Who can practice psychotherapy?
- The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
- The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
- The College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (OT)
- The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO)
- The College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO)
- The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
Registered Social Worker Psychotherapist (RSW)
RSWs have typically completed a 4-year bachelors in social work (BSW, RSW) or a 4-year undergraduate degree followed by a 1-2 year masters in social work (MSW, RSW). Social workers in private practice must obtain specific training and supervision to offer psychotherapy services. For more information, view "what is a social worker".
Registered Psychotherapist, Qualifying (RPq)
From the College of CRPO "have completed or are nearing completion of their psychotherapy training. They are legally authorized to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy and are required to practice with clinical supervision as they gain experience in the profession. In order to transfer to the full RP category of registration, RP (Qualifying) registrants are required to complete 450 direct client contact hours, 100 hours of clinical supervision, and to pass the registration exam."
Registered Psychotherapist (RP)
RPs are psychotherapists who have completed the necessary education, client hours, supervision and registration exam and are now fully licensed to practice under the Quality Assurance mechanisms and accountability frameworks set out by the CRPO. For more information, view "what is psychotherapy".
