AMAPCEO files dispute on OPS Employer definition of “qualified psychotherapist”

In late December, AMAPCEO filed an association dispute objecting to the Ontario Public Service (OPS) Employer’s definition of the term “qualified psychotherapist,” used in Article 34 of the 2025-2028 AMAPCEO–OPS Collective Agreement. 

AMAPCEO’s position is that a “qualified psychotherapist” is any practitioner within Ontario who is legally permitted to use the title of “psychotherapist” per the rules of their governing regulatory college.  This includes psychotherapists registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario, the Ontario Collective of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, and several other colleges. This position is consistent with the authority to provide psychotherapy services detailed under Ontario’s Regulated Health Professions Act.

However, in a recent fact sheet, the OPS Employer stated that “in Ontario, psychotherapists must be registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).” We are also aware of multiple members who have had their coverage of psychotherapy services provided by registrants from colleges other than the CRPO denied. 

AMAPCEO vehemently opposes the OPS Employer’s definition of the term “qualified psychotherapist.” We will continue to pursue this issue to ensure that members have the flexibility of service provider coverage that the Collective Agreement language intended. 

If your coverage of psychotherapy services is denied on the basis that the service provider is not registered with the CRPO, we urge you to contact a Workplace Representative.