"Therapist" and "counsellor" are umbrella words — anyone providing talk therapy might use them. But the regulated credential behind the title tells you about a professional's training, what they can do, and whether your insurance will cover them. In Saskatchewan, here are the main ones you'll encounter.
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
A Registered Social Worker is registered with the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers (SASW) and typically holds a Bachelor or Master of Social Work degree. RSWs are trained to see you in the context of your whole life — your relationships, history, and environment — not just a set of symptoms. Many RSWs provide psychotherapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, and emotion-focused therapy.
RSWs are a common and well-covered choice for counselling around anxiety, trauma, grief, depression, and relationships. (Jelena Mlinarevic is a Registered Social Worker — you can read more about her approach here.)
Registered Psychologist
A Registered Psychologist is registered with the Saskatchewan College of Psychologists and holds a graduate degree in psychology. Psychologists provide therapy and, depending on their training, can also conduct psychological assessments and formal diagnoses — for example, testing for ADHD or learning disabilities. Their sessions are sometimes priced higher than RSW sessions, reflecting this additional scope.
Counsellors & psychotherapists
You'll also see titles like Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), certified through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. These professionals provide counselling and psychotherapy. Note that "psychotherapist" is a protected title in some provinces (like Ontario), but the regulatory landscape differs in Saskatchewan — which is exactly why checking the underlying credential matters.
The title on the door matters less than the training behind it — and whether you feel safe in the room.
What about insurance & NIHB?
This is often the deciding factor. Coverage depends on the credential your plan recognizes:
- Some extended health plans cover only psychologists; others cover RSWs, and many cover both.
- NIHB (Non-Insured Health Benefits) covers mental health counselling, including with approved RSW providers, for eligible First Nations and Inuit clients.
- Victim Services may fund counselling for those affected by crime.
Before booking a paid session, check your plan booklet for the exact wording — "Registered Social Worker," "Psychologist," or "Counselling" — and your annual maximum. For more on costs and coverage, see our guide to finding a therapist in Saskatoon.
How to choose
For most everyday concerns — anxiety, trauma, grief, low mood, relationship struggles — the research is clear that the therapeutic relationship matters more than the specific credential or method. So the practical order of questions is usually:
- Do I need a formal diagnosis or assessment? If yes, start with a psychologist or physician.
- What does my insurance cover? Let that narrow your options.
- Do I feel comfortable with this person? Use a free consultation to find out.
Get those three right and the letters after the name become much less important than how supported you feel.
Frequently asked questions
An RSW holds a social work degree and provides counselling and psychotherapy, often focusing on the whole person and their environment. A psychologist holds a psychology graduate degree and can also provide assessment and formal diagnosis. For most counselling needs, both provide effective therapy; the differences are training, scope around assessment, and sometimes cost.
Often, yes. Many extended health plans cover RSW counselling, and RSW services are covered under NIHB for eligible First Nations and Inuit clients. Coverage varies, so check your plan for "Registered Social Worker" or "Psychologist" and confirm your annual maximum.
RSWs provide counselling and psychotherapy and can recognize and work with mental health concerns, but formal psychological diagnosis and testing are generally within the scope of psychologists or physicians. If you need a formal diagnosis, start with a psychologist or doctor.
For most everyday concerns, fit with the therapist matters more than the specific credential. Consider what your insurance covers, whether you need formal assessment, and how comfortable you feel with the person during a free consultation.
Have questions about working together?
Jelena Mlinarevic, RSW offers counselling in Saskatoon and across Saskatchewan, covered by NIHB and most insurance plans. Book a free 15-minute consultation.