Can anyone call themselves a psychologist or neuropsychologist?

To practise the profession of psychology in Ontario, a person must hold a current certificate of registration from the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO).

Psychologists are regulated health service providers, registered with the CPO to practise psychology in Ontario, and are governed by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and the Psychology Act, 1991.

The CPO says that to qualify for registration, a psychologist must:

• meet rigorous educational and training requirements for entry to the profession;
• successfully complete a comprehensive written examination that is standard throughout North America, as well as a written examination designed to evaluate knowledge of jurisprudence and ethics; and,
• successfully complete an oral examination designed to evaluate readiness for professional practice.

And the CPO says that, as a member of the College, a professional must:

• practice according to the laws governing health professionals in Ontario;
• practice according to the Regulations, Standards of Professional Conduct and Guidelines of the College and the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists; and,
• continually upgrade his/her knowledge, skills and competency.

Are Dr. Storrie and Dr. Velikonja registered psychologists?

Dr. Storrie and Dr. Velikonja are members of the College in good standing, and thus are allowed to call themselves psychologists under the terms of the Act.

What is the College of Psychologists of Ontario?

The College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) is the governing body for psychologists and psychological associates in Ontario. Only members of the CPO may offer psychological services or use the title Psychologist. As well, use of the terms psychology or psychological, or their abbreviations or variations, in any title or in any description of services is restricted to members.

The CPO maintains a register of all currently registered psychologists and psychological associates. You can view this information by visiting http://www.cpo.on.ca/

Why choose a registered psychologist?

The CPO website offers several good reasons to choose its members:

“As regulated health services providers, psychologists and psychological associates are required by law to deliver competent, ethical and professional services and are accountable to the public, through the College, for their professional behaviour and activities.

“As members of the College, psychologists and psychological associates must meet rigorous professional entry requirements, adhere to prescribed standards, guidelines and ethical principles and participate in quality assurance activities to continually update and improve their knowledge and skill.

“In contrast, the College has no authority over unregulated service providers.

“There is no regulatory body with the legal authority to set minimum levels of education, training and competence or to establish and monitor professional and ethical standards of conduct.

“There is no professional regulatory body responsible to protect your interests and hold unregulated providers accountable for the services you receive.”