Psychological Associate

Psychological associates are health care professionals that assess, treat and prevent behavioural and mental conditions. Specifically, they work to fix neuropsychological, neurotic and personality disorders while helping maintain and optimize social, emotional and intellectual function. 

As experts in human emotion, behaviour and development, psychological associates use clinical interviewing techniques, behavioural observations, and psychometric tests to help patients identify and fix problems. Some of these disorders and conditions treated by Psychological Associates and include: 

• Mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder
• Anxiety disorders such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive-compulsive disorder,
• Addiction
• Eating disorders
• Personality disorders such as schizoid disorder, narcissism and paranoia
• Psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia

Psychological associates provide health care services in various settings, including private practice, schools, hospitals and social service, rehabilitation and correctional centers. 

Some of these psychological associate services include:

• Intellectual, behavioural, emotional and neuropsychological assessment and diagnosis,
• Administering psychological tests. 
• Treating mental disorders and conditions using a variety of strategies such as counselling, psychotherapy and group therapy.
• Identifying emotions, attitudes or beliefs that cause problems and design solutions.
• Helping manage stresses and conflicts such as relationship problems, recovering from sexual abuse, coming to terms with serious health problems and dealing with grief or stress.
• Assessing patients’ social and personal risk.
• Promoting public mental health through government policy and educational programs.
• Developing and implementing treatment plans.

To apply for a certificate as a Psychological Associate requires a Psychology Masters Degree. Psychological Associates are required to complete five years of practical training, much like an apprenticeship, after they finish their Master’s degree in psychology.

Some Psychological Associates are legally able to communicate a diagnosis. Others have a limitation on their certificate of registration and may only diagnose under the supervision of a Psychologist or Psychological Associate who is entitled to diagnose. To ensure that members of the public can make informed choices about health services being offered, Psychological Associates are required to use this title when introducing themselves professionally and when providing services.

In Ontario, “Psychological Associate” is a regulated profession subject to the Standards, Ethics and Practice Advisories defined by The College of Psychological Associates of Ontario. For more information on regulatory colleges, view our What is a Regulatory College page.