Become a Member

Existing OAMHP Members: Please visit the Member's Portal to renew your membership.

Becoming a member of a professional association like the OAMHP is a choice. And we don’t take it for granted that you will choose to join the more than 3000 mental health professionals who call the OAMHP their “Professional Home”. For almost 50 years we have been supporting our members by building a sense of belonging and community amongst peers and colleagues, by making a mark on the public policy landscape, and by offering incomparable benefits, resources, and professional supports. We are growing in numbers and impact – and would like to add you to our ranks!

What Sets OAMHP Apart – We are More than Insurance

Like other professional associations, we provide you with professional liability insurance, continuing education opportunities, and other benefits such as discounts to professional development workshops, fitness clubs. And, like (some) other professional associations, we pride ourselves on the advocacy work we do on behalf of mental health professionals in Ontario. But we are much more than this.

Professional Certification: Earn distinction by becoming a member with a “Certified designation” and earning the designation of “Validated Supervisor”.
Wide Range of Insurance Options: Beyond professional liability insurance, we also offer home & auto and extended health benefits.
Active Community: Belonging to a vibrant community of colleagues and peers.
Career Milestone Programming: Give and receive support and guidance along the trajectory of your chosen career path.
Decades of Expertise & Reach: Benefit from OAMHP’s longstanding relationships with CRPO, government & other stakeholders. And an ability to focus on the future of the profession that can only come from almost half-a-century in the arena.

Learn more about benefits

Click here to apply for membership

Membership Overview

To help you easily understand the unique offerings and requirements of each membership type, we have compiled a comprehensive table. This table outlines the key benefits, fees, and necessary documentation for each membership category, ensuring you can make an informed decision about joining our professional community.

Application Information

		GENERAL	AFFILIATE	STUDENT1 (no access to insurance)	STUDENT2 (access to insurance)
ANNUAL FEE		$211	$211	$25	$75
ADMIN FEE		$45	$45	n/a	n/a
CRITERIA		Have graduate standing (master’s degree, doctorate or equivalent) in a course of study related to mental health from an accredited institution. (See Accredited Institutions Criteria) ___ AND/OR ___ Be registered as a member with one of the regulatory colleges authorized to practice psychotherapy and/or offer mental health services.	a four-year diploma from an accredited private training institute in a specific modality of psychotherapy. ___ AND/OR ___ a post-secondary degree or diploma related to mental health from an accredited college or university (two or three-year diploma or three or four-year degree).	Currently enrolled in a graduate, post-graduate or post-secondary degree or diploma related to mental health from an accredited college, university, or private training institute (see Accredited Institutions Criteria)	Currently enrolled in a graduate, post-graduate or post-secondary degree or diploma related to mental health from an accredited college, university, or private training institute (see Accredited Institutions Criteria)
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS	1	Masters/Doctorate (or equivalent) Submit ONE of the following: Degree Transcript Credential Equivalency (See Accredited Institutions Criteria)	Undergraduate Education Submit ONE of the following: Degree Diploma Certificate Transcript Credential Equivalency (See Accredited Institutions Criteria)	Proof of Enrollment Submit ONE of the following: OAMHP Proof of Student Status Form Letter from school confirming enrollment and expected graduation date	Proof of Enrollment Submit ONE of the following: OAMHP Proof of Student Status Form Letter from school confirming enrollment and expected graduation date
	2	CV/Resume	CV/Resume	CV/Resume	CV/Resume
	3	Certificate Registration card	Supervisory Letter		Supervisory Letter
RETIRED MEMBERSHIP	Existing members who no longer practice in a professional capacity and are no longer professionally engaged in any other related discipline.
	Continued membership presumes an ongoing commitment to the ethical and professional standards of the OAMHP, particularly with respect to any volunteer work the member may undertake.
	ANNUAL FEE		$86 (First 5 years)	$25 (thereafter)
TO APPLY FOR RETIRED MEMBERSHIP: Please contact membership@oamhp.ca

Accredited Institutions Criteria

To be eligible for membership with the OAMHP, your academic credentials must be obtained from an accredited institution. This ensures your education meets the standards required to practice in the mental health field in Canada.

What Counts as an Accredited Institution?

For membership purposes, an institution or program is considered accredited if it meets one of the following criteria:

1. Provincial Recognition

The institution is recognized as a degree-granting school by a provincial or territorial Ministry of Education, e.g., Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

2. National Accreditation

The institution is listed as accredited on a Canada-wide basis. You can view a list of nationally recognized institutions here.

3. Programs Recognized by Ontario Mental Health Regulatory Colleges

o College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario (CRPO):
Recognized programs have submitted applications to demonstrate that they meet the minimum education requirements for registration. A list of recognized programs is available on here: Recognized & Non-Recognized Programs – CRPO.

o College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO):
The College does not maintain a list of approved programs, however it accepts doctoral programs that are accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association and a list of these programs is found here.

o Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW):
The OCSWSSW provides a list of approved social service work programs currently offered in Ontario: List of Social Service Work Programs - OCSWSSW.

o College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO):
The CPSO requires a medical degree from an accredited or acceptable medical school. For more information, please visit: Registration and New Members - CPSO.

o College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO):
To register as a nurse in Ontario, applicants must graduate from a CNO-approved program. Lists of approved nursing programs are available here: Approved Nursing Programs – CNO.

o College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO):
The COTO regulates occupational therapists in Ontario. For information on recognized programs, please visit the COTO website.

4. U.S. Academic Institutions
The institution is listed in the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

5. International Education
If your education was completed outside of Canada or the United States, you will need to have your credentials assessed by a recognized credential evaluation service. This helps us determine whether your academic background aligns with Canadian standards.

We accept evaluations from the following organizations, as recommended by the Government of Ontario:

◦ World Education Services

◦ International Credential Assessment Service of Canada

◦ International Qualifications Assessment Services (IQAS)

◦ International Credential Evaluation Service

◦ Comparative Education Service: University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies

Please note:
Only a document-by-document evaluation report is required — a course-by-course evaluation is not necessary.

Supervision Policy

Affiliate and Student members must be supervised by an eligible supervisor to access the OAMHP Professional Liability Insurance through McFarlan Rowlands.

Supervision for insurance purposes denotes a formally established relationship of consultation with a senior/regulated mental health services provider in the event a member should meet a practice issue beyond their expertise.

	SUPERVISOR CRITERIA
SUPERVISOR ELIGIBILITY	OAMHP Member with CMHP/OVCS Designation	General member who has completed the OAMHP Certification process, i.e., an active member who has the letter ‘C’ in their Member ID (#1234-1234C)
SUPERVISOR ELIGIBILITY	Active Registration with Regulatory Body	Supervisor that is a qualified registrant of a regulatory mental health college in Canada (authorized for independent practice).
	SUPERVISORY LETTER CONTENT
Your letter must contain:	Supervisor’s Full Name OAMHP Member ID (if applicable) Regulatory Body Registration Number Current Date 2-3 sentences describing the supervision arrangement Supervisor’s signature Supervisor’s contact Information
	SUBMISSION PROCESS
Submit a copy of your letter:	Scan and email to membership@oamhp.ca Fax to 416-298-9593 Mail to 164 Eglinton Ave E., Suite 208, Toronto, ON M4P 1H4
See SAMPLE LETTER in Membership FAQs

Membership Features

MEMBERSHIP FEATURES	GENERAL	AFFILIATE	STUDENT2	RETIRED
MEMBERSHIP FEATURES	MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY
Access to OAMHP Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) through McFarlan Rowlands	✓	✓ *	✓ *	✓
Run-Off Insurance Coverage				✓
Access to CMHP Designation	✓
Access to OVCS Designation	✓
* Supervisory letter required

BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO ALL MEMBERS
Find a Professional Directory The Pulse (E-newsletter) Psychologica Magazine Subscription	Professional Development Discounts Access to Extended Health Benefits Access to Home & Auto Insurance	GoodLife Fitness Discount CAA Member Discount Intelligent Office Discount

Administrative Fee

Membership Confirmation

Membership Renewal Policy

Rejoining Members Policy

Pro-Rate Policy

Refund Policy

Membership - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

We’re here to make your application journey as smooth as possible! Below are answers to common questions about becoming a member of the OAMHP. If your question isn’t answered here, please reach out to us at membership@oamhp.ca.

Membership Categories & Eligibility

What membership categories does OAMHP offer?

OAMHP offers the following membership categories:

General
Affiliate (Supervisory letter required to access insurance)
Student1 (no access to insurance)
Student2 (access to insurance)
Retired

What are the eligibility criteria for each category?

General: A graduate-level degree related to mental health or registration with a regulatory college authorized to practice psychotherapy.
Affiliate: A diploma or degree in a mental health-related field from an accredited institution (see Accredited Institutions Criteria).
⚠️ Must submit a Supervisory letter (see Supervision Policy) to access the OAMHP Professional Liability Insurance through McFarlan Rowlands.
Student1: Enrolled in a mental health related program at an accredited institution (see Accredited Institutions Criteria).
⚠️ Does not include access to the OAMHP Professional Liability Insurance through McFarlan Rowlands.
Student2: Enrolled in a mental health related program at an accredited institution (see Accredited Institutions Criteria).
⚠️ Includes access to the OAMHP Professional Liability Insurance through McFarlan Rowlands with a Supervisory letter (see Supervision Policy).
Retired: Available to current members who have ceased all professional practice.

📌 Not sure which category you fall into? The application will guide you based on your responses. If you’re a current member and wish to change membership categories, please contact membership@oamhp.ca.

Renewal

When does my membership expire?
All memberships expire December 31st and follow a calendar year cycle.

When and how do I renew my membership?
Renewal typically opens in November. Notices will be sent to the email address registered to your account.

I let my membership lapse. Can I still renew?
If your membership has been inactive for over 2 years, you will need to reapply. Contact membership@oamhp.ca and we’ll assist you with next steps.

Fees & Payment Options

What are the membership fees for each category?

General & Affiliate: $211 per year
⚠️ A non-refundable $45 administrative fee will be applied before you submit your application.
Student1: $25 annually (no access to insurance)
Student2: $75 annually (access to insurance.
Retired: $86 (first 5 years); $25 (thereafter)

What are the payment options?
You can pay via credit card, visa debit, or via E-Transfer.

📌 Annual membership fees will only be requested once your application is approved.

What if I’m asked to pay an outstanding fee?
Follow the instructions in the email to complete payment.

Do you offer refunds for cancelled memberships?
No, memberships fees, including pro-rated amounts, are non-refundable.

Application - Completing the Form

How do I determine my primary practice designation?
If you are a regulated applicant, your designation should comply with the professional, legal, and ethical requirements set forth by your regulatory college.

If you are an unregulated member, please visit Mental Health Practitioner Designations to help outline the differences of each designation.

⚠️ The primary practice designation “Student” will be automatically applied to applicants who are currently enrolled in mental-health related programs.

What if I’m both a student and registered with a regulatory college?
You should indicate your registration status under Question 2, as it helps us maintain accurate records. However, your eligibility for Student membership will be based primarily on whether you meet the criteria for this category.

💡 See Application Information to review the criteria for our membership categories.

I am enrolled in a non-Canadian academic program. Am I eligible for Student membership?
OAMHP only accepts students who are currently enrolled in mental-health related programs from accredited institutions in Canada or the U.S.

I don’t see my professional designation listed – what should I select?
Please select “Other” in Question 9 and use the provided text field to describe your professional designation.

I’m not currently working. How should I respond to the “setting(s) in which you work” question?
You may select “Student” or “Other” and describe your current situation (e.g., “Not currently practicing”).

What if I don’t know my regulatory registration number?
Please check your records or log in to your regulatory college account to retrieve proof of registration. This may include your Certificate of Registration or Membership Card, where your registration number is typically listed.

If you're unable to locate this information scroll to the bottom of the application form and click "SAVE & CONTINUE LATER" to save your progress.

You can then contact your College for assistance and return to complete the application once your supporting document is ready.

Can I save my progress and complete the form later?
Yes, you can save your progress and return later to complete the application.

⚠️ Uploaded documents must be added when the application is ready for submission and cannot be saved to an in-progress application form.

If I selected the wrong answer on the form, can I go back and change it?
Yes, if you have not submitted your application, you can use the Back to Application Form button to make changes.

⚠️ Once submitted, please contact membership@oamhp.ca to request correction.

Do I need to provide documentation for past disciplinary actions?
If it pertains to your membership eligibility, yes, we may request you submit relevant documentation during review.

Application - Document Submission

What documents do I need to apply?
Required documents vary based on membership category and may include:

Transcripts
Credential evaluations (for international education)
Supervisory letters (for insurance access)
Proof of good standing with regulatory college (if applicable)
CV/Resume

💡 See Application Information for category-specific requirements.

How do I submit documents?
All documents can be uploaded directly through the Membership Application Portal.

⚠️ Documents and admin fees must be submitted before applications are reviewed.

What should I do if I submitted the wrong documents?
Please email the correct versions to membership@oamhp.ca with your full name in the subject line. We will review and respond accordingly.

Application – Review Process and Timelines

How long does the application process take?
Once all required documents and payment are received, please allow 7-10 business days for review and processing.

What happens after I submit my application?
You will receive a confirmation email. We’ll review your documents and may follow up if anything is missing or needs clarification.

Can I fast-track my application?
Yes, we understand that some applicants may have time-sensitive needs. If you require your application to be expedited, please contact us at membership@oamhp.ca with a brief explanation of your circumstances. We’ll review your request and advise you on the next steps.

Can I access the Member’s Portal while my application is under review?
No, access will be granted once your membership is confirmed.

Application – Status Updates & Follow-Up

How can I check my application status?
Log in to your account at any time to check your progress, submit missing documents, or view updates.

What should I do if I receive a request for additional documents?
Log in to your account and upload the requested documents as directed in the email. Review will resume once your documents are received.

I received a final reminder – what does that mean?
It means your application is still incomplete. Follow the instructions provided to finalize your submission.

Application – Outcome & Next Steps

My application is approved, pending my annual fee payment and member declaration. What’s next?
You will receive instructions to:

Log in to your account
Read and accept the membership terms and conditions
Submit your membership fee

📌 Once confirmed, you’ll receive an email with details to get you started with your membership.

What if my application is denied?
You will receive notification with a brief explanation. If you have questions, please contact us.

When will I know I am an active member?
You will receive an email confirming your Member ID, Member’s Portal access, and next steps to get started.

Application – Cancellation or Withdrawal

Account Help & Troubleshooting

I forgot my password or can’t log in – what can I do?

1. On the login page, click Lost or Forgot your Password?
2. Enter the email address registered to your account.
3. If you no longer have access to that email, contact membership@oamhp.ca.
4. If the email matches the OAMHP account, you’ll receive a password reset link.
5. Check your Junk/Spam folder if the email is not in your main inbox.
6. Follow the prompt to enter a new password.

I need to change the email address on my account.

1. Login to your account
2. Locate Edit My OAMHP Account
3. Click EDIT ACCOUNT INFO
4. Enter your new email address
5. Click Submit to save your changes

📌 Need more help? Contact us at membership@oamhp.ca

Education and Credential Evaluation

What is considered an accredited institution?
See Accredited Institutions Criteria for full details.

My education was completed outside of Canada and the U.S. - Can I apply?
Yes! Please have your academic credentials evaluated by a recognized service to confirm Canadian equivalency.
Approved services include:

📌 Submit the report with your application or email it to membership@oamhp.ca, including your full name in the subject line.

⚠️ We do not accept credential evaluations for Student memberships. To be eligible for OAMHP’s Student memberships, you must be enrolled in a mental-health related program in Canda or the U.S.

What membership category will I be offered based on my credential evaluation?
The membership category offered will be determined by the Canadian equivalency listed on the report and the membership category criteria it meets.

Master’s or Doctorate → General membership
Below graduate level → Affiliate membership

💡 To review the criteria for each membership category, please visit Application Information.

Will I need to submit additional documents with my evaluation?

Yes, if your education is below a graduate level, you must submit a Supervisory letter (see Supervision Policy) to access the OAMHP Professional Liability Insurance through McFarlan Rowlands.

Supervision

Is supervision a requirement for all membership categories?
Supervision is only a requirement for insurance purposes. Affiliate and Student2 members must submit a Supervisory letter (see Supervision Policy) to access the OAMHP Professional Liability Insurance through McFarlan Rowlands.

📌 General, Certified, and Retired members are not required to submit this letter.

Who qualifies as an eligible supervisor?
An eligible supervisor must be either:

OAMHP Member with a CMHP or OVCS Designation, or
A qualified registrant of a regulatory mental health college in Canada (authorized for independent practice).

How do I submit my supervisory letter?
You can upload it with your application or email it to membership@oamhp.ca.

Supervisory Sample Letter

Sample Supervisory Letter

[Supervisor’s Full Name]
OAMHP Member ID: 1234-5678C (if applicable)
Regulatory Body Registration #: 1234

Date:

To Whom It May Concern,

This letter confirms that I am currently providing professional supervision to [Applicant's Full Name].

Our arrangement includes regular meetings and review of case material to support [Applicant’s First Name]’s academic and professional obligations.

Please let me know if further information is required.

Sincerely,

[Supervisor’s Signature]

[Supervisor’s Full Name, Professional Title(s)]

[Phone Number]

[Email Address]

Insurance

Does my membership include professional liability insurance?
No, insurance is not included in your membership fee. Members have access to exclusive insurance rates through McFarlan Rowlands.

📌 You apply and renew your insurance directly through McFarlan Rowlands.

When can I apply for insurance?
Once your membership is confirmed, the insurance application can be accessed via your Member’s Portal account.

Who can I contact if I have specific questions about insurance?
Please contact Heather Gimson, the OAMHP’s Account Manager at McFarlan Rowlands:
📧 hgimson@mcfr.ca, or
📱 1-888-734-8888 ext.1455

Membership - Managing Your Status

How do I change my membership category after joining?
If you’ve recently experience any of the following changes, please contact membership@oamhp.ca and we will assist you with next steps.

You have graduated and are no longer a student
You are Student1 and wish to move to Student2 to access the OAMHP Professional Liability Insurance through McFarlan Rowlands.
You are General or Affiliate and wish to move to Student1 or Student2.
You have recently registered with a mental health regulatory college (e.g., CRPO, CPBAO, OCSWSSW, COTO, CPSO, CNO).
You have retired from professional practice.

Membership - Find a Professional Directory

Still Have Questions?

Membership Benefits

Learn more about benefits

Apply for Membership

We’ve made it easier to join the OAMHP!

To apply for membership:

Create an account (or sign in if you already have one).

Once signed in, click member application under Ready to Become a Member? on your account’s main page to start your application.

Our system will automatically determine the membership category that best matches your qualifications.

Before you begin your application, please review these important tips:

Review the Application Information section on our Become a Member page before you completing the form.
Read each question carefully and complete all fields marked with an asterisk (*).
You will not be able to submit your application if any required fields are left blank.
Have your required documents ready to upload. See Application Information for details.
All required documents must be successfully uploaded before you submit your application.
Uploaded documents cannot be saved to an in-progress application. Please have them ready to upload when you’re ready to submit your application.
After submitting your application, please allow 7–10 business days for review and processing.
You may be contacted during processing if we require additional information.

If you have questions, please refer to our Membership FAQs or email us at membership@oamhp.ca.

Apply Now

Existing OAMHP Members

OAMHP