FAQ
What is a Psychologist/Psychological Associate?
These titles apply to members of the College of Psychologists of Ontario who possess Doctoral or Master's degree in psychology, plus additional training. Psychologists and Psychological Associates are autonomous regulated health practitioners. Some Psychologists and Psychological Associates are legally able to communicate a diagnosis. Others have a limitation on their certificate of registration and may only diagnose under the supervision of a Psychologist or Psychological Associate who is entitled to diagnose. To ensure that members of the public can make informed choices about health services being offered, psychologists and psychological associates are required to use this title when introducing themselves professionally and when providing services.
What is the difference between a Psychologist/Psychological Associate and a Psychiatrist?
A psychologist/psychological associate is a regulated health practitioner who has completed a doctoral or master’s degree in psychology and has received additional training beyond this. Psychologists are governed by the College of Psychologists of Ontario. A psychiatrist is a regulated health practitioner (physician) who has completed a medical degree (M.D.) and has received additional training beyond this. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication and the services of psychiatrists are covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Generally, psychiatrists are not employees of school boards. Psychologists/psychological associates work in school boards, as well as in health care settings, private practice, community mental health services and other settings. To ensure that members of the public can make informed choices about health services being offered, psychologists/psychological associates are required to use this title when introducing themselves professionally and when providing services.
What is a psychometrist?
The term "psychometrist" is generally used to refer to someone who administers psychological tests. The term "psychometrist" is not a legally protected title, and people who hold this title do not legally require any special training. However, typically psychometrists possess a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related discipline, and usually they work under the professional supervision of a psychologist or a psychological associate.
Who provides Psychological Services in schools?
Psychological Services staff have post-graduate level education and professional training and experience in psychology. They are specifically trained in and are knowledgeable about child and adolescent development, human learning, psychological assessment as well as social-emotional functioning. The profession is regulated by the College of Psychologists of Ontario and operates under a code of ethics, as outlined in the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Psychology Act. Confidential psychological services are provided under the supervision of the Psychology Leader of the board.
How do I access Psychological Services for my child or youth through my school.
Discuss your concerns with your child or youth’s teacher and principal/vice principal. They can inform you of the process to access Psychological Services within your school board .
How confidential is the psychological service provided to my child?
Psychological Services staff follow specific legal and ethical standards with regards to privacy and confidentiality. Typically, parents and/or students of age must provide permission for Psychological Services staff to become involved with a student or to share information they have about a student with other people. Copies of psychological reports prepared by psychology staff are typically kept in the Ontario Student Record (OSR). Information gathered by Psychological Services staff is kept in a separate secured file, not in the student’s Ontario Student Record (OSR). Consent for services may be given through a permission form (written) and/or a conversation (verbal). This consent should tell you what services can/will be provided and what other professionals in the board will have access to the information from the psychological service. It should also tell you when information cannot be kept confidential (for example, when there is a suspicion of abuse or neglect of a child). You can specify limits to the sharing of information in the Psychology file (for example, who can have a copy of a psychological/psychoeducational report). It is recommended that you contact the Psychological Services Department in your school board if you have questions or concerns about confidentiality or privacy.
How long will a file of psychological information be kept on my child?
Psychological records must be kept for at least ten years after the eighteenth birthday of a child who has received psychological services, or 10 years after the last date of contact, whichever is later.
Where can I access psychological services outside of my child's school board?
Psychological Services may be available through hospitals and children's mental health clinics. However, these agencies may restrict referrals solely to children who fall under their direct mandate (e.g., children with particular kinds of medical conditions). Psychological services are also available through individuals in private practice. See the College of Psychologists of Ontario website to find a Psychologist/Psychological Associate in your area. members.cpo.on.ca/public_register/new. Psychologists or psychological associates in private practice will charge on a fee-for-service basis, as psychological services are not covered by OHIP. Some insurance plans provide coverage for psychological services.