How to Become a Therapist in Canada: A Comprehensive Guide

Written By Alyssa Payne
Becoming a Therapist in Canada

Thinking about becoming a therapist in Canada but feeling overwhelmed by all the options? You’re not alone! When I first started exploring this career path, I felt confused and uncertain about which degree would be best for me. Now, as a Master of Social Work (MSW) student, I want to simplify this process for you by clarifying your options and helping you identify the right path for you.

Key takeaways:

  • There are several paths to becoming a therapist in Canada

  • Popular programs include a Master of Social Work (MSW), a Master’s in Counselling Psychology or Psychotherapy, a degree in Clinical Psychology , and other specialized therapy programs.

  • A Master of Social Work is a great choice for those who want to keep their career doors open, but they should keep in mind that additional clinical training is often needed to practice therapy. Counselling Psychology is a good choice for those who are certain they want to become therapists and counsellors.  

  • Clinical Psychology programs are doctoral programs that will enable you to diagnose on top of providing therapy. This route is best for those who have a passion for research.

  • Licensing bodies, requirements, exams and supervision vary by field and province. 

Qualifications Needed

To become a therapist in Canada, you will almost always need a master’s-level education to become registered or licensed to provide psychotherapy. The journey begins with earning a bachelor’s degree, typically in a relevant field such as psychology, social work, or a related social science. However, your bachelor’s degree does not have to be in psychology. Many graduate degrees that will qualify you to become a therapist accept degrees in various disciplines (e.g., sociology, criminal justice, education, health sciences). For example, Master of Social Work (MSW) programs often offer a two-year foundational stream for students with a bachelor’s in any field of study. Similarly, many counselling psychology or psychotherapy graduate programs accept applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, provided they have pre-requisite courses and relevant experience. 

Related: Master of Social Work Programs in Canada 

While a specific undergrad major isn’t always mandatory, the requirements you will need to be eligible and competitive do vary by program type. If you aim for a Counselling Psychology or Psychotherapy graduate program, you may need pre-requisite courses, such as abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, and statistics, and relevant experience will make you more competitive as well. If you aspire to become a Clinical Psychologist, you will typically need an honours bachelor’s in psychology, where you completed an undergraduate thesis, along with high grades, research experience, publications, and strong references, since clinical psychology doctoral programs are highly competitive in Canada. For MSW programs, schools of social work in Canada place a high value on experience in human services or volunteering in the community, alongside any academic major. Regardless of which pathway you pursue, planning ahead, taking relevant courses, and gaining volunteer or work experience in a mental health related setting will improve your chances of admission.

Available Programs & Pathways

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to becoming a therapist in Canada. The main options are earning a Master of Social Work (MSW), a Master’s in Counselling Psychology or Psychotherapy, a degree in Clinical Psychology (typically doctoral, but master’s may be possible), and other specialized therapy programs. Each pathway has different program structures and career outcomes, so it’s important to consider how well each option aligns with your goals and strengths. To help you find your best fit, let’s compare your options by looking at typical program length, training focus, admission requirements, career outcomes, and other considerations.

Master of Social Work (MSW)

An MSW is a great option if you want to provide therapy while also keeping your career options open. In addition to providing therapy, social workers can also work in a variety of settings and roles, including policy work, research, case management, child welfare, crisis intervention, schools, hospitals, advocacy, leadership, and program development. MSW programs typically take 1-3 years to complete, include a practicum component, may be course-based or include a thesis, and may be delivered online or in-person.

While the MSW path offers the most career flexibility, you may feel less equipped to provide therapy when you graduate than other pathways. However, this can be mitigated to some extent by seeking out a clinically focused MSW program and/or counselling-focused practicums. With this said, you can certainly become a therapist with a non-clinically focused MSW as well. A good strategy is to look at the course curriculum to see how many required courses and electives have a clinical focus. 

Several MSW programs in Canada have a clinical focus or strong clinical components:

Related Reading: Applying to Clinical Social Work Programs in Canada 

Admission Requirements

MSW programs typically require:

  • A Bachelor of Social Work (Advanced Standing Programs) or a 4-year bachelor’s degree in any field (Foundational Programs)

  • A decent GPA (often a B or higher)

  • Experience in human services (paid or volunteer)

  • Strong professional and academic references

Career Outcomes

Graduating with an MSW allows you to register and provide psychotherapy as a Social Worker. Social workers often provide therapy in hospitals, community mental health clinics, social service agencies, schools, or private practice. They also have the skills and training to connect clients with resources, address practical or systemic issues affecting well-being, and advocate for social change. As a result, a social work degree is often considered the most versatile, since you’re not limited to just practicing therapy.

Who This Path Is Best For

This pathway is ideal if you value a holistic approach that considers the person and their challenges within the context of their environment. Social work will train you to go beyond the individual, considering factors such as poverty, discrimination, social policy, the family environment, and other systems the individual interacts with. Additionally, due to its social justice focus, it will equip you with the knowledge and skills to advocate for broader systemic change. This makes it an ideal fit for people interested in both providing therapy and promoting social justice. It is also a great fit for individuals who value flexibility in their careers, since it does not limit you to only providing therapy. Another advantage is that it is a relatively quick route to becoming a therapist, taking 1-3 years depending on the program and whether you have a BSW.

Counselling and Psychotherapy Degrees

If you’re 100% certain that you want to do psychotherapy and only psychotherapy, this pathway may be an ideal option for you. These programs usually take 2-3 years, with some offered through psychology departments (often titled M.A. or M.Sc. in Counselling Psychology or Psychotherapy) and others offered through education departments (often titled M.Ed. in Counselling). This path focuses on counselling theories, techniques for individual and group therapy, ethics, assessment, and other counselling-related knowledge and skills. Another key component of these programs is the completion of a practicum where you will provide therapy under supervision. Similar to the MSW, these programs may be course-based or include a thesis, and they may be delivered online or in-person.

There are many counselling and psychotherapy degree programs across Canada. My best advice for finding a full list of programs that will qualify you to become a therapist where you live is to go to the website of the regulatory body in your province or territory (I share these later in this blog post). These websites typically share a list of approved or accredited programs. 

Related Reading: Counselling Psychology Programs in Canada

Admission Requirements

Counselling and Psychotherapy programs often require:

  • A 4-year bachelor’s (preferably in psychology or a closely related field)

  • Pre-requisites in some psychology courses (e.g., abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, statistics)

  • A strong GPA (often a B+ or higher)

  • Relevant work or volunteer experience

  • Strong academic and professional references

Career Outcomes

A master’s in counselling psychology will allow you to work as a therapist in a variety of settings, such as community counselling centres, non-profit agencies, schools (if you have an education focus), or private practice. In most provinces, you will not be able to be a “Psychologist” with just a master’s, but you can become a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) in provinces like Ontario or a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) in provinces and territories that have not yet regulated the act of psychotherapy or counselling.

Who This Path Is Best For

This path is best suited for those who want to provide psychotherapy and are less interested in providing psychological testing (e.g., ADHD or Autism evaluations) and diagnoses, or conducting research. It can also be a good option if you want more of a psychology focus but don’t want to pursue a lengthy, research-intensive PhD, which is typically expected in Clinical Psychology programs.

Clinical Psychology

Clinical Psychologists specialize in the psychological assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions. Generally, a doctoral degree in clinical psychology qualifies you to become a licensed Clinical Psychologist, however, it is a long path that typically takes 6-9 years. In a few provinces (e.g., Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan), it is possible to practice as a Clinical Psychologist with only a master’s degree, but even then, most registrants in those provinces hold PhDs. In provinces like Ontario and Manitoba, a PhD is required for the title “Psychologist,” while a master’s degree may allow registration as a “Psychological Associate” with requirements for extra supervised practice.

Most Canadian clinical psychology programs have a combined MA/PhD structure, where you’ll earn a master’s degree along the way, including a master’s research thesis, before beginning the PhD, which typically includes more research projects in the form of a dissertation. As a result, most clinical psychology programs are very research heavy. There are a few Psy.D. programs in Canada, which are more practice-oriented, so they have less of a research component. However, they are less likely to come with a funding package, making them more expensive. Both options require a one-year full-time paid internship in an accredited clinical setting, which is typically completed in the last year of the program. Lastly, it’s worth noting that almost all, if not all, clinical programs are delivered in person only.

Admission Requirements

Clinical psychology programs are highly competitive and typically have the strictest admissions requirements:

  • An honours bachelor’s in psychology (or equivalent)

  • A strong GPA (often A- or above)

  • Research experience in the form of an undergraduate thesis or working in a research lab (and ideally research publications to be most competitive)

  • Strong academic references

Career Outcomes

Clinical Psychologists generally have great career prospects since they are in high demand and in addition to providing therapy, they can also complete some activities that other pathways cannot, such as providing formal diagnoses, conducting neuropsychological testing, and forensic evaluations. They are also employed in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, correctional facilities, universities, and private practice. 

Who This Path Is Best For

This path is best for individuals who want to be able to formally diagnose mental health conditions and complete neuropsychological assessments (e.g., ADHD and Autism assessments, IQ testing) or forensic evaluations. In some provinces, Registered Clinical Social Workers and master’s-level counselling psychology graduates who register as a Psychologist or Psychological Associate can diagnose mental health conditions, but only Psychologists can complete neuropsychological assessments. Another important consideration is how you feel about conducting research studies. Clinical psychology programs are best suited to individuals who live and breathe research. If you do not enjoy conducting research studies and regularly engaging with research, a clinical psychology program will be challenging for you. Two additional practical considerations are whether you are willing to spend the 6-9 years it typically takes to complete, and whether your application will be strong enough since clinical psychology programs are by far the most competitive path to becoming a therapist in Canada.

Other Specialized Therapy Programs 

Beyond the main three pathways we covered above, there are a few other less common graduate programs that lead to therapy careers:

Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)

If you are particularly drawn to supporting couples and families, you might want to consider a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy or related programs. These programs typically take 2-3 years, with a focus on systems theory and relational therapy. Programs with Marriage and Family Therapy related degrees include:

Creative Arts Therapies

This can be a great option for those with a passion for blending psychotherapy with the arts (e.g., art therapy, music therapy, and drama therapy). Some programs include:

Pastoral Counselling and Spiritual Care

For individuals with an interest in theological studies and providing counselling with a spiritual dimension, the following programs might be a good fit. Programs in this area include:


Comparing the Paths

Each path is unique and suits different personalities and goals – from the social justice, systems, and advocacy-oriented (MSW) to the academically and research inclined scientist-practitioner (PhD in Clinical Psychology). Consider what type of work you see yourself enjoying and how much time you’re willing to invest. You’ll also want to reflect on other considerations, such as the fact that doctoral programs take longer but can lead to higher pay. Or, how master’s programs get you into the field sooner, but may limit what you can do (e.g., not being able to do neuropsychological assessments). 

Note: This is not an exhaustive list of pathways or programs. For more comprehensive lists of options, I suggest checking out the websites of relevant regulatory bodies in your province since they often have a list of approved or accredited programs. 

Getting Registered and Licensing Requirements

Regardless of which educational path you choose, you will need to meet licensing or registration requirements to legally practice therapy in Canada. Regulations vary by province/territory and professional title, with each having their own regulatory body, so it’s best to research the regulations and requirements specific to your location. However, here is an overview of the major designations and some provincial/territorial differences:

Psychologist

Psychologists are regulated in all provinces and territories, and you generally need a doctoral degree in clinical psychology or equivalent to be eligible. However, as noted earlier, some provinces (e.g., Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan) allow individuals with master’s degrees in psychology to register as a “Psychologist” and others (e.g., Ontario and Manitoba) allow individuals with a master’s in psychology to register as a “Psychological Associate” with additional requirements for extra supervision. 

Requirements typically include:

  • A graduate degree in psychology that meets the regulator’s standards

  • Completing the Examination of Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) with a score of at least 70%

  • A jurisprudence and ethics exam

  • Verification of anywhere from 500 to 1,700 hours of supervised clinical hours 

Registered Social Worker

Social workers are also regulated in all provinces and territories. While you can become a Registered Social Worker with just a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), a Master of Social Work (MSW), along with additional training and supervision, is generally preferred if your goal is to practice psychotherapy.

Registration generally requires:

  • Meeting the academic (i.e., BSW or MSW) and experience (i.e., practicum) requirements

  • Passing a licensing exam may also be required

Related Reading: Ontario Social Workers Will Soon Require a Licensing Exam

A Note on Registered Clinical Social Workers

Some provinces, such as Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan, provide an option for Registered Social Workers to obtain an advanced clinical designation (“Registered Clinical Social Worker”) that allows them to independently use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) to make formal mental health diagnoses. Obtaining this designation typically requires additional supervised clinical hours and may also require the completion of an exam and/or specific clinically focused graduate-level courses. However, it is important to note that this designation is not necessary to practice psychotherapy as a social worker. 

Counsellor/Therapist

Registration for this pathway is a bit more complicated since some provinces and territories already regulate this profession, some are in the process of regulation, and others have not regulated them at all. In provinces that do regulate psychotherapy, you must register with your province’s regulatory body and meet their standards. In provinces and territories that don’t, technically anyone can use the titles “counsellor” or “therapist” in provinces and territories that don't, but credibility is typically established through voluntary certification, such as the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association’s Canadian Certified Counsellor certification. 

While each regulatory body has slightly different requirements, applicants generally need to:

  • Complete a graduate-level education that has been approved or accredited by the regulator

  • Pass a registration exam

  • Complete a certain number of direct client hours and clinical supervision hours

Here is the status of regulation in each province and territory:

For provinces and territories that are currently unregulated, the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association’s (CCPA) Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) designation is commonly pursued as it demonstrates qualifications and certification criteria that parallel the requirements of regulated titles in regulated provinces. 

Other Paths

The other specialized program options we discussed are typically regulated under the same pathway as Counsellor/Therapist.

What to Expect Post-Graduation

While earning your degree and license is a huge accomplishment, what comes next in the early career of a therapist in Canada? 

Exams, Supervised Practice and Probationary Periods

Right after graduation, you’ll likely find yourself studying for any required licensing exams, if you haven’t completed them already. Additionally, most new therapists are required to complete a period of supervised clinical work before achieving full independent licensure. Social work is an exception to this rule in that it doesn’t have a formal post-graduation supervised practice period mandated by their college (you obtain full registration upon qualification). However, registered social workers are still expected to obtain sufficient competency and supervision before engaging in independent practice in psychotherapy, and employers often provide supervision to new clinicians as well. While this period can feel like an extension of school, it is a paid work period where you will gain valuable confidence and mentorship. 

Continuing Education and Development

Regardless of which pathway you choose, all regulated professionals are required to engage in regularly continuing education to maintain their licenses, often in the form of a mandated number of hours or credit per year. Many therapists, as part of their continuing education or in addition to it, pursue additional training or certifications in therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR), to enhance their ability to support their clients. In addition to gaining skills and improving your competency as a therapist, these trainings and certifications can also enhance your employability and marketability. They can be quite costly, however, so you may want to account for that in your plan for becoming a therapist. 

Job Prospects and Pay

Job prospects and expected pay can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, your professional designation, and the state of the job market when you graduate. However, generally, the demand for therapists in Canada is thought to be strong and growing. 

Overall, in terms of geography, urban centres tend to have more jobs, yet they also have more competition. Rural areas typically have a higher need for therapists, so if you’re open to relocating, you may have an easier time finding an entry-level role in these areas. Another advantage of working in rural and underserved communities is the possibility of student loan debt forgiveness through federal government programs. Language is another consideration as being bilingual in English and French often improves your job prospects.

My best advice for trying to get a more accurate picture of job demand, settings that are hiring therapists in your area, pay, and what qualifications they are looking for, is to take some time to do an online job search.

Practical Next Steps

Now that we’ve covered all your options and an overview of what to expect, here are some concrete actions you can take to further explore each pathway, determine which is the best for you, and prepare to apply for programs:

  1. Conduct informational interviews with practicing therapists 

  2. Gain relevant volunteer and work experience to increase your chances of admission

  3. Consider your strengths, interests, values, and goals, along with settings and populations you might want to work with

  4. Research job prospects, settings, qualifications, and pay by conducting an online job search in your area

  5. Research specific requirements of regulatory bodies in your province or territory

  6. Research specific program requirements

  7. Attend information sessions at prospective schools

  8. Develop a financial plan for your education and early career

Conclusion

Becoming a therapist in Canada is a complex and sometimes confusing but rewarding journey, with multiple pathways to choose from. Whether you’re drawn to social work, counselling psychology, clinical psychology, or another related field, the goal is to identify the path that aligns best with your strengths, interests, and career goals. By researching your options, gaining relevant experience, and understanding licensing requirements, you will be well-equipped to take the next steps towards achieving your dream of becoming a therapist.

Need help with your personal statement? Whether for social work or another therapy field, we can help you craft a strong application. Feel free to reach out for guidance and support.

Related Reading: Counselling Psychology vs. Social Work: Which Is Right For You? 

Alyssa Payne

Alyssa is an Application Advisor at MSW Helper, and a Master of Social Work Candidate.

MSW Helper is a platform designed to help future social workers get accepted to their dream MSW programs. Through our personal statement editing services and free resources, we’re here to help you write your MSW personal statement with confidence.

MSW Helper is the ONLY grad school application service designed specifically for students who are applying to social work programs. Learn more about MSW Helper here.

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