Regulating Psychotherapists
On November 29, 2027, psychotherapists in BC must be licensed by CHCPBC if they wish to practise, as mandated by the BC Ministry of Health. Psychotherapists are not currently regulated in BC. Today, there are over 10,000 providers offering unregulated counselling services to patients and clients. The government’s direction for regulation of psychotherapy indicates a level of risk to the public in the delivery of these services.
CHCPBC is committed to providing more information about our work to incorporate psychotherapists into our regulatory framework, which will bring the number of designated health professions we regulate to 10. While each profession we regulate brings profession–specific nuance, we anticipate that psychotherapists will be incorporated into our ongoing efforts to regulate consistently across professions by harmonizing programs, ethics, and standards, where possible as referenced in CHCPBC’s strategic plan.
For more information about the updated regulations and regulation of psychotherapists, see the BC Government’s Health Professions and Occupations Act Q&A (April 2026) (see question 10).
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CHCPBC looks forward to providing updates on this project as they become available. Check back on this page for the latest information.
Questions and answers
What is the scope of practice for psychotherapy professionals?
Title, scope of practice, and restricted activities that may be used or performed by psychotherapists on and after November 29, 2027, are prescribed in regulation by the BC Ministry of Health. Part 10 of the Health and Care Professionals Regulation, not currently in force, will include these details for Psychotherapy.
CHCPBC is responsible for regulating psychotherapists in the public interest by implementing and complying with all regulations and legislation.
When will psychotherapists need to be licensed if they want to practise in BC?
Individuals who wish to practise as a psychotherapist must be licensed by CHCPBC by November 29, 2027, as mandated by the Ministry of Health. CHCPBC will prepare to accept applications for licensure in advance of this date and will share more information on the process once it is available.
What are the requirements to become licensed with CHCPBC as a psychotherapist?
General eligibility standards for full licensure with CHCPBC are available in the College Bylaws and will be applicable to psychotherapists.
The specific eligibility standards (entry-to-practice requirements, including education and examination) for psychotherapists have not yet been established. These requirements will be informed by the regulation for psychotherapists determined by the Ministry of Health and in consideration of other Canadian jurisdictions already regulating psychotherapists to enable labour mobility. CHCPBC will publish licensure requirements as part of the bylaws’ amendment process and consultation once it is determined.