Job prospects Psychologist in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Region

Over the past few years (2021-2023), there was a labour shortage for Psychologists in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Region. There were more job openings than workers available to fill them in this occupation.

Source Labour Market Information | Recent Trends Assessment Methodology

The employment outlook will be good for Psychologists (NOC 31200) in the Saguenay - Lac-Saint-Jean region for the 2023-2025 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
• Several positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Employment in this occupation depends on the demand for psychological care and government spending on these services.

In recent years, the demand for psychological care has increased sharply, both in the health care network, educational institutions, and in private practice. A reduction in the stigma associated with mental illnesses in the public arena is one of the many factors behind the demand for access to these professionals. Long wait times are no longer unique to the public sector, as they now apply to consultations in private practice.

The government announced its plan to expand and improve mental health services for the entire population with additional investments.

Expanded insurance coverage for psychological care and the increased availability of employee assistance programs are also continuing to stimulate demand for professionals in private practice.

In recent years, vacant positions in the public sector have been difficult to fill, especially due to the pull of private practice. To support recruitment and train more professionals, the government has introduced new scholarship programs that are available to future doctoral graduates in psychology. In Quebec, only doctoral graduates are allowed to use the title of psychologist.

Here are some key facts about Psychologists in the Saguenay - Lac-Saint-Jean region:

• Approximately 280 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
• Psychologists mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 79%
  • Educational services (NAICS 61): 21%

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology