From Clinician Designations to Interpersonal Fit: How to Pick the Right Therapist for You
August 8, 2025
By Nicola Irvin
Starting therapy is a big step—and if you’ve ever browsed a therapist directory, you’ve probably come across a sea of titles: RP, RSW, psychologist, psychological associate, psychiatrist… What do they all mean? And how do you know who’s the right fit for you?
At PRISMA, we hear these questions all the time, and we get it—navigating mental health support can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already going through something hard. The good news is: you don’t have to figure it out alone. This guide aims to clarify some of the common clinician designations and explain how our intake process helps you find the therapist that’s right for your unique needs.
Here’s the short version: All of our clinicians at PRISMA — whether they are psychologists, clinical social workers, or psychotherapists — are trained and registered to provide psychotherapy. That means no matter their professional title, they are qualified to support you through your mental health journey. But beyond that, each clinician brings a different set of specializations, training, therapeutic approaches, and personal style to their work, and that’s where our intake conversation becomes really important.
Common Clinician Designations in Ontario: A Quick Guide
There are several types of professionals who provide psychotherapy, each with their own training, scope of practice, and regulatory body. While all of our clinicians are qualified to support your mental health, their designations can influence things like insurance coverage, access to diagnosis, and overall treatment planning.
To help clarify the differences, we’ve created a simple chart outlining each clinician designation and what it means for your care.
Click here to view the clinician designation chart →
How Designation Can Impact Your Therapy Experience
Each clinician designation reflects different training, roles, and areas of expertise, and understanding these differences can help you navigate your options with more confidence. Here are some important ways designation might matter:
Insurance Coverage: Many workplace or student benefit plans specify which types of clinicians they cover. For example, some plans may cover sessions with Registered Social Workers (RSWs) or Psychologists but not Registered Psychotherapists (RPs). That said, more and more plans now include RPs as eligible providers. It’s always a good idea to check your insurance policy in advance to avoid surprises or abrupt treatment termination.
Access to Diagnosis and Medication: While many clinicians provide therapy, only certain professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and nurse practitioners, are able to provide formal diagnoses. If you’re exploring psychotropic medication as part of your treatment, psychiatrists and nurse practitioners should be involved. An important aspect to consider is that formal mental health diagnoses might be necessary for insurance coverage, access to disability benefits, and to guide treatment planning for those dealing with more severe conditions that impact their functioning level. However, it is not as important if you want to focus on less debilitating mental health concerns. In fact, many people who seek therapy do not have a diagnosable mental health problem.
Supervision and Experience: Some early career therapists may work under supervision by more experienced clinicians, for example, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Registered Psychologist (Supervised Practice). This oversight is designed to support learning and ensure high-quality, ethical care. In this case, insurance coverage will be provided based on the designation of their supervisor.
Approach and Specialization: All of our clinicians, regardless of designation, use evidence-based approaches. For example, most of our clinicians are EFT- and trauma-informed, some specialize in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), or exposure and response prevention (ERP) for OCD. Others incorporate mindfulness, psychodynamic therapy, and anti-oppressive care. While the therapeutic modality matters, so does the therapist’s experience and training in your specific area of concern. When you are deciding if a therapist is right for you, ask if their area of expertise matches your goals for therapy.
While these distinctions can guide your choice, designation, education, and training, they are just one part of the picture. The most important factor in therapy is the relationship you build with your clinician and how well their style and expertise help you feel heard and move in the right direction.
So… How Do You Know Who’s the Right Fit?
That’s where we come in.
At PRISMA, we offer a guided intake process to help take the guesswork out of getting started. Whether you’re new to therapy or coming back after a break, we know that finding the right fit is a deeply personal process—and it’s okay if you’re not exactly sure what you’re looking for.
When someone reaches out to us here at PRISMA for the first time, they’re often feeling a mix of things: overwhelmed, uncertain, excited, and maybe even nervous about starting therapy. That’s completely normal — and it’s exactly why I’m here.
As the Intake Coordinator, I speak directly with every new client to understand your needs, preferences, and anything else that matters to you in a therapeutic relationship. My job is to help you navigate those first steps, answer your questions, and connect you with the clinician who’s best suited to support you.
I am trained to help you tease out what your goals are and the type of therapist you need. I also have a deep understanding of all of our therapists, their training, approaches, and interpersonal style. I can give you an inside overview of what being in therapy with a specific clinician might feel like and help increase the chances of a great therapeutic relationship - the secret juice that will make it or break it!
For example:
Let's say that I spoke with someone who had been dealing with anxiety for a long time, but recently, it had started to interfere with their ability to function day-to-day. They weren’t sure what kind of therapy they needed — they just knew they wanted to feel better. During our conversation, I asked a few questions about what they’d been experiencing, what kind of support they were hoping for, and how they tend to process things emotionally. Based on what they shared, I might recommend a clinician who specializes in anxiety and uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is particularly helpful for understanding and shifting thought patterns that contribute to anxiety.
Other times, someone might be dealing with relationship challenges or current life effects from their childhood history, and I might suggest a clinician trained in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). Each approach offers something a little different, and part of my role is to help you understand those options and figure out what feels like the best fit.
During your intake call, I will also take the time to ask you a few questions about your insurance coverage. Some insurance plans cover sessions differently depending on whether you’re seeing a psychologist, social worker, or psychotherapist. To help avoid any surprises down the road, I encourage everyone to check in with their insurance provider ahead of time and confirm what professional designations are covered.
Starting therapy is a big step, and I know it can feel like a lot to sort through. But you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. That’s what the intake process is for — to make sure you feel informed, supported, and connected to the right person from the very beginning. So if you’re unsure about anything — just ask. I’m here to help.
Starting with Support
If you're curious about therapy or want help deciding what kind of support is right for you, book a complimentary intake call with us. We’ll help you make a decision that feels informed, empowering, and just right for you. We'll do our best to get you booked with a therapist within a week of your first contact.
Nicola Irvin is an Intake Coordinator at PRISMA. She offers complimentary consultations to guide new clients through the intake process and make the journey into therapy as smooth and supportive as possible.
Disclosure
This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional psychological or medical advice. We encourage you to discuss any treatment options with your mental healthcare provider to fully understand the potential risks and benefits. For Emergencies, call 911, 988 or go to the nearest hospital. For specific Crisis Services, please visit our Resources page.
About PRISMA
PRISMA is a boutique psychology practice located in downtown Toronto, dedicated to supporting individuals and couples facing a variety of mental health challenges. Our experienced team of clinicians provides compassionate, personalized care using evidence-based approaches tailored to each client’s unique needs.
Whether you’re navigating stress, anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, or other concerns, we are here to help you.
