Who Can Practice Psychotherapy in Ontario?

If you’re seeking psychotherapy services in Ontario—or anywhere in Canada—you might wonder who is legally allowed to call themselves a “psychotherapist,” or who is qualified to deliver psychotherapy. These questions are more than just semantic; they’re essential to ensuring public safety and professional accountability.

In this blog, we’ll break down who can use the title “psychotherapist” in Ontario, who can perform the controlled act of psychotherapy, and how psychotherapy is regulated both in Ontario and across Canada.

Is Psychotherapy a Regulated Health Profession in Ontario?

Yes—psychotherapy is a regulated health profession in Ontario. It falls under the Psychotherapy Act, 2007, which was enacted to ensure that those offering mental health therapy meet specific educational and ethical standards. Regulation helps protect the public from unqualified or unethical practitioners and sets consistent expectations around safety, quality, and competence.

The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) is the provincial regulatory body responsible for overseeing psychotherapy practice. It sets the standards for entry into the profession, ethical guidelines, continuing education, and public complaints.

Other provinces may not regulate psychotherapy in the same way as Ontario, which we’ll discuss later in this post.

Who Can Use the Title “Psychotherapist” in Ontario?

The title “psychotherapist” is legally protected in Ontario. This means that not just anyone can use it—doing so without proper credentials is actually a provincial offence.

Only professionals who are registered with the CRPO or members of certain other regulated health professions authorized to perform psychotherapy can use this title legally. These include professionals from:

• The College of Nurses of Ontario
• The College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
• The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
• The College of Psychologists of Ontario

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

Using the title without being a member of one of these regulatory bodies can lead to prosecution under the Psychotherapy Act, as enforced by the CRPO. This ensures that the public receives care only from trained, competent, and accountable practitioners.

Who Can Perform the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy in Ontario?

Ontario law distinguishes between offering general counselling and performing the controlled act of psychotherapy. The controlled act refers to deeper, more intensive work involving a client’s internal emotional experiences and significant behavioral change. This is different from general supportive counselling or life coaching, which are not regulated acts.

Only the following professionals are authorized to perform this controlled act:

• Registered Psychotherapists (members of the CRPO)
• Nurses (College of Nurses of Ontario)
• Occupational Therapists (College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario)
• Physicians (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario)
• Psychologists (College of Psychologists of Ontario)
• Social Workers and Social Service Workers (Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers)

These individuals must operate within the scope of practice of their profession and follow guidelines set by their regulatory bodies.

Who Can Practice Psychotherapy in Canada?

Canada doesn’t have a single national standard for the regulation of psychotherapy—regulation is provincial and territorial, and it varies across the country.

Here’s a brief look at how some provinces handle it:

• Ontario: Psychotherapy is regulated under the CRPO.
• Quebec: Psychotherapy is regulated and restricted to members of certain professional orders.
• Alberta and British Columbia: Psychotherapy is not regulated as a distinct profession, but psychologists, social workers, and other regulated professionals provide these services.
• Nova Scotia and New Brunswick: Regulation is evolving, and counselling therapy may be regulated separately from psychotherapy.

In provinces where the term “psychotherapist” is not protected, it’s especially important to check the credentials of anyone offering psychotherapy services. Professionals often belong to national associations like the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), which provide guidelines, certifications, and ethical standards for practice.

Why Regulation Matters

Choosing a regulated professional means:

• They have recognized credentials and clinical training.
• They adhere to a code of ethics and professional standards.
• They are held accountable by a governing body.
• You have a formal way to file complaints or concerns if necessary.

Psychotherapy at Caledon Clinic

Whether you’re seeking therapy for anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, or any other concern, knowing who can legally offer psychotherapy—and use the title “psychotherapist”—ensures your safety and the effectiveness of your care.

In Ontario, the title is protected and the controlled act is regulated. Across Canada, practices vary, but regulation continues to grow in importance. Always look for professionals like those at Caledon Clinic who are members of a recognized college or association, and don’t hesitate to verify their credentials.