Advocacy and Outreach

Current Advocacy Issues

Expanding Access to Mental Health Care: Registration Modernization

Psychology Registration Modernization

Update following CPBAO Council decisions (December 2025)

In December 2025, the Council of the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) approved a set of significant registration modernization changes, which are now moving forward to the Ministry of Health for consideration.

These decisions represent an important moment for the psychology profession in Ontario. They reflect years of discussion about fairness, workforce sustainability, public access, and alignment with contemporary practice realities. In particular, this represents a meaningful step forward after many years of sustained member-driven advocacy to achieve fair and accurate title alignment for master’s-trained psychologists.

OAMHP has long supported thoughtful modernization that strengthens public protection while reducing unnecessary barriers to practice. We are encouraged by the direction of the approved changes, including expanded accreditation pathways, governance reform, and steps to address long-standing equity and labour mobility issues.

OAMHP’s response

Following the Council meeting, OAMHP submitted a formal letter to CPBAO acknowledging the decisions and outlining key considerations as the changes move toward implementation. Our response emphasizes:

The importance of clear timelines and communication as changes proceed to the Ministry of Health
The need for careful attention to implementation details, supervision models, and workforce impacts
The importance of professional conduct, ethical leadership, and psychological safety during periods of regulatory change

You can read OAMHP’s full response here:
OAMHP Letter to CPBAO regarding approved modernization changes (PDF, December 18, 2025)

What happens next

As this work continues, OAMHP remains committed to:

Engaging constructively with CPBAO on implementation and transition planning
Advocating for clear, accurate public and registrant communications
Supporting members across professions as the regulatory landscape evolves

We recognize that periods of regulatory change can generate uncertainty and strong reactions. OAMHP’s goal is to provide calm, evidence-informed advocacy and to help members navigate what these changes mean in practice.

OAMHP Advocacy Statements and Submissions
September 29 2025 - Open Letter to CPBAO (pdf)
October 22 2025 - Media Release (pdf)
November 20 2025 - Media release (pdf)
November 21 2025 - Member Toolkit (pdf)
November 28 2025 - OAMHP Submission (pdf)
December 18 2025 - Open Letter to CPBAO (pdf)

Submit your comment by Dec 9

Key Facts

Same Scope of Practice: Under the Psychology Act, 1991, both Psychologists (PhD) and Psychological Associates (MA + supervised practice) share the exact same legislated scope, including the authority to diagnose.
→ 2002 CPO Bulletin

Proposed Updates:

Move from rigid hour-based supervised practice to a competency-based model
Replace the oral exam with more reliable, standardized assessments
Allow CPBAO to evaluate Canadian master’s programs directly
Integrate master’s-trained clinicians under the title “psychologist”

Why update?
To improve fairness, transparency, and labour mobility while keeping standards strong.

Why Modernization Matters

Reduces confusion
Aligns Ontario with other provinces
Supports labour mobility
Helps address provider shortages
Maintains strong public protection standards

Government Direction: Ontario’s Fairness Commissioner, as well as the federal One Canadian Economy initiative, encourage regulators to remove unnecessary barriers and improve mobility across Canada.
→ Fair Registration Practices Report 2024

Public Interest: Ontario faces a serious shortage of psychologists. Modernizing registration pathways is about removing barriers, not lowering standards, so more Ontarians can access timely care.

Backgrounder: Registration Modernization

OAMHP Statement on the Modernization of the Psychology Profession in Ontario

July 2025

The Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP) supports the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) in its ongoing work to modernize registration pathways for psychologists and psychological associates.

For many years, both the Government of Ontario and the Office of the Fairness Commissioner have emphasized the importance of reducing unnecessary barriers and ensuring fairness in access to regulated professions. CPBAO’s current initiatives are an important step in fulfilling this long-standing direction and in addressing Ontario’s urgent need for more qualified psychologists.

In recent years, Ontario has seen significant progress in individuals seeking and finding appropriate mental health supports. To sustain and build on this momentum, professions and their regulatory bodies must continue to evolve — ensuring access, adequate and appropriate regulation, and safe practice that supports positive outcomes for the wellbeing of Ontarians.

Psychological Associates and Psychologists in Ontario share the same legislated scope of practice, including the authority to diagnose. Both master’s- and doctoral-trained psychologists are highly skilled, regulated professionals whose contributions are essential to meeting public need.

OAMHP applauds CPBAO for taking action to align psychology with national mobility standards, increase access to qualified practitioners, and ensure timely care for Ontarians while maintaining strong professional standards and public protection.

As an association representing a wide range of mental health professionals, including both master’s- and doctoral-trained psychologists, OAMHP is committed to supporting fact-based communication, public understanding, and collaboration across the profession. We encourage all stakeholders to work together to preserve and promote a healthy, inclusive, and future-ready psychology profession in Ontario.

History of Masters-Prepared Practitioners in Ontario Psychology

Read the history (PDF) ➜

WSIB Expands Access to Mental Health Care

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is launching a refreshed Mental Health Program of Care. This a bundled, community-based model that brings together psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, occupational therapists, and other regulated health professionals authorized to perform psychotherapy.

This integrated program is designed to strengthen collaboration and improve access to care for injured workers across Ontario. WSIB has begun contacting current providers, and registration to deliver services will open on Biddingo between October and November 2025 through a Request for Services process. Information sessions will also be held to review eligibility, fees, and application steps.

💡 Stay tuned for more information as WSIB releases additional program details and registration updates.

OAMHP Responds to Proposed Scope Expansion for Psychologists

OAMHP has submitted a formal response to the Ministry of Health’s consultation on proposed amendments to the Psychology Act, 1991 (Regulatory Registry Proposal No. 51713). The proposed changes would allow certain psychologists, following advanced training, to prescribe select psychotropic medications and order diagnostic tests.

OAMHP’s submission supports the initiative in principle, emphasizing that equitable training, strong supervision, interprofessional collaboration, and clear limits on scope are essential to safeguard patients and enhance system efficiency. The response highlights the potential benefits for access, equity, and continuity of care across Ontario, particularly for rural and underserved communities.

Read OAMHP’s Full Submission →
Public comments are open until November 3, 2025.
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