Regulating psychotherapy

The definition, titles, scope of practice, and restricted activities (if any) that may be used or performed by psychotherapy practitioners will be prescribed in regulation. This information will be included in Part 10 of the Health and Care Professionals Regulation that will take effect on November 29, 2027.  

Amendments and updates to regulations are made by the Ministry of Health. 

The Ministry of Health may create a new restricted activity for higher-risk care interventions used in the treatment of significant mental health disorders and conditions. Not all activities conducted by psychotherapy professionals will be restricted.  

The details of restricted activities are set in regulation and are not intended to capture the full scope of practice for a profession. For some restricted activities, post–entry level certification may be required.  

If the Ministry of Health determines that a new restricted activity is required, the activity will be added to the existing list of restricted activities in the Regulated Health Practitioners Regulation. More information about the consideration of a new restricted activity for psychotherapy is available on the Ministry of Health’s Public Consultation webpage.

There are two sets of requirements that applicants must satisfy if they wish to become licensed with CHCPBC: 

1. General eligibility standards that are outlined in the CHCPBC’s Bylaws and listed on the College website. General eligibility standards are the same for all professions regulated by CHCPBC and include demonstration of good character, consent to a criminal record check, and payment of applicable fees; and, 
2. Profession–specific eligibility standards (entry-to-practice requirements, including education requirements and examination) that are unique for each profession regulated by CHCPBC.  

The profession–specific eligibility standards for psychotherapy have not yet been established. CHCPBC will publish and consult on the proposed eligibility standards as part of the Bylaw amendment and consultation process expected to occur in fall 2026. 

The general eligibility requirements include the need for the applicant to demonstrate good character and provide information on their fitness to practice, including past conduct history, if applicable. 

CHCPBC does not have the authority to act on information about potential applicants or future licensees before they apply for licensure with the College.  

No, CHCPBC will not take over the investigation of complaints or actions associated with complaints from professional associations. CHCPBC will begin to receive and investigate complaints through existing internal processes starting November 29, 2027 when psychotherapy becomes regulated.

An individual who wishes to practise psychotherapy and call themselves a psychotherapist must be licensed by CHCPBC beginning on November 29, 2027.

CHCPBC will prepare to accept applications for licensure in advance of this date. The College will share more information on the application process once it is available. 

It is important to distinguish between psychotherapy as a designated health profession and psychotherapy as an intervention or activity. Depending on how the Regulated Health Practitioners Regulation and the Health and Care Professionals Regulation are ultimately amended with respect to psychotherapy, CHCPBC cannot confirm: 

• Which other health professions will be authorized to perform psychotherapy
• What additional requirements (such as certification), if any, may apply to those professions

Licensure requirements for virtual care vary by profession and the nature of care being provided. CHCPBC has not made any final decisions about psychotherapy interjurisdictional and virtual practice. Licensees will be provided with guidance once a decision has been made. 

Health professionals who become licensed with a regulatory college have the option of maintaining membership with one or more professional associations if they choose to do so. 

Associations and regulators have different roles, as we describe in Our regulatory role. In general, associations provide member services and advocate on behalf of the profession, while regulators regulate the conduct of one or more professions in the public interest. Being a member of a professional association does not mean you are regulated. Professional associations do not have regulatory authority. 

Insurance coverage, employer requirements, and public funding are outside the scope of the College mandate. Insurers, employers, and government funders are responsible for making funding and employment decisions. 

The setting or negotiation of fees for professions often involves the professional associations.

Consultation on proposed amendments to CHCPBC’s bylaws to support the addition of psychotherapy is set to take place later this year. During the consultation, individuals and organizations can submit feedback in writing. All feedback will be reviewed and considered, and where appropriate, may result in revisions. Feedback that does not lead to changes may still guide future policies, guidance, resources, or communications.  

Following the consideration of all feedback and making any necessary changes, the proposed amendments will be presented to the CHCPBC Board for their consideration and approval. Once approved, the amendments will be in-force. 

Bylaws that support psychotherapy regulation must be informed by Part 10 (Psychotherapy) of the Health and Care Professionals Regulation, which is determined by the Ministry of Health.