As mental health awareness continues to grow so does the different methods and designations for offering therapy and counselling. From the client’s perspective this can be overwhelming to navigate.


In Canada there are four primary categories of regulated health professionals, these include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and psychotherapists, each belonging to their individual licensing body and college.


Psychiatrists work in the medical field and focus on identifying, researching, diagnosing, and administering medication for clients suffering from mental health disorders. Their approach is clinical and diagnostic, focusing on overseeing a clients medical treatment protocol.


Psychologists have training in the science of behaviours and mind and participate in academic study and research relating to mental health disorders. Psychologists can specialize in distinct aspects of psychology and are licensed to diagnose mental health disorders and treat individuals with suffering from them.


It is important when choosing a mental health practitioner to understand the scope of their practice. The field of Social Work has often been regarded as a profession exclusive to work in non-for-profit organizations, schools, and hospitals. However, Social workers are also mental health practitioners’ who work with individuals, families, and groups to address mental health needs in the context of social systems. Members of the College are authorized to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy in compliance with the Social Work and Social Service Work Act (SWSSWA), its regulations and bylaws.


Social workers trained in psychotherapy focus on the mental, behavioural, and emotional needs of their clients through verbal or nonverbal communication and somatic therapy, a form of body-focused psychotherapy. Social workers use psychotherapy to help people address and change negative thought patterns, feelings, and behaviours to improve quality of life.


As a licensed social worker (RSW) in Ontario I offer psychotherapy services to individuals and work in collaboration with other health practitioners at Body Co to offer an integrated approach to wellness and mental health. My license and membership offer clients psychotherapy services without incurring HST and many insurance companies offer coverage for social work.


My commitment to my clients is offer them with a well-rounded approach to care and to support them in navigating their mental health struggles. I aim to provide them with resources, referrals, and education around obtaining a diagnosis or working in collaboration with medication and or complimentary interventions.


Ultimately it is important to have agency with the care we choose to seek and recognizing which approach could suit us best.




Paula Fernandez

Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist


Paula obtained a Social Service Worker diploma from Humber College and a Bachelor of Social Work (honours) from York University. Paula started her career in Social Work in 2003, and participated in organizational work supporting women against violence, refugees, and members from marginalized populations, focusing on immigration settlement and outreach.


Paula is a warm and approachable Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist who treats her clients like human beings and not patients. Originally from Mexico, Paula takes a very integrated approach and believes our bodies hold the wisdom to help us heal. Paula is enthusiastic about therapy and personal growth, and strongly advocates for her clients to live the life that they want to live.


Paula is available for virtual appointments on Wednesdays and Fridays. You can book your appointment with her here.


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