FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to questions you may have about becoming a licensed therapist in Québec or applying for the Psychotherapy Permit (OPQ – Québec)

FAQs

FAQs: Becoming a Licensed Therapist in Québec

To become a licensed psychologist, you must:

  • Hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D./Psy.D.) in psychology
  • Complete supervised internship hours and pass OPQ’s exams
  • Apply for membership with the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ)

To become a licensed psychotherapist, you must:

  • Already be a member of a recognized professional order (e.g., OCCOQ, OTSTCFQ, OIIQ)
  • Complete 270 hours of recognized theoretical training in psychotherapy
  • Complete 160 hours of supervised clinical practice
  • Apply for the psychotherapy permit from the OPQ

You do not need a doctoral degree to become a psychotherapist, but the psychotherapy permit is required by law to practice psychotherapy unless you are a licensed psychologist or physician.

In Québec, the title Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) is regulated through the OTSTCFQ (Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec).To obtain the MFT designation, you must:

 

  • Hold a graduate degree in couple and family therapy or a related field with equivalent training
  • Complete recognized coursework in systemic and relational therapy approaches
  • Be licensed as a T.C.F. (Thérapeute conjugal et familial) with the OTSTCFQ
  • Meet French language and practice requirements

The MFT title is recognized in Québec and allows you to work with couples and families using systemic therapeutic approaches. If you wish to practice psychotherapy, you must also obtain the psychotherapy permit from the OPQ.

To become a member of the OCCOQ, you must:

  • Hold a Master’s degree in counselling or guidance (Maîtrise en orientation) from a Québec university or an equivalent program recognized by the OCCOQ
  • Apply for membership through the OCCOQ and submit your transcripts and supporting documents
  • Meet French language requirements if your studies were not completed in French
  • Pay applicable fees and professional dues

Once licensed, you can legally use the title Conseiller(ère) d’orientation and provide career, academic, and personal counselling within your scope of practice.

  • An MFT (T.C.F.) focuses on relational and systemic interventions with couples and families and is licensed by the OTSTCFQ.
  • A psychotherapy permit authorizes you to provide in-depth treatment of mental disorders and emotional issues beyond the scope of support or educational counselling.

Yes and no—it depends on what type of therapy you provide:You can provide:

  • Supportive counselling
  • Educational and vocational guidance
  • Couple or family support (if licensed as T.C.F.)
  • Mental health support within your professional scope

You cannot practice psychotherapy (as legally defined by Québec law) without a psychotherapy permit, unless you are a licensed psychologist or physician.

The psychotherapy permit is legally required to:

“Treat a mental disorder or psychological suffering using psychological methods in a structured, intentional manner aimed at producing lasting change.”

FAQ’s: Applying for the Psychotherapy Permit (OPQ – Québec)

Anyone who wishes to legally practice psychotherapy in Québec must hold a psychotherapy permit issued by the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ), unless they are already a licensed psychologist or physician. This includes professionals such as social workers, nurses, occupational therapists, and counsellors.

To apply for the permit, you must:

 

  • Hold a valid professional license in Québec (e.g., from the OTSTCFQ, OIIQ, or other recognized order)
  • Have completed a graduate-level program relevant to psychotherapy (e.g., social work, counselling, psychology)
  • Complete required theoretical training (typically 270 hours)
  • Complete clinical supervision (usually 160 hours with a qualified supervisor)
  • Submit the application and supporting documents to the OPQ

The OPQ requires a combination of:

 

  • Theoretical training in key areas such as human development, psychopathology, and psychotherapy theories and interventions
  • Supervised clinical experience, where you apply psychotherapy skills under the guidance of a recognized supervisor

The Montreal Therapy Centre offers CE courses recognized by the OPQ that can count toward the theoretical component, and internships and practicums for hands-on clinical experience.

  • Courses must be:

     

    • Recognized by the OPQ as part of an eligible psychotherapy training program
    • Graded with required readings, assignments, and evaluations

    If you’re taking a course for permit purposes, be sure to enroll in the graded option and complete all course requirements.

Yes, previously completed courses may count, as long as they:

 

  • Were taken at the graduate level
  • Are recognized by the OPQ
  • Were graded and completed with passing marks

Documentation, such as transcripts and syllabi, may be required.

To apply, you must:

 

  1. Collect your academic records and proof of professional license
  2. Complete a detailed application form via the OPQ website
  3. Submit proof of completed theoretical training and supervised practice
  4. Pay the application fee

The OPQ will review your file and may request additional documentation or information.

Processing times vary but may take several months. It’s recommended to begin gathering your documents and completing your training well in advance.

Visit the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ) official website: www.ordrepsy.qc.ca

 

You can also contact them directly for personalized advice or to confirm whether specific courses or supervisors meet their standards.

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