There are many controlled acts that are restricted in Ontario. For example, Massage Therapy is a controlled act and can only be performed by a “Registered” massage therapist. What does that really mean though? Well, the provincial government regulates (through the College of Registered Massage Therapists of Ontario) the conduct of Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) to ensure the safety of the public and ensure the highest levels of consistent client care.
Similarly, Psychotherapy is undergoing the same process. That is to say, the creation of a new College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario following standards and provisions of the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA).read more
The act of Psychotherapy at present is not regulated but the process (initiated in 2007) is underway and expected to be complete by the end of 2013 or early 2014. In a nutshell, the controlled act of Psychotherapy will be restricted to those who are members of an Ontario college approved to perform the controlled act of Psychotherapy. The primary authorizing agency will be the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario but will also include colleges controlling Nurses, Doctors, Social Workers, and Occupational Therapists.
The overlap of professionals available to perform controlled acts is part of the provincial healthcare design and it ensures clients have choice. Registration and authority to perform the scope of practice is intended to protect the public from untrained practitioners and ensure the highest quality client care.
The restricted act of Psychotherapy is defined as:
“The practice of psychotherapy is the assessment and treatment of cognitive, emotional or behavioural disturbances by psychotherapeutic means, delivered through a therapeutic relationship based primarily on verbal or non-verbal communication.”
For more information about The transitional Council of the College of Registered Psychotherapists http://www.crpo.ca/
The Draft Registration Regulation
http://www.crpo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Draft-Registration-Regulation-April-15-2013.pdf
Psychotherapy Act, 2007
https://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_07p10_e.htm
