Categories Blog & Resources Categories Anxiety & OCD Therapy Psychology & Neuroscience Decision Making Media General What’s the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist? A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who, much like a cardiologist or dermatologist—has special training in a given field of medicine, namely psychiatry. Psychiatrists provide assessments, diagnoses, medication, and therapy to individuals with mental illness. A clinical psychologist completed a doctorate degree (PhD or PsyD) in the field of psychology as well as additional training and certification as clinicians. A clinical psychologist provides assessment, diagnoses, and therapy to individuals with mental illness or mental health issues. Where can I find the right therapist/psychologist for me in Ottawa? A number of online search tools are available to find the right therapist or psychologist for you in Ottawa. The Ottawa Academy of Psychology has an online directory with many filters that can help you source a local psychologist who meets your specific needs. PsychologyToday.com provides an extensive listing of therapists in Ottawa and throughout Ontario (and beyond). A typical listing will specify the credentials of the therapist as well as their major practice areas, approach, and style, which can help you decide on the best possible fit for you. In Ontario, are the services of a psychologist-in-training covered by private insurance? In many cases, yes, as long as the work of the trainee is being supervised by a certified psychologist in Ontario. Insurance companies and policies vary widely. So make sure that you consult your insurer to verify that your claims will be reimbursed when delivered by a trainee under the supervision of a certified psychologist. Typically, as long as the name, certificate number, and signature of the supervising clinical psychologist appears on the receipt, the client will be successful in seeking reimbursement for therapy costs. Because the Ontario college of psychologists require this supervisor information on all client documents, it is standard practice at Riven Psychology and likely most other Ontario practices. Are psychology services covered by private insurance plans in Ontario? Yes, psychology services are covered by private insurance plans in Ontario. Insurance companies and policies vary widely. So make sure that you consult your policy to determine how much coverage you have to see a clinical psychologist in private practice. Are psychology services covered by OHIP? Only psychology services delivered through a public health care system—for instance, a hospital setting—are covered by OHIP. When you consult a clinical psychologist in a private practice, those services are not covered by OHIP.