Introduction:
The Standards for Psychotherapy will come into effect later this year. The new Standards bring changes to the practice of psychotherapy by occupational therapists in Nova Scotia:
(1) Requirements for yearly professional development and ongoing consultation and/or clinical supervision when practicing psychotherapy
(2) New rules for Use of Title when practicing psychotherapy
(3) Changes to expectations for Delegation and Assignment of Psychotherapy
(4) The designation of Psychotherapy as Reserved Practice, and the creation of a new authorization process for Reserved Practice
Reserved Practice:
“Reserved Practice” means an activity, procedure, or service that involves enough risk to clients that the NSOTR Board requires registrants to have additional education, training, or other requirements beyond the entry-to-practice level and approval from NSOTR before they can engage in it.
The designation of psychotherapy as Reserved Practice means an Occupational Therapist requires additional authorization from the Regulator before they can practice psychotherapy (including using any psychotherapeutic approach).
The Standards and Reserved Practice authorization process will be implemented in two phases:
Phase 1 - Application Period: this period will begin several months prior to the implementation date of the Standards. During this time, the Standards will not be in effect, but registrants can apply for authorization to engage in psychotherapy reserved practice through their Online Portal. This will allow registrants to obtain authorization before implementation.
Please note: if you apply and are approved for authorization to engage in psychotherapy reserved practice before the implementation date, you must immediately follow all requirements as outlined in the Standards, even though the Standards will not yet apply to all registrants.
Phase 2 - Implementation: after the implementation date, an occupational therapist will need to be authorized by the Regulator to engage in psychotherapy or use any psychotherapeutic approaches in their practice.
This Consultation:
The purpose of this survey is to explain the practical effects of these changes for occupational therapists and get feedback from registrants on:
(1) how the changes may affect your practice
(2) any difficulties you perceive in applying the new requirements/standard to your practice
(3) whether the requirements are clearly explained and any points of confusion
Please note that the information shared in this survey is for consultation only and is subject to change. All responses are anonymous and confidential. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this process.
