Psychological Service Providers:
Psychologists and Psychological Associates are
regulated health service providers, registered with the
College of Psychologists of Ontario to practice
psychology in Ontario, within the framework of the
Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), 1991, the
Health Professions Procedural Code under the RHPA
and the Psychology Act, 1991.
The College maintains a register of all currently
registered Psychologists and Psychological
Associates. This information is available through the
College.
To qualify for registration each member must:
- meet rigorous educational and training
requirements for entry to the profession;
- successfully complete a comprehensive written
examination which is standard throughout North
America; and,
- successfully complete an oral examination
designed to evaluate readiness for professional
practice and knowledge of ethics and
standards.
Why Choose a REGULATED Service Provider?
As regulated health providers, psychologists and
psychological associates are required by law to
deliver competent, ethical and professional services
and are accountable to the public, through the
College of Psychologists of Ontario, for their
professional behaviour and activities. As members of
the College, psychologists and psychological
associates must:
- meet rigorous professional entry requirements
- adhere to prescribed standards, guidelines and
ethical principles
- participate in quality assurance activities to
- continually update and improve their knowledge
and skill.
In contrast, the College has no jurisdiction over
unregulated service providers. There is no
regulatory body to set minimum levels of education,
training and competence or to establish and monitor
professional and ethical standards of conduct. There
is no regulatory body to protect the public interest
and hold unregulated providers accountable for the
services they provide.
Some psychologists and psychological associates
employ unregulated providers as assistants or support
personnel. These individuals are employed as an
adjunct, rather than an alternative to regulated
professionals. When supervised by a regulated
professional, the legal and ethical responsibility for all
services provided remains fully with the regulated
professional. In this way, accountability to ensure
professional, competent and ethical care is
maintained.
Are there differences between psychologists and psychological associates, and psychiatrists? »
