Is the Ontario Coalition of Mental Health Professionals the same as the College of Psychologists ? Are we going to become a college?

The Ontario Coalition of Mental Health Professionals (OCMHP) is a group of associations, they themselves being non-statutory self-regulating bodies. The Coalition successfully worked with government to obtain the regulation of Psychotherapy and Counselling.  This was done by actively lobbying the Ontario Government and responding to any queries about our sector in a unified, professional and consistent manner. The formation of the College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Mental Health Therapists was the result.  Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions regarding the new College for more information.

How can I help increase the awareness of the issues that the Coalition of Mental Health Professionals is faced with?

If you belong to an Ontario mental health organization, we recommend finding out if it is a member organization of the Coalition. You can contact your organization to find out how they are involved. They may have volunteer committees that you could work with to help raise awareness. We also encourage mental health professionals to find out about the Coalition and its goals, and to help share its goals by spreading the word among your colleagues.

What should the Coalition mean to me as a mental health professional? What should it mean to my client?

As a mental health professional:

• the Coalition represents, and advocates for, Ontario’s psychotherapists and mental health professionals;
• enhanced visibility within the community; and
• increased networking opportunities with colleagues.

As a client:

• continued cost-effective service,
• increased accessibility to services covered by insurance,
• maintenance or increase in the variety of services available.

Who should I contact if my organization is not listed, or if I don't belong to a mental health organization?

We recommend that you join a mental health organization; some are listed on the Coalition website.

What is the future of the Coalition?

The Coalition will continue to monitor the work that is being done by the Transitional Council to form the College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Mental Health Therapists.

Will this Coalition become a disciplinary body for the mental health field?

No, the Coalition is a group of associations with a common interest in pursuing regulation.