Psychotherapy
It ’ s been almost 10 years since the notion of a controlled act for psychotherapy was placed into the Regulated Health Professions Act , 1991 . While the College of Psychotherapists has now been up and running for more than one year , in all this time , the controlled act has still not been proclaimed . What this means for OTs is that because the use of the title ‘ psychotherapist ’ for occupational therapists is tied in the legislation to the controlled act , OTs cannot use this title .
FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW
1 . OTs can practice psychotherapy . 2 . OTs should follow the Standards of Practice for Psychotherapy when practising psychotherapy .
3 . OTs cannot call themselves a psychotherapist , but can say they are using psychotherapy techniques , or providing psychotherapy . OTs must present themselves as an occupational therapist or as registered with the College of OT so as not be holding oneself out as a regulated psychotherapist , which is a protected title .
4 . OTs are not required to join the College of Psychotherapists to practice psychotherapy .
5 . At the time of publication , if OTs want to use the title psychotherapist , they must belong to the College of Psychotherapists . Once the controlled act is enacted , OTs will be able to use the title psychotherapist along with their OT title .
In October 2016 , Council approved circulation of a draft clarification of the controlled act of psychotherapy . This stakeholder consultation will take place in early 2017 .
The College continues to work with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care as well as regulatory bodies whose members would have access to the controlled act when it is proclaimed . We will inform you when anything changes .
At the time of publication , if OTs want to use the title psychotherapist , they must belong to the College of Psychotherapists . Once the controlled act is enacted , OTs will be able to use the title psychotherapist along with their OT title .
College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario ON THE RECORD 2016
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