Professional psychology in Canada: A survey of demographic and practice characteristics.

Abstract

The number of psychological practitioners in Canada has grown substantially over the past two decades, and numerous professional and legislative changes have occurred during this time. However, the most recent surveys examining the nature of professional psychology in Canada were published more than 20 years ago. To obtain current information on the practice of professional psychology, 538 practitioners completed a survey focusing on demographics and practice characteristics. Among other general practice findings, these data indicate (a) the growing number of female professional psychologists, (b) the frequent provision of psychological services within private health care settings, and (c) the common endorsement of the cognitive-behavioral orientation. The results of the survey also revealed many important differences in practice pattems between those registered on the basis of master's or doctoral level training and between those employed full-time in public or independent practice settings. Most strikingly, the majority of practitioners in both private and public practice were engaged in professional activities that are broader than only direct service. Implications for trainees, training programs, and the profession are presented and discussed.

Current Trends in Theoretical Orientation of Psychologists: The Case of Quebec Clinicians

“…These trends are impressive given that Quebec, as a number of jurisdictions of the country, moved from a master's to a doctoral degree requirement in 2001. The rising number of Canadian clinicians could reflect, amongst other things, the multiplication of accredited programs (Hunsley et al., ). Quebec's greater growth could possibly be explained by lower educational costs and greater accessibility of graduate studies in psychology, as in other disciplines.…”

“…In Canada, research on the practice of clinical psychologists is limited, apart from Hunsley, Ronson, and Cohen's () recent work. Their study examines the practice and demographics of clinical psychologists through a survey (N = 538 in 2012).…”

International Perspectives on Psychotherapy

“…Unlike the United States, it has a long history of individuals with Masters degrees practicing with the title of "psychologist." In the past 30 years, some provinces have shifted from requiring a master's to a doctoral degree, and others have created the title of "psychological associate" for those with master's degrees (Hunsley, Ronson, & Cohen, 2013). Many provinces and territories also require the EPPP.…”

Psychological Assessment Is Here to Stay

“…In a survey of Division 12 members, Norcross and Karpiak (2012) found that diagnosis and assessment, despite becoming less central in clinical psychology than in the past, remains the second most frequent professional activity among clinical psychologists, following psychotherapy, with just under 60% of their survey respondents reporting engagement in diagnosis/assessment. In a survey by Hunsley, Ronson, and Cohen (2013) of registered psychologists in Canada, assessment accounted for the respondents' second largest investment of professional time, following psychotherapy, and 83% of those with doctoral degrees reported engagement in assessing mood and behavior. Neimeyer, Taylor, and Wear (2010) asked over 6,000 licensed psychologists in an online survey about the topics of continuing education courses they had taken in the past year.…”