In the Fall of 2016, after an extensive review of curriculum materials, faculty qualifications, institutional governance, and student policies, the Ontario Psychotherapy and Counselling College (OPCC) was formally recognized by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) as an education and training program for psychotherapists in Ontario.
As outlined by the CRPO:
“Programs seeking recognition will be asked to submit detailed information about their curricula, faculty members, staffing structure, facilities, admission policies and process for handling student complaints, among other items. In addition, they will be asked to map their education and training objectives and learning outcomes to selected competencies from the Entry-to-Practice Competency Profile, which lists the competencies required of individuals entering practice for the first time, so that they may practice safely, effectively and ethically across a variety of practice settings. Programs should also review the Framework for Reviewing and Recognizing Psychotherapy Education & Training Programs as this Framework will assist programs in developing or revising their curricula and will facilitate their application for recognition by CRPO.”
This recognition process ensures that educational programs demonstrate alignment with the Entry-to-Practice Competency Profile, preparing graduates to practice psychotherapy safely, ethically, and effectively across a variety of professional settings.
OPCC’s training model integrates academic study, experiential learning, and supervised clinical practice so that students develop both the theoretical foundations and relational capacities required for professional practice.
OPCC graduates have gone on to establish themselves within Ontario’s community of Registered Psychotherapists through the CRPO’s professional registration pathways.
Designated Learning Institution Status
OPCC has been approved by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). This designation confirms that the College meets the regulatory requirements necessary to enrol international students who obtain a Canadian study permit.
At present, however, the Government of Canada is not issuing study permits for students attending private career colleges, which means international students are currently unable to study at OPCC on a study permit.
OPCC continues to maintain its DLI designation and remains hopeful that future policy changes will once again allow private colleges to welcome international students. We believe international students enrich the learning environment and look forward to the possibility of opening our program to qualified applicants from around the world.
International applicants are welcome to contact admissions to discuss current eligibility options.