Ontario Psychological Association (OPA)

Ontario Psychological Association (OPA) OPA is the professional home of psychology in ON. We advocate for Ontarians. Our members are clinic We appreciate your co-operation.

This page highlights the advocacy initiatives of the Ontario Psychological Association and provides information to those struggling with mental health issues. It is not an appropriate place for political rhetoric, profanity directed at individuals, or intolerance or objectification of those with mental health issues.

New job listings for Clinical Psychologists, Supervised Practice Candidates, Student openings, and more. Plus get early ...
04/21/2026

New job listings for Clinical Psychologists, Supervised Practice Candidates, Student openings, and more.
Plus get early access pricing to upcoming trainings for CE hours.

πŸ‘€Check it out in the latest edition of our Marketplace Newsletter: https://us11.campaign-archive.com/?u=77a4202a0de2b9254739fea25&id=872bf1a282

Subscribe for monthly updates just like this one.

Is your practice truly culturally safe β€” or just culturally competent?Join us on May 6 for our upcoming   webinar: Consi...
04/16/2026

Is your practice truly culturally safe β€” or just culturally competent?

Join us on May 6 for our upcoming webinar: Considerations for Culturally Safe Psychological Practice, presented by:
Dr. Reagan Gale, Clinical Psychologist & Neuropsychologist

In this session, you'll:
🌱 Deepen your understanding of how cultural safety differs from cultural competence and cultural humility

🀝 Explore how Indigenous ways of knowing contrast with longstanding approaches to psychological evidence

πŸ“‹ Learn strategies to incorporate culturally safe practices into your work, with a focus on psychological assessment

Register: https://www.psych.on.ca/Continuing-Education/Workshops-Events/2026/FYM-Considerations-for-Culturally-Safe-Psychologic

04/14/2026

Where do psychologists fit in care?

Psychologists and psychological associates play a specific role in supporting people on the Autism spectrum and their families. Their work is grounded in extensive training in assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based care.

Here’s what that looks like:

πŸŸͺ Assessment and diagnosis using standardized tools, interviews, and observation
πŸŸͺ Distinguishing Autism from overlapping conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or learning differences
πŸŸͺ Therapy tailored to the person’s needs, strengths, and goals
πŸŸͺ Practical, research-informed strategies for families and caregivers

Getting an accurate diagnosis matters. So does having access to the right support at the right time.

That’s why training and clear professional standards matter.

Proposed changes to psychologist training in Ontario by the CPBAO would significantly reduce supervised clinical experience and exam requirements. These are important conversations because the depth of training directly impacts the quality, accuracy, and safety of care people rely on.

Psychologist. Psychiatrist. Psychotherapist. They sound similar, but they're not the same.Mental health care in Ontario ...
04/09/2026

Psychologist. Psychiatrist. Psychotherapist. They sound similar, but they're not the same.

Mental health care in Ontario involves many different professionals, each with their own training, scope, and specialty. It can be a lot to navigate.

Here's a simple breakdown:
πŸ”Ή Psychologist / Psychological Associate
Assesses, diagnoses, and treats through talk and behavioural therapy.
βœ… Can diagnose | ❌ Cannot prescribe

πŸ”Ή Psychiatrist
Diagnoses, prescribes, and manages medication. Often accessed via referral.
βœ… Can diagnose | βœ… Can prescribe

πŸ”Ή Psychotherapist
Focuses on talk therapy and emotional healing.
❌ Cannot diagnose | ❌ Cannot prescribe

πŸ”Ή Social Worker
Counsels, advocates, and connects you to resources.
❌ Cannot diagnose | ❌ Cannot prescribe

πŸ”Ή Occupational Therapist
Supports daily functioning affected by mental health.
❌ Cannot diagnose | ❌ Cannot prescribe

πŸ”Ή Family Physician
Assesses, refers, and prescribes. Often the first point of contact.
βœ… Can diagnose | βœ… Can prescribe

πŸ”Ή Nurse Practitioner
Assesses, diagnoses, and prescribes. Often more accessible than a specialist.
βœ… Can diagnose | βœ… Can prescribe

Because finding the right support starts with knowing your options.

πŸ‘‰ Visit askforhelptoday.ca to find a psychologist near you.

When CBTi isn't enough, what comes next?Join us on April 14 for our upcoming webinar: How to Repair Sleep When CBTi Fail...
04/07/2026

When CBTi isn't enough, what comes next?

Join us on April 14 for our upcoming webinar: How to Repair Sleep When CBTi Fails Putting Trauma to Sleep, presented by:

Dr. Jaan Reitav, Clinical, Rehabilitation and Health Psychologist

In this session, you'll:
πŸ““ Review sleep consistency and stability using the consensus sleep diary
πŸ‘€ Apply the core CBTi interventions: consistent wake times, limited time in bed, and active sleep transition
🧠 Identify and evaluate the three "enemies of sleep" when CBTi isn't working: sleep apnea, physical distress, and autonomic dysregulation
😴 Prioritize these barriers and build a clear plan for intervention

πŸ”—Register: https://www.psych.on.ca/Continuing-Education/Workshops-Events/2026/FYM-How-to-Repair-Sleep-When-CBTi-Fails-Putting-Tr

Behind every   diagnosis is years of specialized training and the expertise needed to understand a person's complex ment...
04/02/2026

Behind every diagnosis is years of specialized training and the expertise needed to understand a person's complex mental health and development needs.

If you're looking for a psychologist, check out AskForHelpToday.ca to connect with a qualified expert.

πŸ”—https://askforhelptoday.ca/

Join us for the next Feed Your Mind webinar.How to Repair Sleep When CBTi Fails: Putting Trauma to SleepApril 14th 12:00...
03/31/2026

Join us for the next Feed Your Mind webinar.

How to Repair Sleep When CBTi Fails: Putting Trauma to Sleep

April 14th 12:00-1:00 PM

Presented by: Drs. Jaan Reitav and Dr. Celeste Thirlwell

Psychology contributes to healthier schools, workplaces, healthcare systems, and communities.By applying scientific know...
03/30/2026

Psychology contributes to healthier schools, workplaces, healthcare systems, and communities.

By applying scientific knowledge to real-world challenges, psychologists help people build resilience, improve relationships, and lead meaningful lives.

Investing in psychology is investing in public wellbeing.


Understanding behavior enhances leadership, education, healthcare, and workplace wellbeing.Psychological science informs...
03/28/2026

Understanding behavior enhances leadership, education, healthcare, and workplace wellbeing.

Psychological science informs how we communicate, manage stress, resolve conflict, and build inclusive environments.

Its impact reaches far beyond the therapy room.


You don’t need to be in acute distress to benefit from psychological support.Many people seek therapy to better understa...
03/27/2026

You don’t need to be in acute distress to benefit from psychological support.

Many people seek therapy to better understand patterns, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or navigate change.

Psychological services are not only about treatment β€” they are about growth, insight, and wellbeing.

Seeking support early can make a meaningful difference.

AskForHelpToday.ca

Behavior is communication.Children and adolescents may express anxiety, trauma, learning challenges, or mood concerns th...
03/26/2026

Behavior is communication.

Children and adolescents may express anxiety, trauma, learning challenges, or mood concerns through changes in behavior rather than words.

Psychologists are trained to assess developmental, emotional, and cognitive factors β€” helping families understand what is underneath the behaviour and how to respond effectively.

Early support can change long-term outcomes.

Someone can be succeeding at work, caring for others, and meeting responsibilities β€” while quietly struggling with anxie...
03/25/2026

Someone can be succeeding at work, caring for others, and meeting responsibilities β€” while quietly struggling with anxiety, burnout, or low mood.

Psychologists are trained to assess the full picture, beyond what is visible on the surface.

Mental health concerns are not always obvious β€” and they are valid even when life appears β€œtogether.”

AskForHelpToday.ca

Address

PO Box 42507 EASTOWN CENTRE PO
Toronto, ON
M1K5K2

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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