Psychotherapy regulation in Ontario

In Canada, counselling/psychotherapy is regulated at the provincial level.

Correct at the time of writing (January 2026),

Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island regulate the profession of “counselling therapy”, while Ontario and Quebec regulate the profession of “psychotherapy”.

Other provinces or territories are either unregulated or in the process of regulation.

Psychotherapy is a regulated act in Ontario.

The Psychotherapy Act, 2007, outlines that psychotherapy can only be delivered by a Registered Psychotherapist who is an active member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Mental Health Therapists of Ontario.

You can determine if a psychotherapist is active with the College by searching on their public register.

Scope of practice

3 The practice of psychotherapy is the assessment and treatment of cognitive, emotional or behavioural disturbances by psychotherapeutic means, delivered through a therapeutic relationship based primarily on verbal or non-verbal communication.  2007, c. 10, Sched. R, s. 3.

Authorized Act

4 In the course of engaging in the practice of psychotherapy, a member is authorized, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, to treat, by means of psychotherapy technique delivered through a therapeutic relationship, an individual’s serious disorder of thought, cognition, mood, emotional regulation, perception or memory that may seriously impair the individual’s judgement, insight, behaviour, communication or social functioning.  2007, c. 10, Sched. R, s. 4.

(Psychotherapy Act, 2007)

It would not be lawful for a person to use the title “psychotherapist”, “registered psychotherapist”, or “registered mental health therapist” without being an active member of the College.

If you are concerned about an unregulated practitioner using the protected term without meeting the standards, you can submit a complaint or report to The College.

A psychotherapist is not authorized to officially diagnose.

An official diagnosis can only be provided by a Psychiatrist (MD) or Psychologist (PhD/PsyD).

Your family doctor is also capable of conducting an initial assessment, then referring you to a specialist if needed. They are the best place to start if you’re looking for a diagnosis.

If you don’t already have a family doctor, you can register with Health Care Connect to get connected with one. The matching will likely take some time as there is a waitlist.

In the meantime, you can call 8-1-1 for free health advice, call or text 9-8-8 for suicide crisis help, or visit your local walk-in clinic to see how they could help.

You can also start attending therapy as a psychotherapist is able to assess and treat symptoms without a diagnosis.