I’ve been watching the recent proposal from the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) with growing concern. As a clinic director and practicing psychologist, I believe the profession is at a pivotal moment—and we must not take the wrong path.
The proposal under discussion would reduce the training requirements needed to become a psychologist in Ontario, potentially removing the doctoral standard and shortening supervision timelines. This is meant to address workforce shortages and promote interprovincial mobility.
But I have to ask: At what cost?
We Already Have a Large and Capable Workforce
Ontario is not short on clinicians. In fact, we’re saturated with master’s-level providers—Registered Psychotherapists, Social Workers, and Nurse Psychotherapists—who are already delivering the majority of clinical care across the province. These professionals are essential. They are trained to provide evidence-based therapy and are doing the hard work of helping clients every day. But there’s a crucial distinction: they are not trained or authorized to perform the controlled act of diagnosis. Nor are they equipped to handle complex differential diagnoses, provide advanced supervision, or lead clinical teams in the way psychologists are.
If someone is looking for an easier path to practice across provinces, they already have options—namely, becoming a psychotherapist. It makes no sense to lower the standards for psychologists to solve a problem that’s already been addressed elsewhere.
We Should Be Raising the Bar—Not Lowering It
Instead of diluting our profession, we should be expanding it. Psychologists should be stepping more fully into leadership roles within the mental health system—especially through the integration of prescription rights.
Here’s why this matters:
- Improved Treatment Outcomes: Research consistently shows that the combination of evidence-based psychotherapy and medication is more effective than either alone (Cuijpers et al., 2020; Thase, 2013). Psychologists already offer high-quality therapy—we should also be part of the medication solution.
- Better Access to Care: Right now, medication management is left to family doctors (who often lack time for adequate follow-up) or psychiatrists (who are overburdened and have long waitlists). Prescribing psychologists could help fill this critical gap—especially for patients with complex or chronic needs.
- Reduced Stigma: Mental illness is brain-based, and acknowledging the role of neurochemistry in mental health care helps reduce stigma. Psychologists, as brain-behavior experts, are well-positioned to lead this shift.
Several jurisdictions in the U.S. have already granted prescribing rights to psychologists—with strong safety records and improved patient care as a result. There is no reason Ontario can’t follow suit—but only if we maintain rigorous training standards.
Diluting Standards Takes Us in the Wrong Direction
Weakening our entry requirements makes prescription rights less likely, not more. If we move toward a model that requires less education, less training, and less supervision, we cannot credibly advocate for greater responsibility. In fact, we lose our distinctiveness altogether.
We risk becoming indistinguishable from other professions—despite having historically been the gold standard in mental health diagnosis and treatment.
What I’m Doing—and What You Can Do
I’ve already written to my MPP to express my concern about the proposed changes and to advocate for a stronger vision of psychology in Ontario—one that leans into clinical leadership, not away from it.
If you’re a psychologist, student, or mental health professional who shares these concerns, I urge you to:
- Read the full OPA message about the proposed changes
- Contact your MPP and the CPBAO to voice your concerns
- Join conversations within the profession about where we’re headed
- Support scope expansion—especially around prescription rights
You can also read my original blog post with a more detailed breakdown here:
👉 https://drjennbossio.com/2025/07/07/standards-for-psychologists/
Let’s make sure the future of psychology in Ontario is one of leadership, expertise, and integrity—not dilution.