Which Counsellor Is Right for You? Understanding the Roles of Social Workers (RSW), Clinical Counsellors (RCC) & Therapeutic Counsellors (RTC).
When seeking support for your mental health and well-being, it’s important to understand the qualifications and expertise of the professionals available to help you. At Strength in Heart Counselling, we are proud to have a diverse team of highly trained and compassionate counsellors with varying professional designations. Below, we break down the key differences between Registered Social Workers (RSWs), Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs), and Registered Therapeutic Counsellors (RTCs) to help you make an informed decision about your care.
Registered Social Workers (RSWs)
Our Registered Social Workers are health professionals who hold a Masters degree in social work (MSW). They are registered with a provincial regulatory body, such as the British Columbia College of Social Workers (BCCSW) and/or the Ontario College of Social Workers ensuring they meet strict educational and ethical standards.
Key Features of RSWs:
Education: Focus on both individual and systemic factors affecting mental health, such as family dynamics, social environments, and economic challenges.
Scope of Practice: Provide counselling, advocacy, and resources to address a wide range of issues, including mental health, trauma, addiction, and social barriers.
Insurance Coverage: Services by RSWs may be covered by extended health insurance plans. The Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) considers RSWs a health professional, so their services can be claimed as a health expense on income tax returns.
Approach: Often take a holistic and systems-based approach, addressing not only personal struggles but also external factors influencing well-being.
Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs)
Our Registered Clinical Counsellors are mental health professionals with a Master’s degree in counselling psychology or a related field. They are registered with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and adhere to rigorous ethics and standards of practice.
Key Features of RCCs:
Education: Extensive training in counselling theories, techniques, and therapeutic interventions.
Scope of Practice: Specialize in areas such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, and personal growth.
Insurance Coverage: Many extended health insurance plans cover services provided by RCCs.
Approach: Emphasize evidence-based therapeutic methods tailored to the individual needs of clients.
Registered Therapeutic Counsellors (RTCs)
Our Registered Therapeutic Counsellors are professionals registered with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT). They may hold diplomas or degrees in counselling and are trained in various therapeutic modalities.
Key Features of RTCs:
Education: Focused training in therapeutic techniques, often with a specialization in specific approaches such as somatic therapy, trauma-informed care, or mindfulness-based practices.
Scope of Practice: Provide counselling for a variety of mental health challenges, including stress, grief, and self-esteem issues.
Insurance Coverage: Some extended health plans may cover RTC services.
Approach: Often emphasize a client-centered approach, fostering a safe and supportive environment for healing.
Choosing the Right Professional for You
We understand that your needs are unique and we want you to get a counsellor who gets you!
If you’re unsure which type of counsellor is the right fit for you, we invite you to complete this form, or contact us to book a free 20-minute intake consultation. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us or book your session online.
Whether you’re seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, or personal growth, our team in Victoria, BC, Cobble Hill, BC and virtual online across BC is here to help. We use a client-centered and holistic approach, ensuring that you are matched with the counsellor best suited to your needs.