Regulating Psychotherapy
CHCPBC is preparing to regulate psychotherapy under the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA), as directed by the BC Ministry of Health. Regulation of psychotherapy is part of the province’s broader efforts to modernize health profession regulation in BC and strengthen public protection.
This page provides information for practitioners, employers, educational institutions, the public, and others interested in how psychotherapy will be regulated in BC.
Why will psychotherapy be regulated?
The BC Ministry of Health made the decision to regulate psychotherapy to help ensure the public receives safe and ethical care. Following the Ministry of Health’s assessment in 2024, psychotherapy was identified as an area where regulatory oversight would support public protection by establishing consistent standards, accountability, and a framework for addressing concerns about practice or conduct. CHCPBC’s role is to implement that direction by establishing the regulatory requirements, standards, and processes that will apply once psychotherapy becomes regulated.
The role of the College
Regulation of psychotherapy is intended to support safe, ethical, and accountable mental health care in BC. As the regulatory college responsible for psychotherapy, CHCPBC will work in the public interest by:
- Establishing requirements for licensure;
- Setting professional, ethical, and practice standards;
- Supporting ongoing quality practice;
- Investigating complaints and concerns about professional conduct; and
- Taking regulatory action, when necessary, to protect the public.
These activities will help ensure that psychotherapy licensees meet consistent standards and are accountable to a regulatory framework designed to protect the public.
What regulation means for psychotherapy
Individuals who wish to practise psychotherapy and call themselves a psychotherapist in BC will need to apply for and be granted licensure, which will take effect on November 29, 2027.
The profession–specific eligibility standards for psychotherapy licensure have not yet been established. The application process for experienced practitioners is expected to open in summer 2027.
Once psychotherapy professionals are licensed, they will need to:
- Maintain their licence to practise
- Adhere to ethical and practice standards
- Comply with continuing professional development requirements
- Respond to complaints and investigations
Events
Coming soon – Webinar: Regulating Psychotherapy Update
Additional resources
- BC Ministry of Health Regulation of Psychotherapy Q&A (July 2026) (PDF)
- CHCPBC Q&A on Regulation of Psychotherapy
- Subscribing to updates and asking questions about regulation of psychotherapy
- Ministry of Health public consultation (now closed): Proposed new restricted activity for psychotherapy (PDF)
- Health profession regulation – Ministry of Health
Q&A: Regulation of Psychotherapy
Definitions and scope
1. What is the definition of psychotherapy, and how will it be distinguished from counselling and other overlapping scopes of practice?
The definition, titles, scope of practice, and restricted activities (if any) that may be used or performed by psychotherapy practitioners will be prescribed in regulation. This information will be included in Part 10 of the Health and Care Professionals Regulation that will take effect on November 29, 2027.
Amendments and updates to regulations are made by the Ministry of Health.
2. What specific activities are being considered “restricted” or “higher risk,” and how will those activities be defined?
The Ministry of Health may create a new restricted activity for higher-risk care interventions used in the treatment of significant mental health disorders and conditions. Not all activities conducted by psychotherapy professionals will be restricted.
The details of restricted activities are set in regulation and are not intended to capture the full scope of practice for a profession. For some restricted activities, post–entry level certification may be required.
If the Ministry of Health determines that a new restricted activity is required, the activity will be added to the existing list of restricted activities in the Regulated Health Practitioners Regulation. More information about the consideration of a new restricted activity for psychotherapy is available on the Ministry of Health’s Public Consultation webpage.
Eligibility and transition
3. What are the requirements to become licensed with CHCPBC as a psychotherapy professional?
There are two sets of requirements that applicants must satisfy if they wish to become licensed with CHCPBC:
- General eligibility standards that are outlined in the CHCPBC’s Bylaws and listed on the College website. General eligibility standards are the same for all professions regulated by CHCPBC and include demonstration of good character, consent to a criminal record check, and payment of applicable fees; and,
- Profession–specific eligibility standards (entry-to-practice requirements, including education requirements and examination) that are unique for each profession regulated by CHCPBC.
The profession–specific eligibility standards for psychotherapy have not yet been established. CHCPBC will publish and consult on the proposed eligibility standards as part of the Bylaw amendment and consultation process expected to occur in fall 2026.
4. Will past conduct be considered for applicants who wish to become licensed as a psychotherapy professional?
The general eligibility requirements include the need for the applicant to demonstrate good character and provide information on their fitness to practice, including past conduct history, if applicable.
CHCPBC does not have the authority to act on information about potential applicants or future licensees before they apply for licensure with the College.
5. Will CHCPBC take over the investigation of complaints filed with professional associations before November 29, 2027?
No, CHCPBC will not take over the investigation of complaints or actions associated with complaints from professional associations. CHCPBC will begin to receive and investigate complaints through existing internal processes starting November 29, 2027 when psychotherapy becomes regulated.
6. When will psychotherapy practitioners need to be licensed if they want to practise in BC?
Individuals who wish to practise psychotherapy and call themselves a psychotherapist must be licensed by CHCPBC beginning on November 29, 2027.
CHCPBC will prepare to accept applications for licensure in advance of this date. The College will share more information on the application process once it is available.
Impacts on practice
7. How will regulation of psychotherapy affect practitioners who may be providing psychotherapy, such as occupational therapists, psychologists, and school psychologists?
It is important to distinguish between psychotherapy as a designated health profession and psychotherapy as an intervention or activity. Depending on how the Regulated Health Practitioners Regulation and the Health and Care Professionals Regulation are ultimately amended with respect to psychotherapy, CHCPBC cannot confirm:
- Which other health professions will be authorized to perform psychotherapy; and
- What additional requirements (such as certification), if any, may apply to those professions.
8. How will interjurisdictional and virtual practice be handled for psychotherapy practitioners regulated in other Canadian provinces who serve BC clients?
Licensure requirements for virtual care vary by profession and the nature of care being provided. CHCPBC has not made any final decisions about psychotherapy interjurisdictional and virtual practice. Licensees will be provided with guidance once a decision has been made.
9. What will happen to existing professional association memberships?
Health professionals who become licensed with a regulatory college have the option of maintaining membership with one or more professional associations if they choose.
Associations and regulators have different roles, outlined on the Our Regulatory Role page. In general, associations provide member services and advocate on behalf of the profession, while regulators regulate the conduct of one or more professions in the public interest. Being a member of a professional association does not mean you are regulated. Professional associations do not have regulatory authority.
Access and implementation
10. How will regulation affect public access, affordability, insurance coverage, MSP coverage, and continuity of care?
Insurance coverage, employer requirements, and public funding are outside the scope of the College mandate. Insurers, employers, and government funders are responsible for making funding and employment decisions.
The setting or negotiation of fees for professions often involves the professional associations.
11. How will consultation feedback be used, and when will participants receive answers, materials, or further updates?
Consultation on proposed amendments to CHCPBC’s bylaws to support the addition of psychotherapy is set to take place later this year. During the consultation, individuals and organizations can submit feedback in writing. All feedback will be reviewed and considered, and where appropriate, may result in revisions. Feedback that does not lead to changes may still guide future policies, guidance, resources, or communications.
Following the consideration of all feedback and making any necessary changes, the proposed amendments will be presented to the CHCPBC Board for their consideration and approval. Once approved, the amendments will be in-force.
Bylaws that support psychotherapy regulation must be informed by Part 10 (psychotherapy) of the Health and Care Professionals Regulation, which is determined by the Ministry of Health.
updates and questions about
regulation of psychotherapy
CHCPBC will provide updates on regulation of psychotherapy as they become available. Check back on this page for the latest information.
Subscribe to email updates on regulation of psychotherapy.
Email psychotherapy@chcpbc.org with your questions.