Mental Health Specialists' Role

While employers are becoming increasingly aware of the many forms of mental health issues that can affect the workplace, many lack the expertise to do anything about them. Employers seeking to address mental health issues amongst their workforce as well as those working toward a successful return to work for employees after a mental illness, are seeing the benefits of accessing the services of organizations that provide qualified expertise in this area.

Health care professionals bring knowledge and skill to a therapeutic relationship. Their job is to provide the safety and guidance necessary to make you feel supported and secure in the important work that you are doing towards recovery.

There are different types of health care professionals who offer therapy and the choice is a personal one, depending on preferences and diagnosis. Here are some of the most common types of health care professionals to consider:

The Mood Disorders Association of Ontario has provided us with the following description of some of the roles related to mental health services.

Family Physicians (GP's)

  • Medical doctors with some training in treating mental illness.

Psychiatrists

  • A physician (medical doctor) who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders.
  • Specialize in the prescribing medication and monitoring the response.
  • Most psychiatrists do not offer talk-therapy.

Psychologists

  • A psychologist has a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology and training in counselling, psychotherapy, and psychological testing.
  • Psychologists practice therapy which involves verbal interaction between the patient and the therapist. It is known as "talk therapy" and can include cognitive behavioural, dialectical, interpersonal, psychotherapy and others.

Psychotherapists

  • Psychotherapists are not necessarily psychologists.
  • This group can include people with a variety of educational backgrounds.
  • All psychotherapists offer some form of talk therapy.

Social Workers

  • A person with a degree in Social Work, usually a master's degree with specialized training in counselling.
  • Social workers offer a variety of services including helping you to access resources.
  • Some social workers are hospital based, part of EAP services, or individual counsellors.

EAP Counsellors

  • EAP counsellors provide a limited number of sessions as determined by the plan purchased by your employer.
  • EAP counsellors have a variety of educational backgrounds and experience.

Peer Support Groups

  • People dealing with similar problems or difficulties who meet regularly and are facilitated by peers within the group.
  • One example would be the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario which also lists peer support groups across the country.

Community Mental Health Providers

  • Mental health organizations that provide a variety of programs and supports to the community. For example, Canadian Mental Health Association or the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

Occupational Health Nurse

Resources

The following links will take you to resources that may be of interest to you. If you click on a link you may be entering a third party website not maintained or controlled in any way by Great-West Life.

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Last updated on: May 3, 2010