Who practices psychotherapy?

Who practices psychotherapy?


Psychologists, physicians and holders of a psychotherapist's permit can practice psychotherapy. Psychologists and physicians do not require an additional permit, as their respective training already allows them to offer psychotherapy.

Psychotherapists are:

  • Psychologists
  • Physicians (e.g. psychiatrists)
  • Professionals licensed as psychotherapists:
    • Guidance counsellors, criminologists, occupational therapists, nurses, psychoeducators, marriage and family therapists, social workers, or sexologists
      or
    • People who were already practicing psychotherapy before 2012, when the law changed, and who were granted a psychotherapist's permit under grandfathering.

Don't hesitate to ask the professional you wish to consult about his or her training and experience.

To check whether a professional is licensed to practice psychotherapy, consult the OPQ directory.