Job requirements Psychotherapist in Canada

Find out what you typically need to work as a psychotherapist in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Psychologists (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.

Source National Occupational Classification

Professional certification and licensing

You might need to get a certification from a regulatory authority before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification process.

New Brunswick

Job title Counselling Therapist
Regulated

Nova Scotia

Job title Counselling Therapist
Regulated

Québec

Job title Marriage And Family Therapist
Regulated
Job title Sexologist
Regulated
Job title Psychoeducator
Regulated

Source Foreign Credential Recognition Program - ESDC

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.

Labour Market Information Survey
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