How to choose the right mental health professional within the Québec context?
Psychosocial Worker,
Psychologist, or
Occupational Therapist...
But how do I know...which mental health professional to choose?
Knowing which mental health professional to turn to during a difficult period is not always straightforward. Psychosocial services, psychology, and occupational therapy each play a vital role in mental health care, yet their approaches and areas of expertise are distinct. At Clinique Vivago, our mental health professionals work collaboratively to offer integrated, compassionate, and person-centered services. Here’s how each discipline can support you based on your needs and daily functioning.
Why seek mental health support?
At different moments in life, it is common to experience stress, anxiety, emotional overload, psychological distress, or a sense of imbalance. Just like physical health, mental health deserves care, attention, and professional support. Seeking help from a mental health professional in Quebec is a healthy, proactive, and preventive step.
Whether you are looking to improve emotional well-being, better regulate your emotions, restore balance in your daily routine, or navigate a difficult period or major life transition, specialized mental health services — including psychosocial support, psychology, and occupational therapy — are available to meet your needs, where you are.
Psychosocial Workers:
Social Workers, Sexologists, Criminologists:
Practical, Relational, and Contextual Support
A Psychosocial Worker supports individuals facing personal, relational, or social challenges. Their role is to help you navigate complex life situations, including:
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Life transitions (adolescence, early adulthood, retirement)
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Difficult experiences (loss, separation, crisis situations)
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Relationship difficulties (family, couple, friendships, workplace)
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Challenges related to social roles (parent, student, worker, citizen)
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Financial or housing instability
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Difficulties with autonomy (decision-making, organization, meeting responsibilities)
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Adapting to your environment (social pressure, workplace stress, conflicts, cultural norms)
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Advocacy and protection of vulnerable individuals (access to services, discrimination, marginalization)
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And much more
Through a comprehensive assessment of your social functioning, the psychosocial experts collaborate with you to identify realistic objectives that build on your strengths and consider your environment. Their individualized approach promotes psychosocial well-being and long-term recovery.
Educational Credentials:
Social Workers, Sexologists & Criminologists are regulated professions with licensure requirements
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A minimum of a university bachelor’s degree in Social Work is required.
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Many social workers also hold a university master’s degree in Social Work.
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All social workers must hold a valid licence to practise issued by l'Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec (OTSTCFQ).
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A minimum of a university bachelor’s degree in Sexology is required.
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An increasing number of sexologists also hold a university master’s degree in Sexology.
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All sexologists must hold a valid licence to practise issued by l'Ordre professionnel des sexologues du Québec (OPSQ).
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Minimum of a university bachelor’s degree in Criminology.
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All criminologists must hold a valid licence to practise issued by l'Ordre des Criminologues du Québec (OCQ).
Psychology:
Understanding thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
A psychologist helps you explore your inner experiences in depth. Through evidence-based assessment tools and therapeutic approaches, they can support you with concerns such as:
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Anxiety, depression, mood disorders, or personality disorders
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Trauma and stress-related difficulties
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Self-esteem and relationship challenges
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Obsessive-compulsive disorders or eating disorders
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And much more
Psychology focuses on helping you make sense of what you’re experiencing. By identifying patterns in your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, you can gain clarity, perspective, and insight—opening the door to meaningful change. Psychologists support you in modifying thought patterns or behaviors that negatively impact your well-being.
A key part of their role is the assessment and treatment of mental health disorders. All psychologists are qualified psychotherapists, meaning they are authorized to provide psychotherapy. Some other professionals, including certain psychosocial experts, may also hold this title.
💡 Only psychologists and physicians are authorized to assess and diagnose mental health disorders.
Educational Credentials:
Psychologists
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In Québec, a doctoral degree in Psychology is required to practise, with limited exceptions for individuals who were grandfathered under previous regulations.
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All psychologists must hold a valid licence to practise issued by l'Ordre des Psychologues du Québec (OPQ).
Occupational Therapy:
Restoring balance through meaningful activities
When mental health is affected, daily life can become overwhelming. Routines may fall apart, energy levels drop, concentration decreases, and even simple tasks can feel exhausting. Occupational therapy directly addresses these challenges.
An occupational therapist supports you in regaining balance and engagement in meaningful activities—at home, at work, at school, or in your community—despite mental health difficulties.
Interventions may focus on:
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Structuring daily activities (waking up, meals, self-care)
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Rebuilding a stable and achievable routine
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Identifying and addressing limiting thoughts or behaviors
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Integrating practical tools such as relaxation or mindfulness strategies
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Gradually preparing for a return to work or school
Mental health occupational therapy considers your full reality: emotional state, physical and cognitive abilities, habits, values, and environment. It is an action-oriented approach focused on participation—because lasting well-being is achieved not only through understanding, but through meaningful action in everyday life.
Educational Credentials:
Occupational Therapists
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In Québec, a minimum of a university master’s degree in Occupational Therapy is required to practise.
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All occupational therapists must hold a valid licence to practise issued by l'Ordre des ergothérapeutes du Québec (OEQ).
Three complementary professions, one shared goal
At Clinique Vivago, our interdisciplinary team works collaboratively to provide personalized and coordinated care. Depending on your needs, you may choose to work with one professional or combine approaches for more comprehensive support.
For example, a person experiencing anxiety may benefit from:
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A psychologist, to understand underlying thought patterns and treat the anxiety disorder;
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An occupational therapist, to structure daily routines and restore balance;
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A psychosocial worker, to provide holistic support that addresses both personal experiences and environmental factors, offering practical tools to reduce anxiety—without making a diagnosis.
Together, these approaches create a strong foundation for sustainable mental well-being.