Therapist Designations
Registered Psychologist
Registered Psychologists have received at a minimum, master’s levels of post secondary education in counselling and psychology. In Alberta, psychologists must meet the educational and clinical requirements of the College of Alberta Psychologists. Psychologists are not qualified to prescribe medication.
Regulatory Body: College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP)
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Registered Provisional Psychologists have received at a minimum, master’s levels of post secondary education in counselling and psychology, and are in the process of meeting the requirements to be registered as set out by the College of Alberta Psychologists.
Regulatory Body: College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP)
REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER (RSW)
The Alberta College of Social Work (ACSW) recognizes three levels of social work education to qualify for registration. It is important to ensure that the social work program is approved/accredited by one of the bodies ACSW recognizes:
- Diploma – Diploma of Social Work
- Undergraduate Degree – Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Graduate Degrees – Master of Social Work (MSW)
Regulatory Body: Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW)
Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC)
Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC) have received at a minimum, master’s levels of post secondary education in counselling or a related field. CCC’s have been evaluated and approved by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).
Association: Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
Certified Professional Counsellor (CPC)
Certified Professional Counsellors (CPC) have received a master’s or doctorate degree in counselling, psychotherapy, psychology or other related field from a post-secondary institution who is fully accredited by an approved accredited institution in Canada or the US (see Institutional Accreditations | PACCP). CPC’s have met the requirements of the Professional Association of Christian Counsellors and Psychotherapists (PACCP).
Association: The Professional Association of Christian Counsellors and Psychotherapists (PACCP)
Associate Professional Counsellor (APC)
Associate Professional Counsellors (APC) have received a master’s or doctorate degree in counselling, psychotherapy, psychology or other related field from a post-secondary institution who is fully accredited by an approved accredited institution in Canada or the US (see Institutional Accreditations | PACCP). APC’s are in the process of meeting the requirements to be registered as set out by the Professional Association of Christian Counsellors and Psychotherapists (PACCP).
Association: The Professional Association of Christian Counsellors and Psychotherapists (PACCP)
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELLOR
At Run Free, counsellors who have received at a minimum, master’s levels of post secondary education in counselling or a related field, and are awaiting their registration, hold the temporary title of Mental Health Counsellor.
Association: Associations may vary dependent on education or preference of governing regulatory body.
Restoration Coach
Restoration Coaches are similar to Life Coaches. These individuals have received at minimum, 80 hours of courses/training with a Registered Psychologist. Restoration Coaches are not counsellors and are trained to identify and refer clientele if a request falls outside of their area of competence.
Association: No professional association.
STudent / intern
Students/interns are currently pursuing their Masters degree in either Counselling, Counselling Psychology or another related field. Designations for students/interns may vary (i.e MA Counselling Psychology Intern, or Supervised Mental Health Counsellor, etc.) dependent on their post-secondary institution.
Association: Associations may vary, dependent on the post-secondary institution.