Finding the Right Therapist
It is hard enough carrying mental health concerns, finding the right kind of therapy shouldn’t be. This site is to help those who are seeking a private therapist navigate to the right resource and support. Listings are provided through the professional Associations and in partnership with the Division of Family Practice.
What is the difference that makes a difference?
Do you need a Psychologist, Clinical Counsellor, or a Social Worker? Each profession offers counselling with slight differences. Your extended health benefits may cover one or all three of these types of professionals.
Here we have broken down the types of services each profession offers and links to their professional association’s listings. Their links offer searches by type of service, language, and orientation. Links are also provided to check registration with their regulatory body.
Therapy is the most effective when client and therapist have a good connection. Most will offer a phone call to answer any questions you may have before you determine if they are the therapist for you.
Your extended health benefits may cover these types of professionals. If not, contact BC211 to find resources near you.
Services They Provide:
- Develop Therapeutic Treatment Plan
- Offer Emotional and/or Behavioural Therapy
- Provide 1:1/Group/Family sessions
- Offer In-Person/Phone/Virtual visits
- Cannot Prescribe
- May be covered by Extended Health Benefits (check your plan)
- May offer Sliding Scale Rates
Make Sure You Have the Right Fit:
When you choose a therapist consider these when determining fit:
- Are you more comfortable with a specific gender?
- Do they speak your preferred language?
- Does your extended health plan cover their designation?
- What are their fees and payment process?
- Do they offer in person/online/phone sessions?
- Is their location viable for you?
- How long have they been in practice? What is their level of education and training?
- Do they have a code of ethics that they will share with you?
- What is their availability relative to your schedule?
- Do they offer phone support or crisis intervention between sessions?
Services They Provide:
- Develop Therapeutic Treatment Plan
- Offer Emotional and/or Behavioural Therapy
- Provide 1:1/Group/Family sessions
- Offer In-Person/Phone/Virtual visits
- Cannot Prescribe
- May be covered by Extended Health Benefits (check your plan)
- May offer Sliding Scale Rates
Make Sure You Have the Right Fit:
When you choose a therapist consider these when determining fit:
- Are you more comfortable with a specific gender?
- Do they speak your preferred language?
- Does your extended health plan cover their designation?
- What are their fees and payment process?
- Do they offer in person/online/phone sessions?
- Is their location viable for you?
- How long have they been in practice? What is their level of education and training?
- Do they have a code of ethics that they will share with you?
- What is their availability relative to your schedule?
- Do they offer phone support or crisis intervention between sessions?
Psychologist
Click here to find a Psychologist that is right for you.
Registered Psychologists are experts in mental and behavioural health. They are trained in assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues, and are regulated by the College of Psychologists of BC. Psychologists work with many kinds of people: individuals, couples, and families, in individual and group settings. Support from a registered psychologist is typically sought for a variety of reasons, including when someone:
- Is facing challenging situations or adjusting to a life change or transition;
- Is experiencing complex mental health or substance use issues;
- Requires a diagnosis and/or an assessment (ADHD, child custody, autism, etc);
- Is seeking counselling or psychotherapy for family, individual or couple issues;
- Needs help managing their physical health issues (ex. Trouble sleeping, struggling to follow doctor recommendations, low motivation to exercise, disordered eating, etc).
Registered Psychologists do not prescribe medication. Registered Psychologists work with their clients by building a relationship of trust.
What to Expect
Clients who seek the services of a Registered Psychologist should expect:
- A warm, compassionate and non-judgemental environment;
- High ethical standards;
- A willingness to discuss treatment with your family doctor, if applicable;
- Conversations about the risks, benefits and outcomes of psychological services;
- Clear communication and mutually agreed upon goals and treatment plans.
Registered Psychologists are required to:
- Adhere to the Code of Conduct of the College of Psychologists of British Columbia;
- Have the proper experience and training related to the issues they are treating;
- Use up-to-date, evidence-based, and culturally appropriate treatments to inform their treatment plan;
- Ensure that the client’s safety and wellbeing are a priority throughout therapy;
- Continue their learning by engaging in professional development and training throughout the year;
- Evaluate treatment outcomes and make changes when something does not work.
Click here to verify whether an individual is currently registered with the College of Psychologists of British Columbia.
Clinical Counsellor
Click here to find a Counsellor that is right for you.
Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) are specifically trained to help people improve and maintain their mental health and well-being. RCCs work with many kinds of people: individuals, couples, and families in individual and group settings. Clinical counselling is typically sought when a person experiences challenging situations, thoughts, feelings, or circumstances.
RCCs do not diagnose or prescribe. Clinical counselling is a partnership between RCC and clients, who work together to reach agreed upon goals and outcomes.
What to expect
Clients who seek the services of an RCC should expect:
- a conversation about the benefits, risks, and expected outcome(s) of clinical counselling and the opportunity to give their informed consent
- a clearly communicated and mutually agreed upon goal or plan for clinical counselling
- each counselling session has a clear beginning and a clear end where problems or concerns are presented and discussed, and outcomes are explored
- the RCC demonstrates the appropriate use of boundaries and offers a safe and confidential environment
These essential elements are part of the effective therapeutic relationship that is foundational to the practice of clinical counselling. RCCs are required to:
- ensure that the client’s well-being is at the forefront of the relationship
- work with the client(s) to gather relevant information that will support the overall goals and outcomes of clinical counselling
- continuously evaluate outcomes of each session and the impact on overall treatment goal(s);
- practice safe and effective use of self throughout the clinical counselling process
- adhere to BCACC’s standards of practice and Code of Ethics
Click here to verify whether an individual is a Registered Clinical Counsellor in BC
Private Social Worker
Click here to find a Social Worker in private practice that is right for you.
Registered Social Workers (RSWs) in private practice work with individuals, couples, families, and groups providing counselling and therapy. A social worker can help navigate life changes and assist to resolve problems that affect day-to-day life. They can also assist with finding your way through services, work with you to lessen barriers, and provide referrals to other services.
Registered Clinical Social Workers (RCSWs) can provide mental health diagnoses and assessments as well as therapy. They cannot prescribe medications.
Social workers in private practice must be registered with the BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW). This organization provides oversight and regulates the profession on behalf of the public interest.
Click here to verify whether an individual is currently registered with the BCCSW, is in good standing as an RSW, or has any undertakings due to disciplinary hearings.
Not sure if you should see a psychiatrist?
A Psychiatrist is a medical physician with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. They are publicly funded, and your doctor’s will have to refer you to access their services. Wait times to access a psychiatrist can be long and often they do not include therapeutic treatment given their high demand and limited numbers. Ask your doctor if they believe psychiatry is the best service for your mental health care.
Mental Health Initiatives and Resources
BC211
Here to Help
Self-Directed Supports
Healthlink
Crisis Centre BC
Wellbeing
