Master’s-Trained Psychologists in Ontario: Facts & Our Position
The OAMHP has long supported master’s-trained psychologists, known in Ontario as “Psychological Associates”, and their essential role in the mental health system.
As discussions continue within the profession, we want to share our position and provide clarity on the facts. We believe it is important to hold steady to truth, avoid unnecessary division, and ensure Ontarians have timely access to qualified, regulated mental health professionals.
Our Position
OAMHP Statement on the Modernization of the Psychology Profession in Ontario
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.
Our Role
OAMHP will continue to:
- Share fact-based resources to support clarity and understanding.
- Advocate for both master’s- and doctoral-trained psychologists as valued, regulated professionals.
- Monitor developments at CPBAO Council and be ready to act as needed.
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
Different Pathways, Same End Point:
- PhD Psychologist: Doctoral degree + 1 year supervised practice.
- Psychological Associate: Master’s degree + 4 years supervised practice.
Both routes lead to independent practice with identical authority.
Government Direction: The Office of the Fairness Commissioner and Government of Ontario have, for many years, directed regulatory bodies to remove unnecessary barriers and support labour mobility across Canada. CPBAO’s current work reflects this long-standing mandate.
→ 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.