A doctoral-level clinician registered with a College of Psychologists. Provides therapy, diagnosis, and psychological assessments. In Ontario, must be registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO).

• Scope: Diagnose and treat mental health conditions, conduct assessments for ADHD, learning disabilities, autism
• Training: Doctoral degree (4–7 years post-undergraduate) + supervised hours
• Best for: Psychological testing, complex diagnoses, trauma, chronic mental health conditions

A medical doctor who specialised in mental health. The only mental health professional who can prescribe medication. Usually accessed through a referral from a family doctor.

• Scope: Medication management, complex diagnoses, severe mental illness, hospital-based care
• Training: Medical degree + 5-year psychiatric residency
• Best for: When medication may be needed, or when conditions are complex or severe
• Access: Typically by referral — ask your family doctor

Regulated in Ontario by the College of Registered Psychotherapists (CRPO). Provides talk-based therapy for mental health conditions. Most people simply call them “my therapist.”

• Scope: Individual therapy, couples therapy, trauma work, anxiety, depression, life transitions
• Training: Master’s level or equivalent + supervised clinical hours + CRPO registration
• Best for: Ongoing talk therapy — the most common route to finding a therapist in Ontario

Regulated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Can provide therapy, family support, and systemic care. Many RSWs work as therapists in private practice.

• Scope: Individual and family therapy, crisis support, advocacy, community-based care
• Training: BSW or MSW degree + supervised experience + college registration
• Best for: Therapy with a systemic lens — family dynamics, community, cultural context

Works on goals, mindset, life transitions, burnout recovery, confidence, and personal growth. Does not diagnose or treat mental health conditions. A good fit if you want support for life direction and motivation rather than clinical treatment.

A certified fitness professional who designs exercise programmes based on your goals, fitness level, and health history. On ActivePace, trainers who understand the connection between physical movement and mental wellness.

• Scope: Strength training, conditioning, weight management, injury prevention, sport-specific training
• Training: Certification varies — look for CSCS, CanFitPro, ACE, or NASM designations
• On ActivePace specifically: Trainers who champion the mind-body connection and incorporate wellness conversations into their work

Movement and mindfulness practitioners. On ActivePace, specifically instructors who work with trauma-informed movement, somatic wellness, and culturally grounded practice — not just fitness.

• Scope: Breathwork, posture, flexibility, mindfulness, stress regulation through movement
• Training: Yoga Alliance certification (RYT-200, RYT-500) or equivalent Pilates training
• Best for: Stress reduction, body awareness, gentle movement for mental wellness

A Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) is regulated in Ontario by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). Provides therapeutic bodywork for tension, injury recovery, chronic pain, and stress-related physical symptoms.