Social Workers, Counsellors, and Psychotherapists: Is there a difference in Ontario?

The short answer is yes, but maybe not in the ways you think!

Social Workers are mental health professionals who studied at least 4 years in an accredited social work program and must be registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Basically, this means that to call yourself and work as a social worker (at least in Ontario), you have to complete extensive education and be registered with the governing body that is mandated to ensure the safety of the public (as it pertains to the practice of social work).

Often, employment with a Bachelor of Social Work (the 4 year degree) can land you jobs as a case manager, child & youth worker, intake coordinator, crisis worker, amongst many others. Still, social workers can further their education through graduate studies (Master's and PhD programs). With this additional education, a social worker might find themselves working in areas such as counselling, psychotherapy, social policy development, social science research, social service management, and so on and so forth. Thankfully, gone are the days where social workers were only associated with child protective services.

But it doesn't stop there! As a regulated health profession, social workers must complete continuing education activities every year to keep their skills sharp. A record of these activities are recorded in a Continuing Competence Plan. This plan must be kept for 10 years and submitted to the OCSWSSW upon request. Continuing education activities might include training in different therapeutic approaches (think something like CBT, Narrative Therapy, or other therapy-related training), accessing regular supervision in their work, or other activities that demonstrate a commitment to continued competence as a social worker.

SO WHAT THE HECK IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY?

Probably the simplest way to distinguish the two is that counselling is generally more wellness-oriented whereas psychotherapy is more deficit-oriented. Someone who offers counselling would support with things like relationship conflict, stress management, skill building, amongst others with the ultimate goal of building insight to overcome struggles and challenges. On the other hand, someone who offers psychotherapy is someone who supports with addressing a diagnosable mental health condition (i.e., depression, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, etc.). The kicker here? Often a therapist will support through counselling and psychotherapy simultaneously; depending on the presenting issue.

WHY DOES THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY MATTER IF THEY ARE SO CLOSELY RELATED?

In 2017, an amendment to the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 deemed psychotherapy a controlled act in Ontario. Essentially, this sets out legislatively who can practice psychotherapy with the ultimate goal of ensuring the safety of Ontarians.

WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL WORKERS?

Well, individuals registered with the OCSWSSW are permitted to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy as long as they do so in compliance with the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998.

Put plainly, social workers can provide counselling and psychotherapy for a variety of mental health issues.