Who Can Help?
Understanding the difference between: Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists & Counseling Therapists in Nova Scotia
Navigating the world of mental health care can be confusing, especially when trying to understand the roles of different the roles of different professionals. While psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and counseling therapists all play vital roles in supporting mental health, they each bring unique training, expertise, and approaches to care. This page will guide you through the key differences, helping you understand who might be the best fit for your needs or the needs of someone you care about.

Psychiatrists
The main difference between a psychiatrist and other mental health professionals lies in their medical training and scope of practice. Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or equivalent) who complete medical school and specialize in psychiatry. As medical doctors, they can prescribe medications. Psychiatrists focus on the medical aspects of mental health, including diagnosing and treating severe psychiatric conditions.
In Nova Scotia, accessing a psychiatrist typically requires a referral from a family doctor or another healthcare professional. They play a critical role in supporting individuals with more complex or medical-based mental health concerns.
We do not have any psychiatrists at Lesley Hartman & Associates.
Psychologists
A psychologists primary focus is to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions through evidence-based psychological methods. Psychologists differ from other mental health professionals through their expertise in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based therapy. They cannot prescribe medication but focus instead on therapy and understanding behaviors through advanced psychological techniques.
We have psychologists available at Lesley Hartman & Associates.


Social Workers
Social workers stand out in mental health care through their focus on social, environmental and systemic factors affecting well-being. Social workers do not prescribe medication or conduct formal psychological assessments. They provide emotional support, connect clients to resources, and address issues like housing, relationships, or trauma. Social workers consider the client's entire social context while also offering therapeutic interventions.
We have social workers available at Lesley Hartman & Associates.
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapists (OTs) who provide counseling services bring a unique approach to mental health care by focusing on how mental health impacts daily functioning and activities. OTs do not prescribe medication, and do not conduct formal psychological assessments. They help individuals build skills, regain independence, and achieve personal goals.
We have occupational therapists available at Lesley Hartman & Associates


Counseling Therapists
Counseling Therapists specialize in providing talk therapy to help individuals navigate emotional challenges, improve relationships, and foster personal growth. They do not prescribe medication and do not conduct formal psychological testing. Their work focuses on creating supportive, collaborative environment to address concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, or life transitions. Counseling therapists center primarily on therapeutic conversations, using evidence based approaches or mindfulness to support mental health and well-being.
We have counseling therapists available at Lesley Hartman & Associates.