Regulation is a provincial responsibility in Canada
Regulation varies widely across the country:
In the west, mental health practice, including Couple and Family Therapy, is unregulated, though efforts toward regulation are in process at this time;
In Ontario and Quebec, there is regulation of both titles and activities, (i.e. what mental health practitioners can call themselves, and what they are permitted to do);
In the Maritimes, titles are regulated (i.e. what mental health practitioners can call themselves).
Newfoundland and the Territories are unregulated at this time.
It is up to each member to ensure that they know and follow the regulatory rules for the jurisdiction in which they live (even though they may also practice in other jurisdictions)
Professional designations such as RMFT (Registered Marriage and Family Therapist) demonstrate Achievement of a standard of practice and compliance with a code of ethics. They have no legal standing, and should not be confused with regulatory requirements, in the provinces where these exist.
When moving from one province or territory to another please be sure you understand and comply with any practice requirements in your new province or territory.
Therapists considering inter-jurisdictional therapy are responsible to inform themselves of the requirements both in the province or territory in which they live, and in the province or territory in which they are planning to offer therapy. Therapists should also check with their insurance provider to be sure they are covered for inter-jurisdictional practice.
Alberta: is in the process of regulating Counselling Therapists
The Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta
Ontario: Currently regulates the profession of Psychotherapy
Title protection and activity protection
College of Registered Psychotherapists
Quebec: Currently regulates the profession of Psychotherapy
Title protection and activity protection
Ordre des conseillers et conseillères d’orientation du Québec
Ordre des psychologues du Québec
Prince Edward Island: Counselling Therapist
Title protection
The College of Counselling Therapy of Prince Edward Island
Nova Scotia: Counselling Therapist
Title protection
Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists
New Brunswick: Licensed Counselling Therapist, Licensed Career Counsellor, Registered Career Counsellor, Registered Counselling Therapist
Title protection
The College of Counselling Therapists of New Brunswick
As of July 2022