is included.
A Psychotherapist may have completed a Master's in areas such as Education or Counselling Psychology, for example. Registered Psychotherapists are regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). They specialise in psychotherapy, helping clients address mental health concerns through evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Many employee benefit plans now cover Registered Psychotherapists. When reviewing your benefits, check whether Registered Psychotherapist (RP) counselling is included.
It is important to note that in Ontario, both Registered Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists do not have the ability to prescribe medication or make a clinical mental health diagnosis.
For more information, contact our Care Team by phone at 1 (800) 661-8681 or by email at hello@shiftcollab.com.