Looking for a psychologist can feel confusing fast. There are psychologists, psychological associates, psychotherapists and psychiatrists, and it isn't always clear who does what. You might need an assessment, therapy or both. This guide walks you through how to choose a psychologist in Kitchener-Waterloo: which professional fits your question, what to check before you book and what to ask.
This post is general information, not a diagnosis or professional advice about your situation.
Psychologist, psychotherapist or psychiatrist, which do you need?
These roles overlap, but they aren't the same.
Psychologists and psychological associates assess, diagnose and treat mental health concerns. They're the professionals most people see for formal assessments, such as for ADHD, autism or learning disorders, and many also provide therapy.
Registered psychotherapists and registered social workers provide talk therapy for a wide range of concerns, from anxiety and depression to relationships and trauma.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. Their role is different, and it includes medical care such as prescribing.
If you mainly want someone to talk to and build skills with, a therapist may be a great fit. If you have a specific question that needs a formal answer, such as "Do I have ADHD?", a psychologist is usually where to start.
What a psychologist can do in Ontario
The Ontario government's overview of regulated health professions explains that psychologists assess behavioural and mental conditions, are authorized to communicate a diagnosis and can treat clients using psychotherapy techniques.
In Ontario, the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) regulates the profession. According to the College, only its members may use the titles "Psychologist" or "Psychological Associate." The College also explains that both psychologists and psychological associates are members and qualified psychological practitioners. So if you see either title, you're looking at someone regulated by the same College.
Assessment or therapy? Start with your question
A helpful way to choose is to start with what you want to know or change.
If your question is "What's going on?", you may be looking for an assessment. That might be about attention and focus, learning, autism, OCD or a broader mental health question. An assessment usually ends with a written report and a feedback session that explains the results and recommendations.
Common reasons people look for an assessment include:
Questions about attention, focus and organization, such as ADHD
Questions about autism, at any age
Learning challenges at school, college or work
Obsessive thoughts or compulsions that are hard to make sense of
A broader question about mood, anxiety or what diagnosis fits
If your question is "How do I feel better?", you may be looking for therapy. Some psychologists offer both, and some people start with an assessment and then move into therapy with the same clinic.
What to check before you book
Before you book with anyone, a few quick checks can save you time and worry.
Registration. Look the person up on the CPBAO public register. It shows whether they're a current member and their title.
Title. Check whether they're listed as a psychologist or psychological associate.
Experience. Ask whether they regularly work with your concern and your age group.
Purpose of the report. If you need an assessment for school, work or benefits, mention that early so the report covers what you need.
Location and format. Decide whether you'd prefer an office in Kitchener or Waterloo, or online sessions from home.
Cost and receipts. Ask how fees work and what receipts you'll get for your benefits plan.
Signs a psychologist may be a good fit
Credentials matter, but so does fit. You'll likely feel more comfortable with a psychologist who explains things in plain language, answers your questions without rushing and is clear about what they can and can't help with.
It's also a good sign when they're upfront about the process: what each appointment involves, what the report will cover and how long it might take. If they don't work with your concern or age group, a good psychologist will say so. Trust your sense of whether you feel heard. If something feels off after a first conversation, it's okay to keep looking.
Questions to ask before booking
It's completely fine to ask questions before you commit. You might ask:
Who will do the assessment or therapy, and what's their title?
How many appointments will this involve, and what happens at each one?
What will the report include, and when will we go over it together?
Do you see clients online, in person or both?
How do fees and receipts work, and can you direct bill my insurer?
A good clinic will be happy to answer these. If something feels unclear, ask again until it makes sense.
Cost, insurance and receipts
Costs vary by clinician and by the kind of service. Assessments are usually quoted based on what's involved, so it's worth asking for a quote before you begin.
Many people use workplace benefits. Depending on your plan, insurance may cover some or all of the cost of seeing a psychologist, so check your plan's psychologist coverage and any limits before you book. It also helps to ask whether your plan covers psychological associates. Never assume a service is covered until your plan confirms it.
What a first appointment usually looks like
A first appointment is mostly about understanding you. Your psychologist will likely ask about what brought you in, your history and your goals. They'll also explain consent, privacy and the limits of confidentiality, and give you a chance to ask questions.
If you're there for an assessment, they'll explain the steps ahead. If you're there for therapy, you'll start talking about what you'd like to work on. It's normal to feel a little nervous at a first appointment. Bring any notes, questions or past reports that might help, and remember that you can ask your psychologist to slow down or explain anything that doesn't make sense.
For children and teens
Choosing a psychologist for a child brings its own questions, from how to explain the visit to what role you'll play as a parent. Our guide on how to choose a child psychologist in Kitchener-Waterloo walks through those steps. We see children aged 6 and up.
Our psychologists in Kitchener-Waterloo
If you're looking for a psychologist in Kitchener-Waterloo, here's who you'll find on our team, as described on their profiles:
Stefane Kabene, Clinical Psychologist and Director of Psychology, offers psychological assessments in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and Ottawa, and online services anywhere in Ontario, in English and French.
Dr. Johan Reis, Registered Clinical and Counselling Psychologist, works with adults and adolescents aged 13 and up, in Kitchener-Waterloo and online. His areas include ADHD, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, mood and anxiety disorders and trauma.
Alfred Yuen, Psychological Associate, provides assessments for ADHD, autism, learning disorders and mental health for children, adolescents and adults, in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and online.
Our Kitchener office is at 72 Victoria St S, 3rd Floor, and our Waterloo office is at 22 King Street South. If coming into an office is hard, many of our services are also available online, so you can meet from home anywhere in Ontario. Our admin team can tell you which psychologist is the best match for your question and age group.
Your next step
Book a free 15-minute consultation with our admin team. They can answer your questions, explain how assessments and fees work and help you find the right psychologist or therapist. We accept Health Spending Accounts, and we can direct bill many insurers.
If you're in crisis: if you're thinking about suicide or self-harm, 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 a psychologist is a big step, and asking good questions is part of doing it well. You deserve answers that make sense to you.