Searching for a psychologist in Cambridge can get confusing fast. There are psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers and counsellors, and it isn't always clear who does what. Maybe you want answers about ADHD or learning. Maybe you just want someone to talk to and assumed a psychologist was the only option. This guide explains what to check before you book, and how to work out whether a psychologist or a therapist is the right fit for you.
This post is general information to help you choose. It isn't a ranking, and it doesn't compare clinics.
Start with what you need help with
Before you look at names and titles, think about what you want help with. Most people fall into one of two groups:
You have a question that needs an answer. For example, "Do I have ADHD?", "Why is learning so hard for me?" or "What's really going on with my mental health?" A psychological assessment may fit.
You want ongoing support. For example, help with anxiety, low mood, stress, trauma, grief or relationships. Therapy may fit.
Both are good starting points, and some people need both. Knowing which one you're after makes the next steps much easier. If you're not sure yet, that's completely fine. Many people start by describing what's been hard and let a clinic help them work out the right first step.
Psychologist or therapist, which do you need?
In Ontario, psychologists can assess and diagnose mental health conditions, learning disabilities and conditions like ADHD. Many also provide therapy. When people need a formal assessment and a written report, a psychologist is usually who they're looking for.
Registered psychotherapists and registered social workers provide therapy. They help with the same everyday struggles people often bring to a psychologist, like anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship problems. If what you want is someone to talk to and work through things with, a therapist may be exactly what you need, and you don't have to wait for a psychologist to start.
Check registration and title
In Ontario, "psychologist" is a protected title. Under the Psychology and Applied Behaviour Analysis Act, 2021, only members of the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) can call themselves psychologists.
You can check any psychologist on the CPBAO public register. It takes a minute and lets you confirm that the person you're about to see is registered.
Therapists have their own colleges. Registered psychotherapists are regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, and registered social workers by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. It's always reasonable to ask a clinician which college they belong to.
Match the psychologist to the question
Psychologists don't all do the same kinds of work. Some focus on adults, some on children and some on both. Some assessments focus on one question, and others look at the whole picture.
Common types of psychological assessment include:
ADHD assessments, which look at attention, focus, organization and impulsivity.
Psychoeducational or learning assessments, which look at how a person thinks, learns and processes information.
Psychodiagnostic assessments, which help clarify what's behind mental health symptoms such as anxiety or low mood.
When you contact a psychologist, ask which ages they work with and which types of assessment they offer. A good match saves time and makes sure the report answers the question you actually have.
What a psychological assessment usually involves
Every assessment is a little different, but most follow a similar path:
Intake. You share your main concerns, your history and any past reports.
Interview. You meet with the psychologist to talk about your life, from childhood to now, and what you notice day to day.
Questionnaires and testing. Depending on the question, this can include rating scales, thinking skills tests or learning tests.
Report and feedback. You go over the results with the psychologist and get a written report with recommendations.
An assessment usually takes more than one appointment. The report can support next steps like therapy, or accommodations at school or work.
Questions to ask before you book
A short phone call can tell you a lot. Here are some questions worth asking:
What does the assessment include, and how many appointments will it take?
Which ages and types of assessment do you offer?
Will I get a written report, and when?
How does the feedback meeting work?
What happens after the assessment, and can I get support here too?
What will it cost, and can you direct bill my insurance?
There are no silly questions. A good clinic will be happy to explain how things work before you commit to anything.
Signs of a good fit
Credentials matter, but so does how you feel. A good fit often looks like this:
The clinician explains things in plain language.
You feel listened to, not rushed.
They're clear about what they can and can't help with.
They respect your questions and your pace.
It's okay to take time to decide, and it's okay to ask to work with someone else if the fit doesn't feel right. Changing clinicians is common, and a good clinic will help you make the switch without any fuss.
What we offer in Cambridge
Transformation Counselling is one option among many in Cambridge. Here's what we offer.
Psychological assessments. Dr. Carolyn Abramowitz is a clinical psychologist registered with the CPBAO. She provides psychodiagnostic assessments for adults 18 and older, in Cambridge or online. We also offer adult ADHD assessments, child and teen ADHD assessments for ages 6 and up, and psychoeducational assessments for children, teens and adults in Cambridge.
Therapy. Our Cambridge team includes registered social workers and registered psychotherapists who provide therapy for individuals and couples.
Two locations. Our Cambridge office at 188 Main Street in Galt City Centre offers counselling, psychotherapy and psychological assessment seven days a week, in person or online. Children's therapy starts at age 6. Our second office, at 73 Water St N, offers individual therapy for adults 18 and older and ADHD assessments from a psychologist.
If you are looking for your child
If you're a parent, the same steps apply: start with your question, check registration and ask which ages the psychologist works with. In Cambridge, we offer ADHD assessments for children and teens ages 6 and up and psychoeducational assessments for children and teens. Children's therapy, also for ages 6 and up, takes place at our Main Street office.
A report from a child assessment can help you understand your child's strengths and needs, and can support school accommodations or an Individual Education Plan.
Cost and coverage
Here's what to know about cost:
Assessments: Dr. Abramowitz quotes each assessment on a case by case basis. Our team can talk through costs in your free consultation.
Therapy: sessions with our therapists range from $130 to $200, depending on the clinician.
Coverage: many extended health plans include coverage for psychologists and therapists, but coverage depends on your plan, so check yours before you book.
Billing: we accept Health Spending Accounts, and we can direct bill many insurers.
Your first step
Book a free 15-minute consultation with our admin team. They can help you work out whether an assessment or therapy is the right place to start, and match you with someone who fits. Because we offer both assessments and therapy, you can start in one place and add the other later if it would help.
If you're in crisis: if you're thinking about suicide or anyone is in danger, call or text 9-8-8 any time, day or night, or call 911. In Waterloo Region, you can also call Here 24/7 at 1-844-437-3247. You can find more options on our crisis lines page.
Choosing well
The right psychologist or therapist is someone who is properly registered, works with your kind of question and makes you feel heard. Take your time, ask questions and trust your sense of fit. You deserve care that makes sense to you.