Offering Telepsychology Services from Outside of BC
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, the College established a temporary process, on an emergency basis, to accommodate the provision of telepsychology services by out-of-province psychologists for the purposes of providing continuity of care to existing clients who were temporarily relocated in British Columbia and unable to return home to another province for treatment. This temporary process was later expanded to cover psychologists working at a university counselling centre in another province who were seeing students who were unable to return to campus to receive services in person due to the pandemic.
Under these two specific circumstances, out-of-province psychologists were not required to obtain registration with the College in order to provide treatment to these described clients temporarily relocated to BC. Other emergency-related practice was streamed through the College’s temporary (emergency) class of registration.
As travel restrictions have been lifted to allow people to freely move within Canada and universities are preparing to receive students on campus for in-person classes, the College has determined that these temporary emergency processes are no longer necessary and they have been closed.
A flexible registration option for providing continuity of care is available to individuals wishing to continue practising temporarily in BC on a limited basis. Those interested are encouraged to review the College’s website and contact our office with any questions: https://collegeofpsychologists.bc.ca/applicants/providing-temporary-psychological-services-in-bc/
Yes, for a limited period of time and according to certain conditions. The College has a Temporary (Visitor) registration option for non-emergency, temporary practice that is time limited and for this special circumstance. Information about this registration option can be found here.
Registered psychologist registration is also an option for anyone who wants to practice in BC in an ongoing, unrestricted way. Information about this registration option can be found here.
Yes, for a limited period of time. The College has a Temporary (Visitor) registration option for non-emergency, temporary practice that is time limited and for a specific purpose. Information about this registration option can be found here.
Registered psychologist registration is also an option for anyone who wants to practice in BC in an ongoing, unrestricted way. Information about this registration option can be found here.
This can be done in one of two ways:
1. The College has a Temporary (Visitor) registration option for non-emergency, temporary practice that is time limited and for a specific purpose. Information about this registration option can be found here.
2. Registered psychologist registration is an option for anyone who wants to practice in BC in an ongoing, unrestricted way. The College has fast track registration mechanisms for psychologists registered elsewhere in Canada and the United States. Information about this registration option can be found here.
If you are providing services to clients living outside of British Columbia you do not need to seek permission from the College in order to do so. You would be expected to, however, clearly indicate your home jurisdiction and that you are only registered / licensed as a psychologist in that jurisdiction and not in British Columbia in any communication to your existing clients or to anyone else.
Please put your query in writing and submit it to the College. It will be reviewed.