Education · 1 of 5
The path
The Ontario route, which is the most structured. Other provinces are similar or looser.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
English, social sciences, any psychology course your school offers.
- 2
Bachelor's degree
4 years
Psychology is the usual choice but not required. Volunteer on a crisis line while you do it.
- 3
Master's in counselling or psychotherapy
2 years
Two years including a supervised practicum. Public university programs are competitive; private ones are easier to enter and cost more.
- 4
Qualifying registration and supervised hours
1 to 2 years
In Ontario you register with the CRPO (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario) as a qualifying member, then log about 450 client hours and 100 supervision hours while working.
- 5
Registration exam, then full registration
After the hours are done
Pass the CRPO (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario) exam and you become an RP (registered psychotherapist), free to practise independently.