Public
NSBEP does not set the fees nor define what is reasonable, but APNS has a recommended fee.
We would like to inform ourselves further about your directory for candidates in the process of getting their license.
According to the directory page on your website, these registrants are identified as “candidate register”. Our questions are:Must all of those undergoing supervision to complete the requirements be listed in your directory. (are those who cannot be found in your directory allowed to practice psychology under supervision?)
Not necessarily. Even though an individual states that they are working under supervision does not mean they are on the NSBEP Candidate Register. If the individual is not using the title of Psychologist (Candidate Register) they are probably not on the Register. If one is on the Candidate Register, then the title used should be Psychologist (Candidate Register). If an individual is listed in the NSBEP Directory as a Candidate Register then, yes, they must be “… undergoing supervision until completing the required period of supervised work experience and examinations”nWould an independent practitioner (as a counsellor, therapist, psychotherapist, etc.) appear as a candidate register? (presuming that since, in the case I’m currently looking at, they are practicing under the supervision of a psychologist, they must have applied?)
No. Titles such as “counsellor,” therapist” and “psychotherapist” are not regulated titles in Nova Scotia.
Just a quick note to let you know that I checked your profile on the database and noticed that the payment has not been received. Please submit payment as well as the unofficial transcripts by end of day Tuesday. Once these are received and since the bulk of the documents have been received prior to the deadline we can add you to the agenda for October 26, 2018.
To answer your question, NSBEP does not have specific guidelines on the training requirements and supervision of psychometrists. However, the following documents would be relevant, and the URLs are provided below:Supervision Scenarios
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Supervision_Scenarios.pdf
nSUPERVISION OF PSYCHOMETRISTS
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/psychometrist.pdf nNova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology Policy Advisory: Co-Signing of Psychological Reports
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Policy_Advisory_Cosigning_Reports.pdf
I’ll provide a bit of background information on this topic since school psychology is nuanced in the US.
Myself personally, I’d probably stay away from even thinking about the notion of one being eligible to apply in this case. I say this because this simply means that the individual could apply to NSBEP, and it could be misleading interpretation as it would not be an actual commentary on the likelihood that she could be registered. I honestly don’t think I have adequate information to say whether her degree meets registration requirements, but from what she says, I am little skeptical (but I don’t know for sure yet). Did you see something or are you thinking this because she has school psychology registration in the US? If so, I can tell you that it works very differently in the US for school psychologists versus all other registration for psychologists in the US. It could be that someone would have an acceptable degree (according to NSBEP criteria) and obtains school psychology registration in the US, but it could be equally true that they might not. In fact, she has already taken one criterion out of the bunch, almost one of the first in the list, and already said it doesn’t meet that one. (Not sure if she looked beyond that one) I think she needs a more realistic perspective, that in this case, the whole point of applying is to first review all criteria in full and ask questions, (not sure if she got past the first criterion) then she could decide whether to apply and it’s really the Board who makes the determination. However, I have some suggested wording below.
With all that said, here is what you could say to her (thanks):Given that registration for school psychologists typically works very differently in the US for school psychologists, it could be that someone would have a degree that meets NSBEP requirements, but it could be equally true that they might not. As you can appreciate, the fact alone that one is registered as a school psychologist in the US does not guarantee that one would be eligible in NS. You have noted that your degree may not meet one criterion from the list, this particular criterion has two options: either the program required an undergraduate degree in psychology or required equivalent courses in psychology for admission to the program. Generally, NSBEP does not encounter a degree that fails to meet only one of these criteria and not at least one other. If that’s the case then the program would be declined.
However, in this regard, I have provided below the criteria and registration requirements that one would need to follow to become registered with the Board, which includes the requirements of the academic program. These have been prepared for potential registrants and it is important to carefully review each criterion, if you have not done so. They can be reviewed via the following URL: https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Registration_Requirements_Regular.pdf
For more information about acceptable programs, please also see the below document which has been developed by NSBEP. Here you will also see information about the common reasons why programs would not be acceptable for registration.
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Acceptable_programs_NSBEP.pdf
Ultimately the Board must make a determination of whether a program meets its stated registration requirements, However, if you have questions about our criteria after reviewing the criteria in full, if you have not already done so, please let us know.
There is no specific information or policy statement on this topic. However, there are ethical principles that would help to provide guidance on these matters, which are shared below.
II.13 Assess the individuals and groups (e.g., couples, families, organizations, communities, peoples) involved in their activities adequately enough to ensure that they will be able to discern what will benefit and not harm them, using assessment methods that are appropriate to the particular cultural and social contexts of the individuals and groups involved.
II.17 Not carry out any scientific or professional activity unless the probable benefit is proportionately greater than the risk involved.
II.18 Strive to provide and/or obtain the best reasonably accessible service for those seeking psychological services. This may include, but is not limited to, selecting assessment tools, methods, interventions, andncommunication modalities that are: (a) relevant and tailored to thenneeds, characteristics, and contexts of the primary client or contractnexaminee; and (b) based on the best available evidence in light of thosenneeds, characteristics, and contexts. It also may include, but is notnlimited to: consulting or collaborating with service-providingnorganizations in the community, members of other disciplines,individuals and groups relevant to the culture or belief systems of thosenreceiving or being subject to services; or advocating on behalf of anprimary client when appropriate and needed.
II.19 Make themselves aware of the knowledge and skills of other disciplinesn(e.g., law, social work, medicine, business administration), and makenreferrals or advise the use of such knowledge and skills where relevantnto the benefit of others.
Typically, in your scenario, where you are licensed as a counselor, we would refer you to the NS College of Counselling Therapists since they may have an efficient route to meeting registration requirements in your circumstances.
While the Core Competencies in Psychology are a required component of registration with NSBEP, it is not solely a matter of meeting these competencies to determine one has an acceptable degree in psychology; one must meet all requirements as listed in the NSBEP document on Acceptable Degrees in Psychology:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Registration_Requirements_Regular.pdf nBoard staff cannot preapprove a degree since that process would be require a full review by the Registration Subcommittee of the Board who is the decision maker. The Subcommittee is only able to review completed applications. We would, however, also refer you to the following document as it lists some approved degrees and the types of deficiencies that arise when one is not.
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Acceptable_programs_NSBEP.pdf
We would say that, generally, where your additional supervision hours were not part of an integrated university program, those would not be considered part of the degree acceptable under the Psychologists Act. 200 hours in the official practicum falls quite short of the requirements. Our sense is that the program would not meet requirements. However, if you would like to send a copy of your transcript for staff to review — to see if there are any other items we would note — then feel free to do so. Please note that this would not constitute a review by the Board.
With that said, If after reviewing all of the above referenced documents, you feel you would still like to apply, that is of course your right. However, in that event, it may be advisable to first provide a copy of your transcript as you suggested, since there may be some red flags that we may be able to identify and this may save additional frustration if there were something that could be easily identified in advance.
As you correctly note, those admitted to the Candidate Register are required to complete all examinations required by the Board (and 4 years of supervision — 6000 hours). These requirements would be completed after the individual is placed on the Register of Candidates. The exams currently consist of the EPPP and Oral Exam.
I’ve read both emails. I’m not sure if our response will get a “wow” as well 🙂 but here we go:You could let her know that NSBEP would have no problem with this scenario as we understand the clients will be located in Alberta, not NS, and she has already reached out to the College in AB to make sure this was okay.
To answer your question, NSBEP would have no problem with this scenario asnwe understand the clients will be located in Alberta, not NS, and you havenalready reached out to the College in AB to make sure this was okay.
Part 2 )
Yes it remains valid. We appreciate that you will be receiving supervision in NS.
NSBEP’s current position is that the psychological service is being provided in Alberta, where the clients would be located.
To answer your question, yes, all parts of the acceptable psychology degree would need to be completed as part of the program, which would include the practicum. NSBEP could not consider practical experience that is not part of the degree itself.
Depending on your requirements, we have the following options:We have a Courtesy Registration for practice during a temporary period of time. Here is a link to the process:
https://www.nsbep.org/applicants/temporary-registration-to-psychologists-from-other-jurisdictions/nFinally, for ongoing practice one can apply for regular registration by following the requirements outlined in the following page:
https://www.nsbep.org/applicants/psychologists-registered-in-canada/
“I know that many jurisdictions do not do any forwarding of such requests, but I am not totally against providing links to appropriate requests in the general email updates, provided there is an appropriate disclaimer – i.e., for information purposes, not mandatory for registrants, not necessarily endorsed by NSBEP, that sort of thing.
You can tell them we don’t provide information on job prospects, but we include some job seeking resources at the bottom of the page for International Applicants.
In this case, NSBEP would still recommend that she declare counselling psychology only, since that is the stated concentration of the program from McGill, but she is welcome to state what she has stated in her email when applying for registration. This information could be placed in a cover letter and added to her file. By way of information, generally the Board recognizes that there can be overlap between practice areas, so we would not be placing a functional restriction on what she can do if she has the specific training. However, the Board does not look to have applicant’s labelling their intended area of practice as clinical psychology unless they come from a program that is labelled as clinical psychology program.
Thank you for contacting the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology with your enquiry.
NSBEP does not provide guaranteed, pre-approval with regard to education programs outside of Atlantic Canada and CPA accreditation. This is because the training and experiences of individuals in such programs can vary and NSBEP would not be aware of individual changes that are made as the programs are housed in jurisdictions outside of Atlantic Canada. This means that the Board is unable to be assured that programs or students cannot make individual changes to their program of study and there is no accreditation mechanism outside of CPA to assure the Board of consistency that accreditation offers.
NSBEP can only assess for certain whether the educational requirements have been met (outside of Atlantic Canada and CPA accreditation) when the program has been completed and an application has been made.
However, NSBEP can provide additional guidance to applicants. NSBEP does in fact provide a document for helping prospective registrants decide if an educational program would meet NSBEP requirements and lists some of the programs that typically meet NSBEP requirements. That information can be found here:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Acceptable_programs_NSBEP.pdf
Any other programs not listed in the above referenced document would have to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Board’s criteria for acceptable degrees in psychology. These criteria can be reviewed via the following URL:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Registration_Requirements_Regular.pdf nYou are welcome to ask NSBEP if you have questions in relation to any of the above criteria.
The University of Toronto program (Scarborough Campus) Masters of Arts in Counselling and Clinical Psychology) may meet NSBEP requirements. If you could provide a link to the specific program that would be helpful.
The other program you cited (University of Victoria Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology appears to be designed to meet counselling requirements not requirements specifically in psychology. Therefore it does not appear to be acceptable to the NSBEP. However, if an applicant wished to work in the profession of Counselling, not Psychology specifically, they could check with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists, which is the regulatory body in NS that deals with counselling therapy. Here is their website: https://nscct.ca/
To answer your question, NSBEP does not provide pre-approval with regards to education programs and because individual applicants experiences can vary, NSBEP can only assesses whether the educational requirements have been met when the program has been completed and an application has been made. In the link below, you will note that applicants that have met all of the requirements of a CPA accredited Doctoral program or all of the requirements of several other graduate programs in Atlantic Canada usually meet the educational requirements for registration with NSBEP. NSBEP does provide guidelines for helping to decide if an educational program would meet NSBEP requirements and lists some of the programs that typically meet NSBEP requirements. They can be found here:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Acceptable_programs_NSBEP.pdf
Like most jurisdictions in Canada, NSBEP does not accept online programs for registration, and we are not aware of acceptable programs that offer part-time training. With respect to COVID-19, it is too early to tell if there will be long term changes to education or licensing requirements. At this time, accommodations are being made within existing requirements.
We note that your B.Sc. degree is Neuroscience and assume that this is a psychology degree or equivalent to a psychology degree. It would be important to determine if the psychology courses taken at an undergraduate and eventually graduate level would meet the foundational knowledge and core competency requirements for registration. In many cases, a psychology undergraduate degree with courses covering a breadth of psychology is necessary to meet the foundational knowledge requirements. Graduate programs in psychology may also have specific admission requirements regarding undergraduate degrees. (Note that graduate programs that do not require an undergraduate degree in psychology for admission are not acceptable to NSBEP.)
The requirements for foundational knowledge can be found here:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Foundational_Knowledge.pdf
In addition to pursuing psychology, given your specific interest in counselling, another direction you might want to consider, and which may have different options with respect to training, in counseling therapy. Here is a link to the Nova Scotia College of Counseling Therapists page:
https://nscct.ca/
To answer your question, we would refer to the NS Psychologists Act. If the services to the public in NS infringe on the Psychologists Act then we would require registration here.
Typically, a violation would result from one using a title or description that identifies the direct provider as a psychologist or the services as psychological.
Ultimately if the services are not marketed using terms that contain the word psychology, psychological or a derivative, and the practitioner is accurately identified to the public with a title that is not in contravention of the Act, then this will avoid any infringements and the need for registration in NS. However, the NSBEP does not see the public as being protected if one’s practice is not regulated.
Thank you for contacting the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology with your enquiry.
In terms of a list of acceptable programs you could rely on for registration, programs accredited by the Canadian Psychological Associationn(CPA) would be a sure bet. All would be acceptable to the NSBEP.
https://www.cpa.ca/accreditation/CPAaccreditedprograms/nGenerally programs accredited by the American Psychological Associationn(APA) would also be acceptable to the Board:
http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/programs/nAPA programs are still reviewed to ensure they meet our Board’s requirements for acceptable degrees in psychology:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Registration_Requirements_Regular.pdf
I will just mention that in terms of programs offered here in NS, the Ph.D.
in Clinical Psychology from Dalhousie, the M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology from Acadia University and Master of Arts in School Psychology would be acceptable to the Board.
In New Brunswick, we accept the Clinical-Child Psychology Psy.D. Program from the University of Moncton and the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program from the University of New Brunswick.
The University of Prince Edward Island is planning to offer a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology. Though it has not graduated any students yet so we have not had applicants, the program has been examined and it would be acceptable to the Board:
http://www.upei.ca/programsandcourses/doctor-of-psychologynAny other programs considered would have to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Board’s criteria for acceptable degrees in psychology. Again, these criteria can be reviewed via the following URL:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Registration_Requirements_Regular.pdf
The program from Yorkville you cited has been examined in the past and found not to be acceptable to the Board. The second program you cite would have similar challenges as it does not meet the residency requirements outlined by our Board.
Thank you for contacting the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology with your enquiry.
In terms of a list of acceptable programs you could rely on for registration, programs accredited by the Canadian Psychological Associationn(CPA) would be a sure bet. All would be acceptable to the NSBEP.
https://www.cpa.ca/accreditation/CPAaccreditedprograms/nGenerally programs accredited by the American Psychological Associationn(APA) would also be acceptable to the Board:
http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/programs/nAPA programs are still reviewed to ensure they meet our Board’s requirements for acceptable degrees in psychology:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Registration_Requirements_Regular.pdf
I will just mention that in terms of programs offered here in NS, the Ph.D.
in Clinical Psychology from Dalhousie, the M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology from Acadia University and Master of Arts in School Psychology would be acceptable to the Board.
In New Brunswick, we accept the Clinical-Child Psychology Psy.D. Program from the University of Moncton and the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program from the University of New Brunswick.
The University of Prince Edward Island is planning to offer a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology. Though it has not graduated any students yet so we have not had applicants, the program has been examined and it would be acceptable to the Board:
http://www.upei.ca/programsandcourses/doctor-of-psychologynAny other programs considered would have to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Board’s criteria for acceptable degrees in psychology. Again, these criteria can be reviewed via the following URL:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Registration_Requirements_Regular.pdf
The program from Yorkville you cited has been examined in the past and found not to be acceptable to the Board. The second program you cite would have similar challenges as it does not meet the residency requirements outlined by our Board.
That requirement would apply if NSBEP received a formal complaint against the psychologist, In such a case we would provide notification to the psychologist so that they would be aware of the existence of a complaint. We would not be able to provide any additional guidance beyond this clarification.
The focus of the program from MSVU is in school psychology, and consequently, it would allow one to practice in the area of school psychology. Generally the practice of school psychology involves working with children and adolescents, but it may involve adults at times. If you were a school psychologist, you could expand to carry out activities that fall within the realm of school psychology with adults. However, such activities would have to be related to the expected practice of the school psychologist. The NSBEP has definitions of practice areas. You can see the definition of school psychology in the document, which available from the below URL:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Appropriate_Practice_Areas.pdf
As you will see from the above referenced document, there are various practice areas that make up the practice of psychology. If, on the other hand, you are really seeking to carry out activities that do not fall within the realm of school psychology, but may involve clinical psychology, then you may wish to seek out a program that has clinical psychology as its focus. You can obtain more information about various acceptable programs in the following URL:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Acceptable_programs_NSBEP.pdf
To my knowledge we have not registered anyone from this program and I don’t recall receiving applications from graduates of this program. You could let her know that we don’t have a list of pre-approved master’s programs. They have to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, according to the academic requirements outlined in the following document:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Registration_Requirements_Regular.pdf
You might enquire whether the person is currently registered in another province.
Yes, the Board has received the complaint and signed consent documents.
To answer your question regarding the timeline, please be advised that the process can take from 6 to 18 months from the time the complaint has been received to the time a decision is made by the Hearing Committee.
As to the status, I can tell you that it is on-going.
I am writing to get some information from the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology (NSBEP) on the difference between Candidate Registrants and Registered Psychologists to help us with some changes we are making under the Vital Statistics Act. The changes are around changing sex indicators on birth registrations and certificates. I called the NSBEP’s telephone number, but it said the mailbox is full. As a result, this is to follow-up on that attempt to contact you.
As you might be aware, there were some amendments to the Vital Statistics Act recently passed by the legislature. Among these changes was to remove the requirement for someone 16 years of age and older who is wishing to change the sex indicator on their birth registration and certificate to obtain a written statement from a person who is a member of a prescribed profession that, in the prescribed professional’s opinion, the sex shown on the person’s birth registration does not correspond with the person’s gender identity.
For persons 15 years of age and younger wishing to change the sex indicator on their birth registration and certificate, the requirement to obtain a written statement from a prescribed professional that the sex shown on the person’s birth registration does not correspond with the person’s gender identity, and the that the person has the capacity to make an informed decision about whether to make an application to change their sex indicator remains in place. For this, the prescribed professionals are physicians and psychologists.
In the past, Nova Scotia Vital Statistics has received representations from psychologists that “candidates” or “candidate registrants” should be added to the prescribed professions that can provide the written statement for persons 16 years of age and older seeking to change their sex indicator. Since the requirement for the written statement for those 16 years of age and older is being removed, this is no longer an issue.
However, we would like to know whether the NSBEP would support “candidates” or “candidate registrants” being allowed to provide the written statement for persons 15 years of age and under seeking to change their sex indicator?Yes we would support this activity being carried out by candidates.
Also, in terms of the functions that they perform in their work, could you please describe for us the difference between a “candidate registrant” and a registered psychologist? What do they do that is the same? What are “candidate registrants” prohibited from doing that a registered psychologist can do?After completing all of their masters or doctoral level training acceptable to the Board, the new psychologist is first placed on the Register of Candidates while they complete a period of Board approved supervision. The only prohibition/material difference is that Candidates cannot operate their own independent psychological practice (i.e. Operate their own private practice but they can work in another psychologist’s private practice). They are essentially autonomous practitioners except that they must receive supervision for 2 hours per month until their candidacy requirements are completed. The candidacy requirements involve the periods of supervision you have noted below along with passing a written and oral exam before the individual’s name is transferred to the Register of Psychologists.
Finally, are their any labour mobility issues regarding “candidate registrants” in Nova Scotia? For example, does Nova scotia’s current regulatory framework for psychologists create problems when a candidate registrant or a psychologist from another province moves to Nova Scotia and applies for registration?No there are not: when they have a “provisional” or “supervised practice” psychology registration in another provinces they are able to become registered on the Register of Candidates in Nova Scotia.
I note that on your website it says the following about candidate registrants:”For registrants with a doctoral degree, typically a minimum of 2 hours per month of supervision for a period of 1 year (for a minimum of 1500 hours of practice) is requirednFor registrants with a master’s degree, typically a minimum of 2 hours per month for a period of 4 years (for a minimum of 6000 hours of practice) is required.”The above supervision requirements are correct.
The website also states that the NSBEP does not require candidate registrants to have their psychological reports co-signed by their supervisor.
This is correct.
Any assistance that you can provide in answering our questions, would be very helpful.
We are certainly happy to provide any clarifications that might be helpful. Again please accept our apologies on the difficulty you encountered trying to reach us.
To answer your question, the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology only examines educational degree programs in relation to one being able to gain registration as a psychologist in the province of Nova Scotia. We do not have other registration categories than psychologist.
In this regard we would be looking at the minimum of a master’s degree in psychology and would therefore be unable to recognize this credential for the purposes of qualifying one for registration as a psychologist in NS.
While the Board would be amendable to approving a second supervisor to complete a portion of NSBEP supervision for this work, it would be acceptable for another psychologist(s) to act as a mentor/consultant on this work. In this role, they would provide support on the activities you have outlined and supply regular feedback to your NSBEP Supervisor. This would ensure the NSBEP supervisor is kept up to date on this work.
There is no specific form. As long as she follows the guidance in the Supervision Handbook that will be fine.
While we understand his concern, there could be various circumstances that would affect whether the psychologist would be disclosing the cutting specifically to him:If the daughter is a mature minor which means that he/she could make decisions about treatment and what they want to be confidential; Here is a link to the Board’s document on this:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Age_of_consent_position_statement.pdf
or,if there was a divorce or separation or other custody arrangement that could affect parenting arrangements, perhaps another parent would have been apprised but not him, there are a variety of approaches that can be taken by psychologists working with youth, as per the following document:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Working_with_Children_and_Adolescents.pdf
or,he was not been involved in the daughter’s treatment, i.e., perhaps the daughter or the daughter with another parent initiated treatment with the psychologist. Perhaps the father was not identified on the consent form for treatment.
Also, the answer would depend on what is really going on with the cutting. The extent and how the psychologist felt the daughter’s current functioning is. You are exactly right about I.45 on page 17 in the Code of Ethics. Generally, the concept is to protect confidentiality as much as reasonably possible. You could copy and paste I.45 paragraph in the reply too. Now of course if the psychologist felt that harm was imminent. they would be expected to do as much as possible to stop or offset the harm.
Thank you for your email regarding applying to be on the Candidate Register and writing the EPPP. Yes, you are permitted to begin the application process prior to convocation, provided you have completed all requirements of the degree. In order to be registered, the Board will require a letter from the university verifying you have completed all requirements of your degree. You can see more information in the FAQ on convocation via the below URL:
https://www.nsbep.org/applicants/faq/#register_prior_convocationnAs for the EPPP exam, you are free to write the exam any time within a 2- year period which begins once your application is approved by the Board to be on the Candidate Register.
Clients are certainly entitled to receive a copy of their file, just as he noted he could do with other healthcare providers. There may be some items in his file that are restricted (psychological tests) that are subject to laws preventing their disclosure. However, that does not mean that the entire file cannot be provided. There is a policy that outlines the release of file materials that can be provided to any party that would like to review it.
https://www.nsbep.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Raw-Data-General-Disclosure.pdf
In case he requests this, but does not want to provide an email address, this can be found on the Standards and Guidelines page of the NSBEP website:
https://www.nsbep.org/information-for-registrants/for-all-registrants/standards-guidelines/nAnd then scrolling down to the PDF entitled:”September 2014 – Position on Release of File Materials (including raw data and test materials)”
I have consulted on your enquiry. The additional circumstances you have outlined would not be problematic, given the work would be done under the supervision of a psychologist and clients are informed of the arrangements (of course the individual would be careful not to identify as a psychologist until they are registered with NSBEP). The arrangement you outlined would be in keeping with professional standards and not raise concerns under the Psychologists Act. The Board does not differentiate the activities that can be done utilizing such an arrangement.
As a point of information, I would take this opportunity to draw your attention to the section “Work Prior to Registration” in the Information for Employers document, as you or your employer may find this information helpful in the future as well. You can obtain that document from the following URL:
https://www.nsbep.org/applicants/information-for-employers/
Thank you for your email.
NSBEP has general ethics and standards in place to guide psychologists. Though not an exhaustive list, below are some publications from NSBEP that you may find helpful to review; these integrate relevant standards and principles.
Working with Children and Adolescents
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Working_with_Children_and_Adolescents.pdf nCustody & Access Guidelines
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/NSBEPCustodyandAccessGuidelines.pdf nThese documents are not restricted to the issues you raise, but, for example. some of the principles shared in these publications may illustrate the approach taken by psychologists when providing service to children and parents.
If you are considering approaching a psychologist you may wish to contact their office and outline the concerns you have in advance.
1. Applicants can request that their supervised practice completed elsewhere be credited towards the requirements in NS. In order to qualify, the supervision needs to occur during registration and meet NSBEP requirements. The Board has generally not had a problem accepting the year of post doc, supervised practice complete by applicants in Ontario. Proof of supervision must be provided by the regulatory body. One would still require a supervisor in NS until they complete all requirements of candidacy here.
2. No. If you pass the EPPP in another jurisdiction then NSBEP will accept the verified score from that jurisdiction.
3.There is no specific jurisprudence exam. However, the Oral Exam covers some provincial law and applicants are required to review and familiarize themselves with local jurisprudence through the Board’s attestation process.
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Information_Attestation.pdf
Thank you for writing.
I will respond to address the matter of references and the verification of practica / supervision.
Please obtain 3 references including one from the psychologist as you outline. I understand that out of 3 references, he is the only psychologist. I would still think it important to have 2 other references who could speak to your work, even if they are not psychologists.
I think it would also be helpful if you could outline your practica / supervised work experience that was completed as part of your degree. This could be included in a cover letter to support your application.
The Board would have to assess your completed application before we recommend that you undertake supervision,Once the Board reviews your completed application, it will be in a position to make a decision and possibly make further suggestions that are in keeping with our legislation.
In response to your email, applicants would typically submit documents such the photo ID to CGFNS for evaluation, but there is no harm in providing the additional documentation that you noted. Once CGFNS has all documents and completes it process, then it will issue a report for the regulatory body in the jurisdiction where the applicant is applying.
We trust that you have previously examined the NSBEP criteria for acceptable degrees in psychology:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Registration_Requirements_International.pdf
To answer your other questions:You can feel free to send an email to the Board documenting your work experience and I will add this to your application. You can provide any documentation for the NSBEP to review once CGFNS has completed its process and issues a report for NSBEP. NSBEP cannot review an application until the report from CGFNS is completed. Thank you for attaching the other documents, which will be added to your file at NSBEP.
Yes, international references are acceptable as long as they fulfill the requirements of the Board and have completed the reference form and forwarded these to NSBEP via email, fax or scan.
I have attached a list of Board approved volunteer supervisors which you can approach to see if they would be agreeable to acting as your supervisor.
She of course has to wait until the ACPRO portal process is completed before she can have her application reviewed by the NSBEP. However, she can submit what she likes at this point. It just won’t bypass the ACPRO process.
I checked the online application as mentioned and see that her CV, Core Competency document, and PHOTO ID were supplied in the online application.
International Applicants can still complete the regular application process online as they need to pay our fee and provide additional documentation she mentioned, She did not have to send the transcripts but I actually find it helpful that she did. Since we have not received a report for an actual application through the ACPRO portal process, I am not sure if they will supply the transcripts or just a written summary. I like the fact that they she did this.
I have revised your response below; however you did an excellent job with a brand new situation where they are now using the ACPRO portal process through CGFNS.
ACPRO will slow things down but this is the process that the Boards contractually agreed to follow so we are stuck with it.
NSBEP requirements are a master’s degree that is two years in duration.
As you know, the Psychologists Act prohibits individuals from using terms such as “psychologist”, “psychology”, “psychological” and their derivatives by those who are not allowed use of restricted titles under the Act. When this question was reviewed by legal counsel in the past, the advice provided was that the Act does not prevent a non-psychologist from owning a psychology practice. However, there should be at least one individual at the practice who is a psychologist. I have forwarded your correspondence to the Registrar.
The Board has a cut off deadline of 2 weeks prior to Board meetings, so that the Registration Subcommittee members can have access and begin their review of files prior to the meeting. We are now looking to the next meeting of October 23rd to accept new applications.
You can certainly provide service under supervision while you are awaiting the Board’s approval of your application. Here is a further FAQ document for employers but for applicants as well. This explains about the cut off date, working prior to registration, and other items:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Information_for_Employers.pdf
We have provided this suggestion in other cases like this, as contacts about late assessments are not uncommon. I was just picking up on your offer you could make arrangements with her to speak with someone. I think that in this case I would just have you speak with her if she called / or email her and provide her the option to contact the psychologist/owner directly (if it’s a private practice) but would not have much else to offer her. No problem for you to proactively offer this information at all though.
Thank you for the suggestion, would it be beneficial to her to let the owner know she has informed NSBEP of situation and NSBEP suggested she write?Not sure if there is much else we could say to her given she has reached out to the psychologist’s office multiple times. However, if she comes back and requests to speak to someone, I would instead say that she could consider writing to the psychologist or owner of the practice directly (versus reception) to request the report. However, this would only be an option of course. She can certainly submit a complaint.
In response to your email, I have attached the complaint form as well as a brochure about the process.
However, if you would like to speak to someone at our office prior to making a complaint please let me know and I can arrange this for you.
NSBEP requires a criminal check and child abuse check when an individual submits their initial application for registration. And during the annual registration renewal process, registrants are required to complete a questionnaire which includes a question about whether they had any criminal convictions in the last 3 years.
To answer your question, the Board does not require its registrants to obtain consent if they intend to incorporate. There is nothing in our statute or policy which would prevent registered psychologists from incorporating their psychological practice.
Here is the link to the section of our website which talks about this:
https://www.nsbep.org/information-for-registrants/for-all-registrants/faq/#incorporationnPlease note – There are no regulations from the Board governing primary voting shareholder, director of the company of officer. No permit is required by the Board.
As well, the Board does not have to approve the name of the company.
Yes and no.
The only list that NSBEP has for across Canada would be programs that are accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association. Sorry.
I’m assuming she is referring to reading this document, but if not, she can see the link to accredited CPA programs there:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Acceptable_programs_NSBEP.pdf nThanks,
We would refer to the NS Psychologists Act. If the services to the public in NS do not infringe on the Psychologists Act then none of the parties would require registration here. Typically, a violation would result from one using a title or description that identifies the direct provider as a psychologist or the services as psychological. We don’t anticipate that would be occurring here based on the use of paraprofessionals, though we understand that there would be psychologists providing supervision to the direct providers. Ultimately if the services are not marketed using terms that contain the word psychology, psychological or a derivative, and the practitioners are accurately identified to the public with a title that is not in contravention of the Act, then this will avoid any infringements and the need for registration in NS by any of the parties.
Thank you for your email regarding the international application process. Here are the answers to your questions. Please note additional information is available on our website, I have attached a link below.
Academic Equivalency Evaluation (WES). – As of today, we have not received your evaluation. Since I am not sure when it was mailed. You may want to either give it a few more days or resend.
2 Child Abuse Check – The Child Abuse Check is different from the Criminal Records Check (which was attached). The Child Abuse check verifies whether or not a person has been found by the court to have abused children. A criminal record check simply verifies whether or not you have a criminal record. If you are unable to obtain a Child Abuse Check please sign part two of the form found in the link attachednClinical, graduate, and doctoral experience. – The Board will review the experience and make the final determination.
Supervisor. – Here is a link to the list of supervisors who may be available for consultation. https://secure.nsbep.org/supervisors.php. If you have been registered in another jurisdiction, the Board will determine if the experience you have is sufficient or if more supervised hours are required.
Program of Study and Coursework. – Please provide links to each of the courses if the descriptions online still match the courses you took. In addition, we suggest you provide your own summary of courses you are citing in your application. These steps could be completed for the coursework descriptions, this will save you having to get all descriptions translated by a professional translator at this point. We will try to work with your completed steps, however, you may be required to obtain official translations at a future date.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) There is no pre-set model for this. You can use any format you find on google for this. As a guideline, a typical The CV should include all relevant education (degrees) work experience, volunteering as well as published works.
Here is the link to the international applicant section of the website. https://www.nsbep.org/applicants/international-applicants-2/nThe documentation relating to your request for an (Oral Examination or Transfer Interview) was reviewed and approved at the past meeting of the Board. A time has been set aside to hold your exam at the next scheduled time, which is Insert Date and Time
Please confirm this time with me, and I will then ensure this time is confirmed for you.
The composition of the committee is:Insert Name – Board Member
Insert Name – Board Member
Insert Name – Non-Board Member
Below is a link to the information about the oral exam or transfer interview process:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Oral_Examination_Information_for_Candidates.pndfnor
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Transfer_Interview_Information_Licensed_USAn> .pdf
As agreed, the exam will be completed through a video platform.
In the rare event that something unexpected matter might arise on the day of your exam, please provide a cell phone number (or other means by which you can be contacted) if you have one.
Finally, the fee for the Oral Exam is $500.00 and must be paid one week prior to your Exam. The Board accepts payment by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Cheque. You can pay any fees online by selecting “Registrant Login” at the top of any page of the website: www.nsbep.org
Paying online will provide you with a receipt by email as soon as you complete the process. Alternatively, you may call or fax your credit card information into the office or send payment by mail.
As long as the transcript of your undergraduate degree lists the courses to support your application, you would not have to also submit the unique transcript. If these courses are among the courses you list for the foundational knowledge areas, you should be sure to include course descriptions.
To answer your question, your husband would apply to NSBEP as an entry level applicant.
https://www.nsbep.org/applicants/those-not-registered-as-psychologist-elsewhere/nWhile the Psychologists Act requires 2 years of supervision, there is a clause so that the Board can provide full credit for the internship year, so the individual should only have to complete one year of post doctoral supervision while on the Register of Candidates. This means that for registrants with a doctoral degree, typically a minimum of 2 hours per month of supervision for a period of 1 year (for a minimum of 1500 hours of practice) is required because a year’s credit has been provided for the internship.
The Board requires the EPPP & Oral Exam. These exams are taken after the individual is placed on the Register of Candidates.
More information about the candidate registration process is available through the following resources:Flowchart of Candidate Registration Process:
https://nsbep.org/downloads/New_Applicant_Flowchart_20201009.pdf
FAQs relevant to the Register of Candidates
https://www.nsbep.org/information-for-registrants/for-candidate-registrants/faq/
That’s a good question. Master’s programs do not have the same accreditation requirements that CPA accredited programs have and could change their program. This is why NSBEP is cautious about commenting on programs that are outside of Atlantic Canada and not CPA accredited. In Atlantic Canada, programs are generally aware of and want to ensure that their graduates will be able to gain registration in the local jurisdictions. We would like to think the programs would approach NSBEP if they want to make changes so as to not impact their graduates. You would be welcome to check at any time with the university and NSBEP at a future date to see if there have been any changes.
To answer your question, all disciplinary decisions are posted on our public website. However, we do not specifically contact the various third party payer organizations. However, you are free to contact the Board to enquire whether a disciplinary finding has been issued against a psychologist. Generally we have found many third party payers may periodically check the status of psychologists and whether they are in good standing.
You are also welcome to contact us at any time to verify the status of a provider. Please note that NSBEP only regulates psychologists, and other singular terms such as “counselor” and “therapist” are not a regulated titles. Yet other terms like “Counselling Therapist” would be regulated by the NS College of Counselling Therapists,
https://nscct.ca/nand other individuals who identify as therapist may be regulated with the College of Social Workers https://nscsw.org/
Just a quick note to let you know that I have requested permission to add your application to the agenda.
Since it is after the deadline, I do need to get permission.
I will keep you updated.
To answer your question, the Board reviews the applicant’s graduate level degree to ensure the academic requirements for registration are met. The Psychologists Act does not establish criteria for the delivery mechanism of the undergraduate degree in psychology. The applicant is required to have an undergraduate degree in psychology or equivalent, and NSBEP requires certain Foundational Knowledge requirements (available here: https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Foundational_Knowledge.pdf).
However, provided these requirements are met along with your masters’ and/or doctoral degree meeting NSBEP requirements, that is what would be sufficient to apply for registration.
Hello, I would very much appreciate a phone call with one of your representatives to answer some questions I have about the psychologist licensure process in Nova Scotia.
I have an APA accredited PhD degree from the USA, sufficient supervised experience, and many years practical experience as a Registered Clinical Counselor in British Columbia. But I have never taken the EPPP or oral exam.
If someone would please kindly phone me, I would like to discuss:Is this webpage the most appropriate for my circumstances: https://www.nsbep.org/applicants/those-not-registered-as-psychologist-elsewhere/?Yes, as you have never been registered as a psychologist in another jurisdiction, this is the correct application for your circumstances.
For my circumstances, how long might the process take?The process takes as long as it takes for you to complete the application, and ensure all of the required supporting documentation is submitted to NSBEP. Please note that all of the required documentation must be received 2 weeks prior to a Board Meeting. The dates of the next several Board Meetings are: December 11, 2020, January 15, 2021, February 19, 2021 and March 19, 2021.
How much of the application and examination process may I complete at a distance, before I relocate to Nova Scotia?You are able to complete all of the online application process remotely. However, once an application is reviewed and, if it’s approved, then the next step would be registration on the Register of Candidates. This would then enable one to practice and complete the EPPP exam, required period of supervised practice, and finally the Oral Exam. These exams would not be completed until one is placed on the Register of Candidates. The EPPP exam must be passed no later than 2 years after placement on the Candidate Register. However, candidates can apply to take the EPPP as soon as they are placed on the Register of Candidates.
nWhat are key calendar dates to target for application submission and examination?nThe dates of the next several Board Meetings are: December 11, 2020, January 15, 2021, February 19, 2021 and March 19, 2021.
For a complete listing of all upcoming dates, please see the following URL: https://www.nsbep.org/about-nsbep/information-for-registrantsfor-all-registrantsnewsmeeting_dates/nAre Nova Scotia psychologists allowed to deliver online services to Canadian clients who live outside the province, across Canada?Registered psychologists may be permitted on a temporary basis to provide telepsychology to clients who live outside Nova Scotia; however, they must contact the jurisdiction where the client is residing to ensure they follow the registration requirements the jurisdiction may require. Most jurisdictions consider the practice to have occurred where the client is located so they have jurisdiction for authorizing such requests.
What practice requirements are necessary to maintain licensure in Nova Scotia? Such as minimum residency per year, minimum practice hours per year, anything else?Here is how the process/requirements unfold: The first step is completing the application process. Following the Board’s review of an application, if the application is found to be acceptable, then the individual could be placed on the Register of Candidates. For Candidate Registration, one would need to be practicing and supervised by a registered psychologist in Nova Scotia. The Board does not have a minimum number of practice hours per year, but the total number of hours must be accumulated before the individual is eligible for the oral exam. In other words, it would take longer to accumulate the required time if one is working part-time vs. full time hours. Applicants found to have an acceptable doctoral internship are still required to complete a minimum of 1500 hours (one year) of supervised practice in Nova Scotia.
Are there any application requirements/steps that might be considered already fulfilled by my current certification as a Registered Clinical Counselor?No. The Board does not have an equivalency clause and does not waive requirements based on certifications that do not come from a regulator specifically in psychology. It requires the entry level academic requirements be met, completion of the EPPP, 2 years of post doc experience (as mentioned, one of which may be credited upon the Board’s review of a one year internship that was part of the educational program) and passing the Oral Exam.
I am unsure if I have a full year of post doc supervision, but I do have 8 years post doc experience in independent practice, a number of professional provider certifications by regulatory bodies and government health care organizations in BC, and have the work experience and training to demonstrate competency. Do you provide an option to apply for an experience equivalency waiver of the 1 year post doc supervision requirement?No. The NS Psychologists Act requires 2 years of post doc experience, one of which may be credited upon the Board’s review of a one year internship that was part of the educational program. However, at least one year of post doc experience must still be completed after one is placed on the Register of Candidates. As mentioned, the Board does not waive requirements based on certifications that do not come from a regulator specifically in psychology.
For the provision of services via telepsychology to an existing client located in Nova Scotia during COVID-19, NSBEP has temporarily suspended the requirement for psychologists to complete the Courtesy Registry application process for those providing telepsychology service to an existing client.
In the context of COVID-19, existing clients also includes:clients who are temporarily located in Nova Scotia due to COVID-19 and are entitled to receive those services as a benefit of their registration with a University or College or other benefit program outside of Nova Scotia, where the services will be provided by an out-of-province psychologist on behalf of the University or College counselling service or other benefit program; ornclients who are temporarily located in Nova Scotia due to COVID-19, when it is reasonably expected that the clients will require continuing services with the same psychologist upon the client’s return to the jurisdiction in which the clinician is registered.
You send an email to notify NSBEP via E-mail In this email, provide your Registration Number, Jurisdiction of Registration as a Psychologist, and Contact Information, as soon as possible.
No application fee is required. After sending your information, you may begin services with clients as soon as is necessary; there is no need to wait to receive confirmation from NSBEP before providing service. Please note that the above applies only to provision of telepsychology services to existing clients.
If you need more than 21 practice days or 157.5 hours you would complete the Courtesy Registry application and pay a fee of $200.00, and this will provide a total of 40 practice days for the calendar year.
I have attached a link to the section of the website which talks about the Courtesy Registry.
https://www.nsbep.org/applicants/temporary-registration-to-psychologists-from-other-jurisdictions/
Psychometrists would typically be unable to be register with a regulatory body in Nova Scotia unless they qualify for registration as a psychologist. However, most individuals who qualify for registration would not stay and work as a psychometrist, since they would move forward and get registered. Our experience with psychometrists is that they are not autonomous professionals, rather they are employed by a psychologists and work under the supervision of a psychologist.
Here is a quick reference on cross-jurisdictional practice in case this helps. (FYI – the website has been updated with this info also)
For Psychologists Registered in Canada:Telepsychology Service – no longer require registration with us for work done by telepsychology, and it does not matter where whether it is for an existing or new client.
In-person services – they still need to be registered, but as before, they can use the Courtesy Register for temporary practicenFor Psychologists Registered Outside Canada:Telepsychology Service – During COVID, they do not require registration to do telepsychology with an existing client.
To work with new clients, they will need registration, but can use Courtesy Registration.
In-person services – still need to be registered, but as before, they can use the Courtesy Register for temporary practice
Your follow-up questions and replies from NSBEP are (in bold) below.
Where is the original completed test kept (is it part of the patient’s medical record in a clinic) or is it stored separate from the patient’s medical record?In order to meet standards, psychologists have stored the raw data and protocols separately from the medical record.
If the test is not kept with the medical record, does a summary need to be written in the patient’s medical record detailing the results of the test?YesnDoes the completed test have to be locked up?The standards expect that access be restricted to those competent to interpret results.
For how long is the original completed test material kept?Unless otherwise required by law a registrant shall retain both individual and corporate client records for at least ten years following the last client contact. If an individual client was less than eighteen years of age at the time of last contact, the individual client record shall be retained for ten years following the date of the client’s eighteenth birthday.
For reference to the Standards, Guidelines and Legislation psychologists are expected to follow, you may consult the following URL:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Binder_Standards_Legislation_Guidelines.pdf
The Board has responded to registrants reaching out about raw data and test protocols, as well as having been in contact with Government contacts and others as noted below.
Here is the response that we have provided.
The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) provides that the NS Health Authority is the Custodian of records. As such, we recognize they would be responsible for ultimately making decisions on such matters, but could delegate specific functions to employees who would act as “Agents”. If the Custodian is amenable to putting in place some type of mechanism to lock down the portion containing the raw data and testing material protocols that would be ideal; however, it may not be what they ultimately agree to, so we must consider the following clause from the Standards for Providers of Psychological Service in such a matter, along with the realities of PHIA:”Since the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology has the right to regulate psychology only, these Standards are to be understood to refer to psychological services and training (as opposed to services and training in other professions), even where the adjective “psychological” is not explicitly used, and psychological service units are not intended to interfere with the larger organizational structure in which they are embedded.”The NSBEP recognizes that the reality of the NSHA being the custodian places psychologists in a challenging position with respect to standards where they conflict with the direction of the custodian. We have contacted our representatives with the NS Department of Health and Wellness to share these challenges and concerns. In response, we were advised that as an initial response, the first stage of this conversation should take place between the registrants and NSHA in the role of employer. This is recommended to ensure that the concerns have been fully and officially communicated to NSHA. You may find it helpful to share the above information with NSHA.
We are also consulting with other regulatory Boards across Canada to see if there are any other practices being followed that we could consider adapting. I have heard back from the Registrar in Alberta, and he indicated that Alberta Health Services has made specific arrangements to have test data access highly restricted and separate from the main clinical file. It would be nice if Nova Scotia Health would consider doing the same.
Registrar
Ethically, we would generally refer the registrant to II.42. II.43, II.44 in the Code of Ethics for Psychologists (Fourth Edition).
Legally his understanding is that there is no legislation specific for professions compelling a psychologist to report another treating professional, as there is in Ontario. The Psychologists Act does not have such a clause and we do not have umbrella legislation for health professionals in NS so each regulatory body has its own statute meant to govern its own members, not those in other professions. The exceptions would be if the concerns somehow fell under the purview of legislation such as Adult Protection, Children and Family Services Act, etc.
You may wish to contact Child Welfare as a general enquiry and complete a general consultation without providing the client’s name. Since this person is now an adult they may be able to quickly answer but it still could not hurt to check with Child Welfare.
You might also consider working with the adult client and encouraging them to contact authorities again, though I’m not sure how this would work with police if this was already reported. However this could still be a step the psychologist might encourage the client could be encouraged to take.
We would consider the activities to be within the scope of practice of psychology if a registered psychologist is carrying them out, notwithstanding the title of the position. However, we offer the accommodation in relation to Courtesy Register to allow you to quickly begin your courtesy registration.
For non-registered individuals, they are not psychologists. and if not using the title of psychologists we do not see them as practicing psychology.
Please note that NSBEP is only speaking for the province of Nova Scotia.
I was advised that School Psychologists are not restricted from working in a private practice provided their activities (which could include school based counselling/consulting) are provided within the boundaries as noted below, which is taken from the definition of School Psychology:School Psychology is the application of knowledge about human behaviour and development to the understanding of the social, emotional and learning needs of children, adolescents and adults, and to the creation of learning environments that facilitate learning and mental health.
Staff would be unable to speak for the Subcommittee on their decision, but I have been advised that generally a clinical area of practice would be expected if one were to complete WPATH assessments.
The commentary from NSBEP on supervision prior to placement on the candidate register is meant to be interpreted within the context of employing organization (information for employers).
If you are employed and not registered, this is something that falls within the purview of the employer as there would potentially be liability falling to them should something happen, as you point out your supervisor is not employed there.
To answer your question, NSBEP requires the primary supervisor to be a psychologist. If the supervisor of your internship was a psychotherapist, and not a registered psychologist, then the internship would not meet all NSBEP requirements.
However, you have noted that your practicum was supervised by psychologists. If you applying to NSBEP for registration, then such information should be identified on the verification of practicum form with respect to the practicum. However, the verification of internship form should accurately reflect the qualifications of the primary supervisor which you noted was a psychotherapist.
So the registrar and I have chatted and would like to handle this specific case in the following manner (thank you):We just need her to complete the forms, but instead of giving her a CR number when she returns the forms, just save them and all email correspondence in the CR file but do not assign a number or enter her into the database).
Below is what she should be advised:Thank you for contacting NSBEP. While we would consider this a new client, in the circumstances, here is how you could continue working with this individual:Please complete both parts (Parts 1 & 2) of the form for courtesy registration (we will not require the College in Saskatchewan to complete Part 2).
Please also complete the Attestation Form for jurisprudence.
Both of these forms are accessible from the following URL:
https://www.nsbep.org/applicants/temporary-registration-to-psychologists-from-other-jurisdictions/nYou can continue working with this client in the interim while completing and submitting the forms to NSBEP.
Any position that is taken prior to registration is not sanctioned by the Board as those individuals’ do not have any registration status with NSBEP and their practice would not be regulated by the Board until they are on a register of NSBEP (Candidate Register or Register of Psychologists). To be clear, other than providing the below information we cannot approve specific employment arrangements.
The Board does not prevent applicants from working prior to registration. However, they cannot be employed in a position in which they would hold themselves out as a psychologist / psychologist (candidate register), as these titles are protected by legislation. Only after becoming registered can one use a title authorized by the Psychologists Act. However, individuals often work in a limited role prior to registration using a title that does not contravene the Act. Some examples of titles that have been used by eligible individuals prior to registration are: Psychology Technician, Psychometrist, Psychology Assistant, and Psychology Clinician. It is critical that anyone working prior to registration with NSBEP be clear with the public and others that they do not currently hold registration with NSBEP to ensure that any individual receiving services is not under the impression they are receiving services from a psychologist or registrant of the NSBEP. The Board expects such non-autonomous personnel to be working under the supervision of a registered psychologist. In this case, the public is protected since under NSBEP Standards of Practice the psychologist providing supervision assumes responsibility for the service. It would also be up to the employer and/individuals employed to ensure there is liability insurance in place to cover any issues arising in relation to such practice by the supervisee.
To address questions 1 & 2:1) Treatment work would be acceptable provided the above points are adhered to.
2) While one could work under supervision, it would not be appropriate to be completing training as a team lead/clinical supervisor and providing consultation to the team and making administrative contacts.
We would just need their contact information in the event that we need to reach them like a phone number and mailing address. Then we would enter this into the Telepsychology file in Dropbox. Send them an email: I have added your information to our files. Thank you for letting us know
As requested, I am providing you with the complaint package. This includes information about the complaint process, the complaint forms and explanatory information, which are attached.
There are a few points we always make at the beginning.
The Board is aware of some cases in which a formal complaint has been made by a member of the public against a psychologist, when it is possible that the matter could have been resolved informally within the practice.
Before lodging a formal complaint with NSBEP, the Complainant may first wish to discuss his or her concerns with the Psychologist. In some circumstances, a psychologist may be unaware of concerns until a complaint has been lodged. In most cases the psychologist would want to know that you are dissatisfied with the services and would work with you in resolving those issues.
You are encouraged to confirm the individual you are making the complaint against is in fact a Registered Psychologist or Psychologist (Candidate Register). You may do so online by checking our Directory of Psychologists.
You could check the Standards of Practice to read the requirements that govern psychologists registered in Nova Scotia. Although the investigation committee will decide whether a complaint is valid and whether the acts or conduct that you allege violate professional standards, many people find reviewing the Standards of Practice helpful in deciding whether they should file a complaint with the NSBEP and what kind of information to provide to the Board to support the allegations.
Please note that in order to pursue a formal complaint against the psychologist, we do need to receive the original copies of the complaint forms signed by the complainant.
Attach Complaint form and brochure to email
Yes I would, but I appreciate your checking. Because I could easily see the person taking it out of context. Probably good to point out that they still couldn’t be registered until we had the check though, and this answer is based on the check being the only the only item outstanding. but the application could be reviewed and conditionally approved pending the check.
