Mental Health
Professionals
Mental Health Professionals in BC
With so many different mental health professionals that offer services in British Columbia, it is important for you to have a good overview of what each designation means and which is the right fit for you. On this page we will introduce you to the six major mental health designations in British Columbia: Registered Professional Counsellor, Registered Clinical Counsellor, Canadian Certified Counsellor, Registered Social Worker, Registered Psychologist, Psychiatrist. Freedom Counselling is a firm believer in wholistic care and works together with other mental health professionals, as well as medical professionals, in order to provide the best care to all clients.
Registered Clinical Counsellor
The Registered Clinical Counsellor is a designation given to accredited members of the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. To qualify for membership, applicants must have a master’s degree in the fields of counselling, psychology, or social work. In addition to classroom training, accredited members must do an intensive internship with 100 hours of clinical supervision. Members must adhere to strict code of ethics and qualify for WorkSafe, and Crime Victim Assistance Programs, and some Employee Assistance Programs.
All Freedom Counselling professionals are active accredited members of the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and have Registered Clinical Counsellor status.
Canadian Certified Counsellor
The Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) is a designation given to accredited members of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). To qualify for membership, applicants must have a graduate degree (Master’s Degree or higher) in a psychology or counselling related field. Members must adhere to a strict code of ethics and qualify for some Employee Assistance Programs.
All Freedom Counselling therapists meet the criteria for Canadian Certified Counsellor, and Jadon Ward has CCC designation as well as CCPA membership.
Registered Professional Counsellor
The Registered Professional Counsellor is a designation given to accredited members of the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA). This designation requires the least amount of education of any of the mental health professionals in British Columbia listed on this page. To achieve membership with the CPCA a diploma is required, which can be achieved with just one year of education and practicum. Members have to adhere to a stringent code of ethics but often do not qualify for coverage under health insurance providers.
Registered Social Worker
The Registered Social Worker (RSW) is a designation given to accredited members of the British Columbia College of Social Workers. To qualify for membership, applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree is social work, or a master’s or doctorate in social work. Members must adhere to a strict code of ethics and qualify for WorkSafe, Crime Victim Assistance Programs, and Employee Assistance Programs.
Registered Psychologist
The Registered Psychologist is a designation given to accredited members of the College of Psychologists of British Columbia. To qualify for membership, applicants must have a doctoral degree in psychology certified by the Canadian Psychology Association or transfer membership from another province (some provinces like Alberta allow membership without a doctoral degree). Members must adhere to a strict code of ethics, and qualify for a number of EAP programs. Psychologists can also diagnose mental disorders.
Psychiatrist
The psychiatrist is a designation given to accredited members of the British Columbia Psychiatric Association. To qualify for membership, applicants must be members of Doctors of BC, with their medical doctorate, and also have specialized training in psychology and neuroscience. Psychiatrists can both diagnose mental disorders and also prescribe medicine and other treatment options.