While the College of Psychologists and Behavioural Analysts is concerned about the well being of all individuals receiving health care in Ontario, there are a number of situations or areas of concern that the College is unable to address.
Complaints Against Members of Other Regulatory Colleges
The College can only deal with complaints against members of the College of Psychologists and Behavioural Analysts. If there are concerns about a member of another profession, it is appropriate to contact that professional’s own College. A listing of the various health Colleges can be found on the website of the Federation of Regulatory Health Colleges of Ontario at www.regulatedhealthprofessions.on.ca. At times, the College of Psychologists and Behavioural Analysts receives complaints about psychiatrists. Psychiatrists are medical doctors and are regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario which can be reached at (416) 967-2600 or (800) 268-7096.
Complaints Against Unregulated Practitioners
Under current legislation, anyone can refer to themselves as a counselor or therapist. These individuals may be unregulated providers rather than members of a regulatory health college. Unregulated practitioners cannot use the titles Psychologist or Psychological Associate, or use the terms psychology or psychological, or any abbreviation of those words in any title, designation or description of services offered or provided. Under the Psychology and Applied Behaviour Analysis Act, 2021 the use of these titles and terms is restricted to members of the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts. Anyone with concerns about an unregulated practitioner may contact the employer of that individual, seek advice, or contact the College. The College will contact those who use these terms and titles without authorization and will take steps to have them stop this practice.
Other Situations Which the Law Does Not Authorize the College to Address
- Obtaining funds from a member as a result of a financial loss suffered;
- Employment or labour relations’ difficulties not addressed by professional standards or laws governing the profession.
Additionally, while the College may address the practices of a member, it cannot substitute its judgment for the professional judgement of a member.The College does not have the authority to direct a member to change a particular professional opinion or report.