Certification with OAMHP
Certified Mental Health Professional (CMHP)
Ontario Validated Clinical Supervisor (OVCS)
A few words from Désirée Jones, Chair of the Certification Committee
**please note: this was recorded prior to the restructuring of the program**
The OAMHP Certification Program is designed to recognize and validate the expertise of mental health professionals. Certification is a peer-reviewed credential that demonstrates your professional competency, ethical standards, and commitment to continued learning.
Unlike regulatory requirements for certain professions, OAMHP Certification is a professional distinction that sets you apart in a competitive field. It provides an external validation of your skills and knowledge, reinforcing your credibility with clients, employers, insurers, and other stakeholders.
At OAMHP, we offer two key designations:
- Certified Mental Health Professional (CMHP) – Recognizes qualified professionals in counseling, psychotherapy, psychometry, and consulting.
- Ontario Validated Clinical Supervisor (OVCS) – Distinguishes experienced clinical supervisors through peer validation.
Certification through OAMHP is a pathway to professional growth, credibility, and leadership in the mental health sector. Whether you are an experienced practitioner or a clinical supervisor, our certification process ensures that your skills and contributions are formally recognized in a way that strengthens your career and the profession as a whole.
Recently, we have updated our certification designations to reflect the evolving needs of the profession. The transition from Certified Member to CMHP and Validated Supervisor to OVCS makes the designations clearer, more meaningful, and better aligned with the professional landscape. These changes help ensure that certification remains a strong, recognizable standard for excellence in mental health practice.
Why Certification Matters
Stand Out in a Crowded Field
The mental health profession is evolving rapidly, with thousands of new professionals entering the field every year. Certification through OAMHP sets you apart, helping you build credibility and ensuring you are recognized by clients, employers, and insurers.
What Certification Means for You
- A peer-reviewed credential proving your expertise
- A way to increase career opportunities and professional credibility
- Recognition by insurance providers, employers, and clients
- A distinction beyond regulatory requirements, showing commitment to excellence
What Certification IS NOT
- A regulatory requirement – but it enhances your credentials
- Just another membership – it’s an elevated distinction that signals a higher standard
What's Changing & Why
The OAMHP Certification Program has evolved to reflect the changing professional landscape, aligning with modern industry standards, creating a meaningful pathway for unregulated professionals, and reinforcing peer validation as a rigorous, credible standard.
Old Designation New Designation
Certified Member (cert)OAMHP → Certified Mental Health Professional (CMHP)
Validated Supervisor (cert-s)OAMHP → Ontario Validated Clinical Supervisor (OVCS)
Designation Details
As part of our ongoing commitment to professional excellence, OAMHP has updated its certification designations to better reflect the evolving mental health landscape. The transition from Certified Member to Certified Mental Health Professional (CMHP) and Validated Supervisor to Ontario Validated Clinical Supervisor (OVCS) ensures that these credentials are clearer, more meaningful, and aligned with industry standards.
Certified Mental Health Professional (CMHP)
The Certified Mental Health Professional (CMHP) designation recognizes qualified professionals in counseling, psychotherapy, psychometry, and consulting. It serves as a mark of distinction for mental health practitioners, demonstrating a commitment to high professional standards, peer validation, and continued learning. CMHP certification helps professionals stand out in a competitive field, reinforcing their credibility with clients, employers, and insurers.
To become a CMHP, applicants must demonstrate extensive experience and competency in mental health practice. The process includes an application review, professional references, a written take-home examination, and an in-person interview. Once certified, members must renew every two years, maintaining professional development and ongoing contributions to the field.
Ontario Validated Clinical Supervisor (OVCS)
The Ontario Validated Clinical Supervisor (OVCS) designation formally recognizes mental health professionals who provide high-quality, ethical clinical supervision. Unlike regulatory bodies such as CRPO, which place the onus on supervisees to assess their supervisors, OVCS certification is a peer-reviewed process that ensures supervisors meet rigorous standards of competence and experience.
The OVCS designation is open to qualified clinical supervisors, whether or not they hold CMHP certification. The application process includes proof of supervisory experience, documentation of at least 30 hours of supervision-specific training, and an interview with a certification panel. Renewal occurs every two years and requires documentation of continued supervision and professional development.
FAQs
❓ What’s the difference between CMHP and an RP designation?
CMHP is a professional credential, while RP (Registered Psychotherapist) is a regulated title under CRPO. Certification enhances credibility regardless of your regulatory status.
❓ Do I need to be a CMHP before applying for OVCS?
No, OVCS is open to any qualified clinical supervisor who meets the training requirements.
❓ How much does certification cost?
- CMHP Application: $150 + $100 balance upon approval
- OVCS Application: $135
- Renewal (every 2 years): $30
❓ How do I get started?
- CMHP Applicants → email certification@oamhp.ca
- OVCS Applicants → If already certified, apply via Member Portal. Otherwise, email certification@oamhp.ca for details.