Navigating the overwhelming world of counsellor acronyms, insurance, and credentials
When you’ve made the decision to see a therapist, the first step can feel a bit daunting – how do you choose the right person? There are many things to consider when choosing a counsellor, like what type of counsellor do I need, and what do all those acronyms mean?
This brief guide is designed to help you navigate the process of finding the right mental health support for yourself or a loved one. We’ll cover common questions about acronyms, credentials, and insurance to help you make informed decisions and connect with care that fits your needs.
The Relationship Matters
First things first – no matter what type of therapist you choose, the most important aspect is the relationship. Research consistently shows that a positive relationship with a therapist – someone who you can trust, confide in, and feel respected by – is the biggest predictor of successful outcomes in therapy. If a connection doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to talk about it – or even explore other options.
At NeurAlive Neurofeedback and Counselling, we understand the importance of finding that perfect fit. All of our counsellors offer free 20-minute consultations or you can book a free consultation with the Intake Team to help you decide if you’re not sure.
Psychologist? Counsellor? Therapist? Social Worker? What’s the difference?
Terms like Counsellor, Therapist, and Psychologist are often used interchangeably and it can be hard to know the difference. To add to the confusion, many of these different professions offer the same services!
So, does it matter? In short, yes. Depending on the type of counselling or service you need, your insurance coverage, or your budget, different designations can provide different support.
In BC, titles such as Psychologist, Psychiatrist, and Social Worker are regulated and require registration, whereas terms like Psychotherapy, Counselling, and Therapy remain unregulated…for now.
Registration: Ethics and Professionalism in Counselling
As of July 2, 2024, “psychotherapy” was added to BC’s list of Health Professions under the Health Professions Act. Full regulation, however, isn’t expected until 2027. Until counselling and psychotherapy have more regulation, it’s important to ask about a therapist’s education, credentials, and professional memberships to ensure they are operating ethically.
While therapy in BC is not yet fully regulated, several professional associations help ensure therapists meet ethical and professional standards by requiring all members to adhere to their Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. These organizations also have formal complaints processes and ethics committees in place to support the public.
Social Workers, Psychologists, and Psychiatrists can also provide therapy, but may have different approaches based on their training and education. Anyone using these titles must belong to one of the following regulatory bodies: the BC College of Social Workers, BC Psychological Association, and The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia, respectively.
To verify a therapist’s membership, look for the following designations:
- RCC or RCC-ACS – Registered Clinical Counsellor or Approved Clinical Supervisor (BC Association of Clinical Counsellors)
- CCC or CCS – Canadian Certified Counsellor or Canadian Clinical Supervisor (Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association)
- RMFT – Registered Marriage and Family Therapist (Canadian Association of Marriage and Family Therapists)
- RPC – Registered Professional Counsellor (Canadian Professional Counsellors Association – CPCA)
- RSW – Registered Social Worker (BC College of Social Workers)
- R. Psych – Registered Psychologist (BC Psychological Association)
- RCAT – Registered Canadian Art Therapist (BC Art Therapy Association, or Canadian Art Therapy Association)
What kind of therapist would be right for me?
Depending on the service you are looking for (a specific type of therapy, a diagnosis, medication, or assessment, for example), each of these different professionals can offer a different service, based on their training and education, and professional development.
| Counsellors/ Therapists (RCC, CCC, RPC) | Registered Clinical Social Workers (RCSW) | Registered Social Workers (RSW) | Registered Psychologists | Psychiatrists | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychotherapy or traditional “Talk Therapy” | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Assess and Diagnose Mental Health Disorders | N | Y* | N | Y* | Y |
| Assess Developmental or Neuropsychological challenges (e.g. ADHD, Autism, Alzheimer’s, cognitive functioning) | N | N | N | Y | N |
| Prescribe Medication | N | N | N | N | Y |
* Not all psychologists or social workers will provide diagnosis, depending on their clinical preferences. Be sure to ask if this is a service they provide and the fees.
Education: What education qualifies someone to be a Therapist?
There are many avenues of study that can lead someone to providing counselling in Victoria services. Most provincial associations require at least a Master’s level of education to register. People with any of the credentials below may provide therapy:
- Counselling Certificate or Diploma in Applied Psychology and Counselling (a shorter, 7-12 month program typically taught in a vocational school. This credential is not enough to register with most professional associations.)
- Diploma in Art Therapy (DVATI, VATI, RCAT)
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN)
- Master of Science (M.Sc) in Psychology, or Family Relations and Human Development
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Master of Arts (MA) with specialization in Counselling, or Counselling Psychology (sometimes shown as MACP)
- Master of Counselling (MC)
- Master of Education (M.Ed) in counselling, counselling psychology, school psychology,
- Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT)
- Master of Psychotherapy and Spirituality (MPS)
- Ph.D in clinical psychology or counselling psychology (“psychologist”)
- Psychiatrist, a medical doctor trained to provide diagnoses for mental health disorders and medical treatment such as medication.
*This list is not exhaustive and there may be other relevant degrees not listed. After completing their degree, Counsellors will continue their growth and development through Continuing Education. Many will continue training in order to specialize in certain areas.
Insurance and Fees
In BC, counselling and psychotherapy are not typically covered by public health (MSP). However, you may have access to coverage through extended health benefits, Employee/Family Assistance Programs (EAP/EFAP), the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), or student insurance plans. Coverage varies widely depending on your provider and plan, so it’s best to contact your insurer directly to confirm details – such as eligible provider designations (e.g., Registered Clinical Counsellor, Psychologist) and annual limits (e.g., $500 per year).
Therapy rates vary by designation and service. Generally:
- Counsellors and Social Workers: $140–$250 per session
- Psychologists: $230–$250 per session
- Private psychological assessments (e.g., Autism Assessments): $2,500–$4,500
If you wish to see a Psychologist or Psychiatrist through public health (MSP), a referral from a physician is required. Service fees are covered, but wait times may vary.
How do I know what type of therapy is right for me?
There are so many different types of therapy it can be difficult to choose the right approach for the issues you wish to address. From CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), to DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy) and somatic (body based) therapies, there’s a lot to consider!
The good news? You don’t need to have it all figured out. This is exactly where a counsellor’s expertise comes in. Part of their role is to understand which therapy methods are most effective for different types of challenges. They’ll be able to guide you based on your unique situation and goals. Doing a consultation allows you to ask questions, learn about the therapist’s training and specialties, and get a feel for how their approach might work for you. Ask questions – understanding how a therapist works can help you feel more confident and informed as you take the next step in your mental health journey.
Ready to book a consultation? Click here to get started!
