1: Diagnostics
1. Watch, Listen, or Read
This topic page will introduce you to Glenn DiPasquale's first video clip and start to get you aquainted with the field of children's mental health. As Dr. DiPasquale comments, "If you ask a hundred experts what mental health is, you’ll get a hundred different answers." After viewing the clip, please look at the Notes below, and continue on to the Discussion Question which focuses on "Terms and Benefits".
Select the desired media link below to watch the video, listen to the audio, or read the transcript.
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2. Notes
Mental health is a very complicated topic for people to talk about and understand because, as Dr. DiPasquale points out, it involves the expertise and bodies of knowledge of many varied professions.
It is not uncommon for people to experience some degree of confusion regarding the differences and similarities between various mental health professions. While each profession deals with mental health problems, the following chart summarizes some of the general differences between mental health professionals.
The Mental Health Professions: A Comparison
Psychiatrist
Educational Background and Training
First qualified as a medical doctor, who then goes on to specialize in mental health treatment. They are registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
Areas of Expertise
Are declared to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
Of all the mental health professionals, this is the only one in Ontario who can prescribe psychiatric drugs as part of treatment.
How to Contact Them
Referrals to psychiatrists usually must come through a family physician. Waiting times can be lengthy in urban centres.
Additional Information
See the website of the Canadian Psychiatric Association at: www.cpa-apc.org
Or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario web site at: www.cpso.on.caPsychologist
Educational Background and Training
A PhD in psychology. Those who practice in Ontario are licensed with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
Areas of Expertise
Areas of competency are declared to the licensing body. Typically those who see clients are counselling, clinical or school psychologists.
How to Contact Them
Psychologists in private practice can be contacted directly. The local College of Psychologists can provide the names of psychologists in your area that have the kind of expertise being sought. Referrals to psychologists can be made through family doctors and/or school personnel. The Ontario Psychological Association also has a referral service. Psychologists are only covered by OHIP if they are employed at a hospital. School psychologists are also free if they are salaried staff of a school board. Psychologists in private practice will charge fees to be paid out of pocket, unless covered through Employment health benefits.
Additional Information
See “Need A Psychologist?” on the Ontario Psychological Association’s website at: www.cpa.ca/PsychologistPsychological Associate
Educational Background and Training
A Master’s Degree in Psychology, and registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
Areas of Expertise
Areas of competency are declared to the licensing body. Typically those who see clients are counselling, clinical or school psychologists.
How to Contact Them
As with psychologists, psychological associates are free only if they are employed by a hospital or salaried staff of a school board. Otherwise, fees are paid, or covered by employment benefits.
Additional Information
See “Need A Psychologist?” on the Ontario Psychological Association’s website at: www.cpa.ca/PsychologistSocial Worker
Educational Background and Training
Anyone wishing to use the title ‘social worker’ in Ontario must be registered with College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Social workers typically have either a Masters or Bachelors degree in social work, while some may have equivalent alternative training.
Areas of Expertise
Social workers often work in hospitals, and government agencies. Larger school boards (like Peel or Toronto) have social work departments.
How to Contact Them
The Find A Social Worker site at: findasocialworker.ca/ can help to locate social workers in Ontario. Clients may self-refer to a social worker, but are more likely to come in contact with them through specific programs.
Additional Information
See the website of the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers at: www.ocswssw.org/. Look under the 'Information for the Public' link.Counsellor or Therapist
Educational Background and Training
These is an unregulated health profession, and therefore anyone may use the term ‘counselor’ or 'therapist'. Many have Master’s degrees in counselling psychology or social work while others may have a Bachelor’s degree in social work, or no degree whatsoever. There is a voluntary registration for qualified counselors and therapists with the Canadian Counselling Association.
Areas of Expertise
If registered with the Canadian Counselling Association, areas of expertise will be declared in their registration information. Community counsellors often specialize in addictions, LGBT? and relationship issues.
How to Contact Them
Contact the Canadian Counselling Association, or community mental health agencies relevant to the problem area.
Additional Information
See the Canadian Counselling Association web site at: www.ccacc.ca
3. Discussion Question: Terms and Benefits
In this video, Dr. DiPasquale explains the meaning of the term “NOS” as found in the DSM-IV. He comments, “You hear psychologists talk about NOS- that means ‘not otherwise specified’. In other words it’s ‘other’.”
Do you have any students or know of anyone who has been diagnosed with a mental health problem, but who in your opinion does not seem to exactly fit that categorization? Are there benefits for a student to being formally diagnosed? Are there any downsides to a formal diagnosis?
Please post your observations, comments, and questions below.
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