Become a Student Member – Find your Professional Home!
Welcome to your new career in mental health! You are joining one of the most important, rewarding, challenging, complex, and solitary professions. We want you to consider the OAMHP to be your “professional home”, where you will always find a generous and supportive community of colleagues, mentors, and advisors. We provide you with not only all the practical benefits of being a professional (e.g., insurance, continuing education, and other perks) - we are so much more.
The OAMHP is like a nurturing community for your career. We have been around for a long time (almost 50 years!) and have seen it all. We know what you don’t (yet) know about being a mental health provider - professionally, personally and politically. We know the things that simply cannot be taught in school, yet are essential and invaluable as you navigate the inevitable ups and downs throughout your long career. We are here to protect, teach, share stories & experiences, and dole out practical career and personal advice.
Career Trajectories
Regulated Professions Chart
This career paths chart is designed to help you explore the different trajectories within the mental health field in Ontario. It provides a visual overview of how various professions compare and where different educational pathways may lead. For more detailed information, please review the “At a Glance” summaries and the accompanying PDF documents for each profession.
Career Profile:
Applied Behaviour Analysts use evidence-based behavioural interventions to help individuals develop new skills and reduce challenging behaviours, often working with autism, developmental disabilities, ADHD, and anxiety.
| Title/Designation | BCBA; RBA; ABA |
| Minimum Degree | Master’s Degree |
| Regulatory College (CPBAO) | College of Psychologists & Behaviour Analysts of Ontario |
| Years of Education | 6-8 years |
| Internships/Residencies | Yes (Supervised Fieldwork) |
| Salary | $60,000 - $100,000 |
Scope of Practice:
Assessing and treating behavioural challenges, primarily in autism, developmental disabilities, and other mental health challenges; using evidence-based interventions.
Career Profile:
Counsellors provide guidance and emotional support to individuals facing personal, psychological, or life challenges in settings such as schools, addiction centres, shelters, and crisis services. Many specialize in areas such as addictions, career counselling, bereavement, or youth counselling.
| Title/Designation | No specific title/designation |
| Minimum Degree | BSc or Master’s Degree |
| Regulatory College | Not Regulated |
| Years of Education | 4-6 years |
| Internships/Residencies | No |
| Salary | Average $59,520 |
Career Profile:
Occupational Therapists help individuals build, restore, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and meaningful participation in work and community life. In mental health settings, they support clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and severe mental illness by developing routines, coping strategies, and functional independence.
| Title/Designation | Occupational Therapist (Mental Health Focus) – OT Reg. (Ont.) |
| Minimum Degree | Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy (MScOT) |
| Regulatory College | College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO) |
| Years of Education | 6-7 years |
| Internships/Residencies | Yes (Fieldwork placements) |
| Salary | $65,000 - $95,000 |
Scope of Practice:
Assessing and treating functional impairments related to mental health; supporting clients with life skills, coping strategies, sensory processing, and work readiness. Can provide psychotherapy if trained and rostered with COTO.
Career Profile:
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating complex mental health conditions, including severe mood and psychotic disorders. Family physicians provide comprehensive primary care and often serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
| Title/Designation | Psychiatrist-MD, FRCPC (Psychiatry) Family Physician- MD, CCFP |
| Minimum Degree | Medical Degree (MD) |
| Regulatory College | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) |
| Years of Education | 10-12 years |
| Internships/Residencies | Yes (Medical Residency) |
| Salary | Psychiatrists: $109,000-$500,000. Family Physicians: $ 85,000-$400,000 |
Scope of Practice:
Psychiatrists can diagnose mental disorders, prescribe medications, provide psychotherapy, and manage psychiatric emergencies. They may also work in acute and chronic mental health care settings, often with complex cases. Family physicians diagnose and treat common mental health conditions, prescribe medications, provide brief counselling, and coordinate referrals to specialized services.
Mental Health Research Focus:
Both psychiatrists and family physicians may choose to engage in research rather than clinical settings within hospitals or academic institutions, contributing to treatment advancements, prevention strategies, and improvements in mental health care delivery.
Career Profile:
Psychologists and Psychological Associates assess, diagnose, and treat emotional, cognitive, and behavioural concerns using evidence-based assessment tools and psychotherapy. They work in hospitals, community clinics, rehabilitation centres, private practice, and research settings.
| Title/Designation | Psychologist-C. Psych Psychological Associate – C. Psych. Assoc. |
| Minimum Degree | PhD or PsyD / MA or MSc |
| Regulatory College | College of Psychologists & Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) |
| Years of Education | 8-12 years/ 6-8 years |
| Internships/Residencies | Yes (Supervised Practice) |
| Salary | Psychologist: $60,000-$200,000 Psychological Associate: $58,000-$133,000 |
Scope of Practice:
Assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health and neuropsychological disorders; conducting psychotherapy; providing psychological assessments, interventions, and research-based treatments. Psychological associates operate under the same scope as psychologists but with a master’s-level education.
Career Profile:
Psychology Consultants apply psychological expertise to improve individual, organizational, or system-level functioning. They may assess behaviour, analyze systems, propose interventions, and guide policy or procedural changes.
| Title/Designation | MA or MSc in psychology |
| Minimum Degree | PhD or PsyD / MA or MSc |
| Regulatory College | Not Regulated |
| Years of Education | 8-12 years/ 6-8 years |
| Internships/Residencies | Yes (Supervised Practice) |
| Salary | Average salary of $88,000 |
Career Profile:
Psychometrists administer, score, and interpret psychological assessments as part of clinical or research teams. In Ontario, they work under the supervision of a Psychologist or Psychological Associate and cannot independently communicate diagnoses.
| Title/Designation | MSc or MEd. |
| Minimum Degree | Master’s Degree in Psychology or Education |
| Regulatory College | Not Regulated |
| Years of Education | 4-6 years |
| Internships/Residencies | No |
| Salary | $55,000 - $120,000 |
Career Profile:
Psychotherapists provide different forms of therapy including (talk, art, play, etc.) to individuals, couples, families, and groups using non-medical therapeutic approaches. They help clients address mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, OCD, and other emotional challenges but cannot diagnose or prescribe medication.
| Title/Designation | Registered Psychotherapist - RP |
| Minimum Degree | MA/ MSc/ Graduate Diploma |
| Regulatory College | College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) |
| Years of Education | 6-8 years |
| Internships/Residencies | Yes (Clinical Hours) |
| Salary | $40,000 - $100,000 |
Scope of Practice:
Evaluating clients' emotional, cognitive, and behavioral concerns to inform treatment planning. Providing psychotherapy for mental health and emotional concerns; using various therapeutic modalities.
Career Profile:
Registered Nurses provide assessment, medication administration, crisis intervention, and coordinated care in mental health settings. Nurse Practitioners have advanced training that allows them to perform elements of psychotherapy, but nurses require certification to perform the controlled act itself.
| Title/Designation | Nurse Practitioner (Mental Health Focus) - NP-PHC Registered Nurse (RN) - RN |
| Minimum Degree | MScN or NP Graduate Diploma / BScN |
| Regulatory College | College Nurses of Ontario (CNO) |
| Years of Education | 6-8 years / 4 years |
| Internships/Residencies | Yes (Clinical Placements) |
| Salary | Nurse Practitioner $95,000 - $130,000 Registered Nurse $65,000 - $105,000 |
Scope of Practice:
Nurse practitioners can help identifying and treating mental health disorders; providing psychotherapy if trained; managing acute and chronic mental health conditions in collaboration with other healthcare professionals. Registered nurses can provide general nursing care; administers medications; supports mental health treatment within a collaborative care model; some RNs with additional training may perform psychotherapy
Career Profile:
Social Workers support individuals and families facing personal, social, and systemic challenges by providing counselling, advocacy, and connections to community resources. They work in hospitals, schools, community agencies, government, and private practice.
| Title/Designation | Social Worker – RSW, MSW |
| Minimum Degree | MSW |
| Regulatory College | Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) |
| Years of Education | 5-7 years |
| Internships/Residencies | Yes (Practicum) |
| Salary | $53,000 - $94,000 |
Scope of Practice:
Providing psychotherapy if trained, case management, and advocacy services; assessing social, emotional, and behavioral challenges; supporting clients in accessing mental health and social services.
This infographic is designed to help you understand the mental health professional landscape in Ontario. It explains the difference between regulatory colleges and professional associations, and shows examples of both regulated and non-regulated careers to help you explore possible career pathways in mental health.
FAQs About Your New Profession
The following is an evergreen compilation of some questions that you may have been asking yourself. If you have any unanswered questions, let us know and we’ll add them to the list: membership@oamhp.ca
Across Canada, there are dozens (over 70) of professional titles for different types of mental health practitioners. Those professional titles range from therapist, psychotherapist, and counselling therapist - to counsellor, clinical counsellor, and guidance counsellor. Most of these titles are not protected. This means that anyone – regardless of their education or experience - may call themselves a therapist, counsellor, practitioner, or clinician.
A “protected” professional title is one that is granted by a regulatory body to only those members who meet strict standards of education, experience, and expertise. For example, in Ontario, only members of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) may call themselves “Registered Psychotherapist”. The province of Quebec also uses the protected title of “Psychotherapist”. However, the other regulated provinces in Canada use the protected title of “Counselling Therapist” – although their scopes of practice are largely the same.
Similarly, the titles of “Psychologist”, “Psychological Associate”, “Social Worker”, and “Occupational Therapist” are all protected titles which can only be used by those who are registered by the regulatory bodies governing that profession. In Ontario, each of these professions may also perform the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy (see, “How is psychotherapy regulated in Ontario?”, below).
Just because a mental health profession is unregulated doesn’t mean that there are not any standards to which practitioners are held accountable. That’s where professional associations come into play. At OAMHP, we value the broad experience and expertise of a wide spectrum of mental health providers – some of whom are from a regulated profession – some of whom are not. We count among our members highly qualified counsellors, consultants, psychotherapists, psychologists, psychological associates, psychometrists, and social workers. One of the important reasons that someone from an unregulated mental health profession would choose to join a professional association like OAMHP is that acceptance into a professional association is predicated by meeting high standards of competency and education.
Counsellor: A professional whose practice involves the primary function of informing, advising, guiding, educating, and coaching. The practice of counselling includes, but is not limited to, clinical, and mental health counselling. Incorporated in its mandate is guidance and education to individuals, families and/or groups.
Consultant: Any person who provides consulting services in the form of education and information to individual professionals, groups or organizations in the public or private sector.
Psychotherapist: Psychotherapists work with individuals, couples, families and groups to help them overcome a range of psychological and emotional issues. Psychotherapists use personal treatment plans and a variety of non-medical-based treatments to help them solve specific problems; or to treat mood disorders such as depression, OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and anxiety.
Using talk therapy, they provide insight and use psychotherapeutic interventions to change distressing patterns of cognitions or behaviours that contribute to mood, anxiety or other problems. Some examples of the different approaches psychotherapists use are behavioural therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and gestalt therapy. They commonly work in rehabilitation centres, multidisciplinary health clinics, psychological offices and in private practice. Although Psychotherapists may treat people with clinical diagnoses (e.g., Major
Depression, OCD, General Anxiety Disorder) with psychotherapy (talk therapy), they are not licensed to provide a diagnosis or prescribe medication.
In Ontario, only members of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) have the authority to identify themselves as Registered Psychotherapists (RPs).
Psychologist and Psychological Associate: Psychologists and Psychological Associates are trained in the assessment, treatment, and prevention of behavioural and mental conditions. They diagnose neuropsychological disorders and dysfunctions as well as psychotic, neurotic and personality disorders and dysfunctions. In addition, Psychologists and Psychological Associates use a variety of approaches directed toward the maintenance and enhancement of physical, intellectual, emotional, social and interpersonal functioning.
A Psychologist or Psychological Associate may work with a variety of individual client populations such as children, adolescents, adults or seniors, or may focus their attention on families, couples, or organizations. They work in a range of settings including schools, hospitals, industry, social service agencies, rehabilitation facilities, and correctional facilities. Many Psychologists and Psychological Associates have their own private practice.
Only members of the College of Psychologists of Ontario may use the title ‘Psychologist’ or ‘Psychological Associate’; use the terms ‘psychology’ or ‘psychological’ in any description of services offered or provided or hold themselves out to be a psychologist or Psychological Associate.
Psychometrist: Psychometrists are part of research or healthcare teams that specialize in administering, scoring, analyzing and interpreting psychological tests. In Ontario, Psychometrists are not legally allowed to communicate diagnoses, so they must work under the supervision of a Registered Psychologist or Psychological Associate, who are licensed to do so. Tasks include explaining testing procedures to clients, answering questions, administering tests, scoring tests, analyzing data, interpreting results, writing reports and communicating results to other mental health care professionals. A psychometrist must also stay up to date with new developments in the field, as tests and procedures are created, updated and/or improved.
Social Worker: From individuals and families to organizations and communities, social workers collaborate with their clients to address challenges through a process of assessment, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation.
Registered social workers have a specialized university education and must participate in continued professional learning and skills development to fulfil the requirements of their professional regulatory body.
In Ontario, in order to use the title Social Worker or Registered Social Worker or their French equivalents, or to hold out expressly or by implication that you are a social worker, you must be registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
In Canada, the Canada Health Act specifies that each province and territory is responsible for the planning and delivery of mental health services. Each province and territory has its own mental health law that form the basis for how people in their jurisdiction are supported when they have mental health needs. As such, there are 13 different mental health acts in Canada (10 provinces, 3 territories).
There are two pieces of provincial legislation that are relevant to all regulation of psychotherapy in Ontario: Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA) and Psychotherapy Act, 2007.
Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA): Broadly speaking, the RHPA specifies that there are 14 controlled acts that only regulated health professionals can perform. The controlled act of psychotherapy is one of these legally restricted acts. The RHPA also provides details on how to setup regulatory bodies to control those health professionals who are entitled to perform the 14 controlled acts.
Psychotherapy Act, 2007: This act makes the delivery of psychotherapy a "controlled act".
6 professions can perform the “controlled act of psychotherapy” in accordance with the regulations, requirements and/or standards of their regulatory bodies. The 6 professions are:
- Psychotherapists
- Nurses
- Occupational therapists
- Physicians
- Psychologists and/or psychological associates
- Social workers and/or social service workers
When the Psychotherapy Act, 2007 officially came into force (in 2015), the regulatory body of the profession of psychotherapy – the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) – also came into existence. Up until that point, the profession of psychotherapy in Ontario had not been regulated.
When the Psychotherapy Act, 2007 officially came into force (in 2015), the regulatory body of the profession of psychotherapy – the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) – also came into existence. Up until that point, the profession of psychotherapy in Ontario had not been regulated.
You need to become a member of the CRPO if you want to be a psychotherapist in Ontario. According to the Psychotherapy Act, 2007, only members of the CRPO or other regulated health professions are authorized to perform the “Controlled Act of Psychotherapy”.
Depending on the regulatory body of the province in question, the protected title representing a psychotherapist differs. In Ontario and Quebec, a practitioner of psychotherapy is known as a “Registered Psychotherapist”. In the remaining regulated jurisdictions (NB, NS, PEI…and soon to be AB), a practitioner is known as a “Counselling Therapist”. Despite the difference in terminology – all regulated practitioners in Canada have comparable scopes of practice and other requirements.
Simply put, being part of a regulatory body (CRPO) is required by law - and being part of a professional association, like the OAMHP, is a smart career choice.
To legally practice the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy in Ontario, your membership in the CRPO is not an option. You MUST be part of the CRPO to become a Registered Psychotherapist. The CRPO was created by Ontario law (Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991) with the mandate to regulate its registrants in the interests of protecting the public. The CRPO interprets the Ontario law pertaining to psychotherapy (Psychotherapy Act, 2007) to create standards, best practices, and policies to which all registrants must adhere if they wish to legally practice the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy in Ontario. In other words, in order to legally practice psychotherapy in Ontario, you must be registered with the CRPO, and you must abide by the rules and standards they have created for the profession.
By contrast…
You do NOT NEED to be part of a professional association. A professional association like the OAMHP is a non-profit organization that, broadly speaking, serves to support the interests of the profession - as well as to support you over the course of your career. Professional associations are not mandated by government and do not have a formal role with the CRPO - although some (like OAMHP) have developed excellent relationships.
Unlike membership in the CRPO, you get to choose if you want to be part of a professional association and, if so, which association to become part of. When you join a professional association, it’s like you’re joining a community that you’ll be part of for the duration of your career. You wouldn’t jump into buying a house in a neighbourhood you’ve never visited - or one that doesn’t have the amenities that you really need and want. Well, it’s the same with joining a professional association. You should take a walk around and do your research.
Why Choose the OAMHP?
The OAMHP is like a nurturing community for your career. We have been around for a long time (almost 50 years!) and have seen it all. We know what you don’t (yet) know about being a mental health provider - professionally, personally and politically. We know the things that simply cannot be taught in school, yet are essential and invaluable as you navigate the inevitable ups and downs throughout your long career. We are here to protect, teach, share stories & experiences, and dole out practical career and personal advice.
When you become a member of OAMHP, you’re joining a lifelong community of peers, learned colleagues, and professional elders who will help you navigate the mysteries of leaving the structured world of being a student and launching into the unknown world of becoming a practitioner: a world of insurance, benefits, rules & regulations, identifying (and achieving) career milestones.
We know what you don’t (yet) know about being a mental health provider - professionally, personally and politically. We know the things that simply cannot be taught in school, yet are essential and invaluable as you navigate the inevitable ups and downs throughout your long career. We are here to support you when you’re faced with difficult regulatory or client challenges. We are here to help you throughout your career - to celebrate the successes and to support you with your challenges.
Here are a few things - beyond insurance & benefits perks - that you can expect when you become a member of OAMHP:
Community: Once you become part of the OAMHP fold, you’re part of a dynamic, nurturing, caring & supportive community that has your back and wants to see you thrive. Our members have seen it all and are here for you as you navigate the practicalities and permutations of your career.
Connection: We are composed of a wide spectrum of certified mental health practitioners - with a breadth and depth of experience that you can’t find in other associations. There are many current and evolving ways in which you can connect with this collected wisdom through Peer Circles, Knowledge Exchange, conferences, etc.
Practical Support in Challenging Career Situations: At some point in your career, you will receive a notice from CRPO that a complaint has been filed against you and that you’re being investigated. This is the nature of working in a regulated mental health profession: it’s not “if” you receive a complaint, it’s “when”. The OAMHP has been around for a long time, has deep experience, wisdom, and unparalleled support systems in place to help our members navigate these (and other) inevitable bumps that will happen over the course of a career. We have developed learning opportunities, knowledge exchange, and practical tools to help prevent complaints from occurring in the first place. But when they do happen, you will have all the support you need to get through it with integrity.
Milestones: We provide the training and support you need as your career evolves. As your career develops and you want to share your gifts with a wider clientele, we provide peer certification that can validate your gifts with a wider clientele, which is invaluable as your practice can take you beyond the borders of Ontario and Canada.
A word about the Validated Supervisor Designation
The OAMHP is the only professional association to provide a recognized designation for becoming a Validated Supervisor - an essential service to students who need supervision - and also a pivotal milestone in career development.
Engagement: As a student, you are warmly welcomed to take a seat at the Board of Directors table. In addition to having a Student Member on our board, we provide a bursary and student engagement award.
JOIN NOW and Benefit from:
New, lower student membership fees
New, lower, preferred rate for professional liability insurance
All OAMHP Perks from discounts