Type: COVID-19

April 1, 2020

Dear Registrants,

Continuing Competency Program (CCP) Requirements for 2020
The College recognizes that, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, public health orders and travel restrictions will delay and reduce the opportunities for registrants to participate in typical CCP activities such as conferences, workshops and other in-person activities, this year.

We wish to remind registrants that all requirements of the program can be completed if online and virtual activities are integrated.  For example, Category C (Structured Interactive Activities) activities can occur by telephone or video conferencing; it is not required that they are face-to-face.  Online courses and workshops accredited by the CPA and APA qualify for Category A (Direct, Participatory, Formal Programs).  The San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course offered through the Provincial Health Services Authority (http://www.sanyas.ca/) and various CPBC online workshops also qualify for Category A (see Chronicle – 2019 October).

We are aware that psychologists are already naturally and responsibly engaging in additional self-study and reaching out to colleagues to learn about and discuss the practice challenges and changes that have occurred as a result of COVID-19.  We expect that, being the science-based profession that psychology is, this time will be an opportunity for tremendous learning and professional enhancement for all as registrants work to meet the challenges ethically, safely and effectively.

For information about the CCP and requirements, please visit the Registrants section of the College website:  https://collegeofpsychologists.bc.ca/registrants/continuing-competency-program/

Providing Psychological Services to Essential Services Workers
The BCPA has launched a COVID-19 Psychological Support Service designed to help health care and other essential workers who are experiencing stress, anxiety, or uncertainty due to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. Registrants interested in contributing to this pro-bono service can learn more by going to https://www.psychologists.bc.ca/covid-19-resources and can sign up to get involved by going to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BCPA-COVID19-support

The CPA has launched an initiative to coordinate pro-bono psychological services, via tele-health, to health care providers working at the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis who may be feeling stressed, overwhelmed or distressed. Registrants who wish to contribute to this initiative can register by going to: https://cpa.ca/psychology-works-for-covid-19-psychologists-giving-back-to-front-line-service-providers/

Telepsychology Checklists:
A reminder that registrants will find the checklists on telepsychology and telepsychology assessment especially timely for considerations when contemplating providing telepsychology services for the context in which they are working.

Link to College’s COVID-19 website:
Registrants will find more information and useful links about COVID-19 and its impact on the practice of psychology on the CPBC website.

BC COVD-19 Self-Assessment Tool: 
The BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool, developed with the BC Ministry of Health, will help determine whether you, or someone else, may need further assessment or testing for COVID-19.

Keeping in Touch:
The College will continue to keep in touch, and share with you updates which can be of assistance as we all continue to rise to the challenge of the COVID-19. We wish to thank all registrants for their ongoing support and suggestions and encourage your ongoing involvement, including your inputs via our feedback@collegeofpsychologists.bc.ca email.

Kind regards and good health on behalf of the College Board and Staff,
Andrea Kowaz, Ph.D., R.Psych.
Registrar