Do you have struggles in your thoughts, emotions, perception, orientation, or memory, that interfere in your judgment, behaviour, sense of reality, or daily life? (This is called “Psychosocial Intervention”)

When searching for a therapist, choose a regulated health professional. These professionals have had to prove that they have proper training, pass licensing exams, and they answer to governing agencies who hold them responsible for your safety. This can include psychologists, social workers, or psychiatrists. Other regulated health professionals, like nurses or occupational therapists, may also provide psychosocial intervention if they have received additional training and proper supervision. 

Choose a therapist with the appropriate education and training, such as a master’s degree or Ph.D. in psychology or social work, or a medical degree with specialization in psychiatry. A Ph.D. level psychologist will have extensive research training and be well-versed in the latest innovations in therapy. A social worker is skilled in navigating systems and resources. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specialized in mental health, and may primarily focus on medications.

Do you have less severe struggles in daily life, personal development, emotional support, spiritual growth, or needing information? (This is sometimes called "supportive counsellng")

A psychologist or social worker can help you with this and so can a regulated counsellor or psychotherapist. A regulated counsellor or psychotherapist differs from a psychologist or social worker in a few ways:

1. They are required to complete less schooling and supervised practice before they graduate and start practicing on their own;
2. They can provide supportive counseling but not psychosocial intervention;
3. Provinces are in the process of creating regulation for these counsellors/psychotherapists (this is not complete in all provinces). Regulation will create legal standards of practice to uphold and also a regulatory body to investigate and discipline in case of harm to clients.

Provinces usually regulate under one or the other title. In Alberta, "counselors" will be regulated in the next few years. See here for regulation updates in your province.

What about therapists, life, coaches, or other professionals not named above?

Anybody can use unregulated titles, with or without any training or credentials. They are not responsible for upholding any standards of practice and there are no governing bodies to protect the public if they cause harm.

I've chosen a few people I might like to work with, now what?

Once you've chosen a few regulated professionals who look interesting, ask for a free 15–minute consultation. This is a normal practice and most therapist will encourage it. Ask questions to determine who is the best fit for you