Frame Lake MLA Julian Morse says the NWT needs a regulatory body for counsellors and psychotherapists.
On Wednesday, Morse told the legislature some professionals in those fields had expressed concern at the absence of a regulator.
“Anyone in the NWT can currently offer counselling or psychotherapy services without any formal education or training, as long as they are not claiming to be a psychologist or social worker,” said Morse. “This is potentially a significant issue with severe impacts on public safety.”
The MLA said there is currently no avenue to report a concern about unethical or dangerous care, and “unregulated, untrained individuals providing counselling care may worsen things for those already in crisis.”
“We expect registered nurses and physicians to maintain up-to-date licensing, ensuring their ability to provide safe care. Why should we not hold mental health professions to the same standards or similar standards?” Morse asked.
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Health minister Lesa Semmler said her department’s efforts are focused on legislative work related to professionals in fields that are already regulated.
“We are not considering counsellors and psychotherapists at this time,” she said.
Semmler said the issue is national and her staff could not find “one consistent approach to regulating counsellors.” She said counsellors employed by the GNWT were encouraged to register with a professional body but not obliged to do so.
The minister said an assessment of the potential for regulating counsellors and psychotherapists would be “something we can discuss further in the future.”
