In a bid to increase the number of psychologists available in Ontario and reduce patient wait times, proposed changes could potentially shorten the required hours for psychologists to start seeing patients in the province. The College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) has noted a shortage of psychologists in Ontario compared to Alberta and Quebec, leading to delays in care.
To address this issue, the college is suggesting a modernization approach by reducing the training hours necessary for licensing, eliminating the oral exam requirement, and shifting away from an ethics exam. However, an advocacy group of psychologists is expressing concerns that such changes may jeopardize patient care and pose risks for vulnerable individuals.
Recent data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information revealed that approximately one in 10 individuals waited four months or more for community mental health counseling between 2020 and 2024. Ontario currently has fewer mental health and substance use providers per 100,000 residents compared to other provinces, with wait times for youth and children being longer than those for adults.
Psychologists play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating individuals with various mental health issues. Dr. Jenn Bossio, a clinical and health psychologist, warned that reducing training requirements could lead to misdiagnoses and potentially harmful outcomes, such as prescribing incorrect medications to patients. The need for specialized care is emphasized, especially in distinguishing between different mental health conditions.
The College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario aims to remove unnecessary obstacles that hinder qualified professionals from practicing in the province, ensuring access to competent psychological and behavioral care for all Ontarians. The current requirement of four years of supervised work experience for master’s-level graduates before becoming a psychological associate is being challenged, as it is considered a barrier that drives graduates out of Ontario.
Regarding psychotherapy coverage and equity concerns, there is a call for increased access to affordable mental health services. The Mental Health Commission of Canada highlighted the need for improved access to psychotherapies, while the Canadian Psychological Association advocated for enhanced workplace insurance coverage for psychologists. Addressing inequities in mental health treatment and insurance coverage across provinces is crucial to ensuring comprehensive care for all individuals.
The proposal to reduce training hours for psychologists in Ontario is under consideration, with consultations ongoing until December 9. While the college is pushing for these changes to address the shortage of psychologists in the province, the Ontario government has clarified that no immediate plans are in place to implement such alterations, with discussions on the scope of practice within regulated health professions ongoing.