Counselling Psychology Associations

Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)

The CPA is a collection of psychologists throughout the country that work to promote excellence and innovation in psychological research, education, and practice; to promote advancement, development, dissemination, and application of psychological knowledge; and to provide high-quality services to members.

OISE's Counselling Psychology Ph.D. program for Psychology Specialists is accredited by the CPA. Graduates of this program may register to become a member of the CPA.

CPA Accreditation

OISE's Counselling Psychology program for Psychology Specialists has been accredited by the CPA. In other words, our program has demonstrated that it meets a community standard of training.

The CPA provides accreditation to training programs: it does not accredit, register, license, or certify individuals to practice psychology in Canada. Individual accreditation falls under the purview of the provincial regulatory bodies. However, a student can claim to have graduated from an accredited program. A listing of these provincial and territorial regulatory bodies can be found on the CPA's website.

Graduation from an accredited doctoral program is not a requirement for registration as a psychologist, nor always a requirement of employers. However, applicants for registration of licensure who have graduated from accredited programs often receive "fast-track" credential reviews from regulatory boards.

American Psychological Association

The APA no longer accredits training programs outside of the U.S. However, their site contains a number of resources that are useful for Canadian practitioners, and the association remains an institutional standard for ethical and academic guidelines.

College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO)

The professional practice of psychology in Ontario is regulated by the CPO. Only the Psychology Specialists stream (M.A. & Ph.D.) in OISE's Counselling Psychology program are designed to meet the academic requirements for registration by the college.

For the title of "psychologist," registrants require a doctoral degree in psychology. For the title of "psychological associate," registrants require a master's degree in psychology and at least four years of relevant, post-masters degree experience. For more information on these designations, as well as information on the registration process, visit the CPO website.

Canadian Counselling Association (CCA)

The CCA provides certification to practicing counsellors to register as a Canadian Certified Counsellor. Certification is a non-statutory process by which the CCA officially grants the individual the right to use the title adopted by the profession provided certain professional qualifications and other conditions are met. At present, the counselling profession is not regulated by a national institution.

Our program's master's degree for Psychology Specialists (M.A.) provides the appropriate qualifications necessary for students, upon graduation, to apply for certification with the CCA. Our master's degree program for Community and Educational Settings (M.Ed) is not designed with CCA certification in mind. However, M.Ed. students interested in applying for CCA certification can personalize their program to ensure they receive the appropriate qualifications. For M.Ed. students, it is the responsibility of the individual, not the program, to ensure that these requirements are met.

Ontario Psychological Association (OPA)

OPA is a voluntary organization committed to the advancement of the practice and science of psychology through public and professional advocacy and education, for the benefit of its members and the community they serve. OPA is your representative and advocate - they are the only organization that protects and expands your right to practice in Ontario.