For years, Counselling Therapists in Alberta have been practicing without being regulated under the Health Professions Act. This has left a significant gap in public protection and has limited our scope of practice. While this has been concerning for many of us in the field, there is meaningful forward movement — and now is an important moment for the future of counselling in Alberta.
Progress Toward Regulation
Through collaboration between the Government of Alberta, the Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA), the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), and the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP), Alberta is moving toward formal regulation of counselling therapy.
Most recently, ACTA was invited to join the Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Workforce Advisory Committee formed by Minister Rick Wilson. This is a significant milestone. It signals that Counselling Therapists are increasingly being recognized as essential contributors to Alberta’s mental health system — an acknowledgment of the critical role we play in supporting the mental wellness of individuals and communities.
Why Regulation Matters
As a therapist, I’ve come to see registration with ACTA as more than a formality. It is a way of standing together as a profession, demonstrating that we are ready for regulation, and supporting the future of our field. Regulation isn’t just about policy; it has real impact for Albertans, including:
- Public Protection: Ensuring ethical, high-quality care for everyone seeking counselling
- Professional Trust: Clearly defining our role in the mental health system
- Competence: Guaranteeing that every client receives well-trained and accountable support
By regulating counselling and formally including us in Alberta’s mental health system, we can help ensure our work contributes more effectively to improving access to quality mental health support and reinforcing the professionalism of our field.
A Personal Invitation
I am both a Counselling Therapist with ACTA and a Canadian Certified Counsellorwith the CCPA. If you’re a mental health provider practicing in Alberta, I personally encourage you to register with ACTA. By rdoing so, we aren’t just filling out a form — we’re joining forces as a professional community, actively shaping the future of mental health care in Alberta and contributing to the development of our future regulatory college.
If you’ve been waiting, this may be the moment to get involved.
Register with ACTA: acta-alberta.ca
Stay informed — sign up for ACTA’s newsletter: acta-alberta.ca/newsletter
A Turning Point for Counselling in Alberta
I truly believe we’re at an important turning point. Regulation will strengthen public protection, define professional standards, and recognize the vital role of counselling in Alberta’s mental health system.
—Annika
Annika Schaefer
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