Job requirements Psychotherapist in Canada
Find out what you typically need to work as a psychotherapist in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies (NOC 41301).
Employment requirements
This is what you typically need for the job.
- A bachelor's or a master's degree in the field of counselling, therapy, mental health, psychology or a related social service discipline is required and a period of supervised clinical work with clients may be required.
- A master’s degree in the field of therapy is required for art therapist, music therapist, and dance therapists.
- Membership with a provincial or federal association is usually required by employers.
- Registration with a regulatory body is required in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick for counselling therapists.
- To practise psychotherapy, a permit is required in Quebec and registration with the appropriate regulatory body is required in Ontario.
- In Quebec, registration with a regulatory body is required for marriage and family therapists, psychoeducators and sexologists and criminologists.
Professional certification and licensing
You might need to get a certification and/or license from a regulatory authority (or become registered as an apprentice) before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification and/or licensing process.
Get your foreign credentials recognized in Canada
If you are a newcomer and want to work in a regulated job, you must have your training, education or work experience from another country assessed. This shows if your qualifications are recognized in Canada. This process is called foreign credential recognition.
The steps to get a license or certification are different in each province or territory. You will need to contact the regulatory authority where you want to work to learn what to do.
Did you know?
Getting your qualifications recognized and obtaining a professional license or certification in Canada can take time, money, and effort. If you need help, you can:
- Use free newcomer services that can support credential recognition and certification in Canada.
- Find loans and support services that you may be eligible for.
- Learn about the foreign credential
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Québec
Do you want to work in another province or territory?
If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.
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