Understanding Therapist Credentials

Registered Psychologist

• Holds a master’s or doctorate in psychology in Alberta (6+ years post-secondary).
• Completed at least 1,600 hours of supervised practice after the master’s degree.
• Passed licensing exams and fulfilled all requirements to be fully registered under the College of Alberta Psychologists.
• Registered Psychologists are authorized to provide what the College of Alberta Psychologists call restricted psychosocial interventions. These services involve more complex assessment and treatment activities that are regulated due to their potential impact on mental health and wellbeing.
• Restricted psychosocial interventions include:
  • Diagnosing mental disorders using standardized psychological assessments.
  • Treating diagnosed mental health conditions through evidence-based psychotherapy techniques (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-focused therapy).
  • Developing and implementing formal treatment plans for mental disorders.
  • Interventions intended to modify thought, mood, perception, or behavior through psychological means.
• These services require advanced training, supervised clinical experience, and registration with the appropriate regulatory body (College of Alberta Psychologists). Only those who are properly authorized may provide these interventions in Alberta.

Registered Provisional Psychologist

• Has completed the degree requirements.
• Currently working through the post-degree supervised practice and licensing requirements to become fully registered.
• Provisional Psychologists are authorized to provide restricted psychosocial interventions—such as diagnosing and treating mental disorders—only under the supervision of a Registered Psychologist.
• These services include formal psychological assessments, evidence-based psychotherapy, and interventions aimed at changing thoughts, emotions, or behaviors. Supervision ensures that these complex practices are delivered safely and in line with regulatory standards.

Canadian Certified Counsellor

• A certification by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), a national voluntary credential.
• Requires a graduate degree in a counselling or related field, supervised practicum, 150 hours of direct client counselling for recent graduates OR at least 800 hours of direct client counselling within the last 5 years for experienced practitioners.
• Maintain certification via annual professional liability insurance, display of certification, and 36 continuing education credits every 3 years.
• Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCCs) are authorized to provide a range of non-restricted psychosocial services that support clients’ mental wellness and recovery. These include:
  • Psychoeducation – Helping clients better understand mental health concerns, emotional responses, and effective coping strategies.
  • Supportive counselling – Offering emotional support, guidance, and practical tools to help clients manage stress, life transitions, and personal challenges.
  • Skill-building interventions – Teaching and reinforcing strategies for improving communication, emotion regulation, self-awareness, and daily functioning.
• These services play a critical role in promoting mental well-being, enhancing resilience, and improving clients’ quality of life.
• However, restricted psychosocial interventions—such as formally diagnosing mental disorders, conducting psychological assessments, or providing psychotherapy specifically for the treatment of mental disorders using protected psychological techniques—are reserved for Registered Psychologists and Provisional Psychologists in Alberta. These restricted activities require distinct regulatory authority, specialized training, and formal supervision to ensure client safety and professional accountability.

Mental Health Therapist (MHT)

• Has completed their practicum hours within a master’s program and is finishing their degree.
• Mental Health Therapists are authorized to perform the non-restricted psychosocial practices outlined in the guide. These include supportive interventions such as:
  • Psychoeducation – helping clients understand mental health conditions and coping strategies.
  • Supportive counselling – offering emotional support, guidance, and strategies for stress or adjustment concerns.
  • Skill-building interventions – teaching practical tools for communication, emotion regulation, or daily functioning.
• These services are essential and valuable in supporting clients’ mental wellness and recovery.
• However, restricted psychosocial interventions—which involve diagnosing, treating, or providing psychotherapy for mental disorders using formal psychological techniques—are reserved for Registered Psychologists and Provisional Psychologists. These restricted practices require specific training, supervision, and regulatory approval due to the complexity and potential risks involved.
• At the Collective, MHTs must:
  • Be members of a professional association.
  • Carry liability insurance.
  • Have external supervision from a regulated professional.
  • Follow CAP Standards of Practice and the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists.
  • Have the opportunity for consultation at the Collective.
  • Be actively working toward eventual registration in Alberta.

Student Intern

• Currently completing master’s-level practicum placement hours.
• Has completed a bachelor’s degree.
• Works under the direct supervision of a Registered Psychologist.
• Must follow CAP Standards of Practice and the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists.