Psychologists (si col’ uh gists) have advanced training at the doctoral level. They study how we think, feel and behave, and use this knowledge to help people understand and change their thoughts, feelings, or behaviour. They can assess, diagnose and treat mental health conditions in children and youth. They may have training in the uses of medication to treat mental illness, but they do not prescribe medication. 

Psychiatrists (si ki’ uh trists) are medical doctors who have specialized in mental health. They can prescribe medication to help people manage their mental illness. Many psychiatrists also do psychotherapy. There are a limited number of child and youth psychiatrists in BC, and so other mental health providers deliver most of psychotherapy. The BC Medical Services Plan pays for visits to a psychiatrist and so there is no charge to patients.

Counsellors have a range of backgrounds. They may have a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral level degree. People can say they are "counsellors" or "therapists," but they may or may not have training in the assessment or treatment of mental health challenges. Counsellors may be very knowledgeable, but law doesn’t allow them to diagnose mental health conditions.