Unit Group
4151 Psychologists
Psychologists assess and diagnose behavioural, emotional and cognitive disorders, counsel clients, provide therapy, conduct research and apply theory relating to behaviour and mental processes. Psychologists help clients work toward the maintenance and enhancement of psychological, physical, intellectual, emotional, social and interpersonal functioning. Psychologists work in private practice or in clinics, correctional facilities, hospitals, mental health facilities, rehabilitation centres, community service organizations, businesses, schools and universities, and in government and private research agencies.
Example Titles
clinical psychologist
experimental psychologist
psychological associate
psychologist
research psychologist
View all titles
Main duties
Psychologists perform some or all of the following duties:
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Examine and assess behaviour, diagnose behavioural, emotional and cognitive disorders, counsel clients and provide therapy
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Help clients manage physical illness and disorders
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Counsel individuals and groups to achieve more effective personal, social and vocational development and adjustment, and offer mediation services
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Use standard psychological tests for assessment
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Plan intervention programs and conduct program evaluation
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Apply psychological theory and principles regarding behaviour and mental processes such as learning, language development, memory and perception to develop treatment programs
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Formulate hypotheses and experimental designs, review literature, conduct studies and publish research papers, educational texts and articles
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Deliver presentations at conferences, workshops or symposia
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Provide consultation services to government and other organizations.
Psychologists may specialize in applied psychology or experimental research. Sub-specialties include behavioural psychology, child psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, educational psychology, industrial psychology, neuropsychology, social psychology or sports psychology.
Employment requirements
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A doctoral degree in psychology is required in order to use the designation "Psychologist" in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.
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A master’s degree in psychology is required for the designation "Psychologist" in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the Northwest Territories.
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A master’s degree in psychology is required in order to use the designation "Psychological Associate" in Ontario and Manitoba.
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In Prince Edward Island, a doctoral degree is required to work in private practice, or a master’s degree with practice limited to institutions and agencies.
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A period of supervised practical experience is required in most jurisdictions.
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Successful completion of the written Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is required in most provinces.
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Oral examinations and board interviews are required in some provinces.
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Registration with a regulatory body is required in all provinces, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
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Membership in the provincial professional association for psychologists is mandatory in all provinces, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
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Psychologists can become specialized in a particular area through training and experience.
Additional information
Psychological associates may be granted permission by provincial regulatory authorities to perform duties normally restricted to psychologists, specifically diagnosing psychological disorders and communicating diagnoses to clients.
Classified elsewhere
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Family, marriage and other related counsellors (4153)
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Psychiatrists (in 3111 Specialist physicians )
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Psychologists who teach at universities (in 4011 University professors and lecturers )
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Psychology research assistants, non-university (in 4164 Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers )
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Psychology research assistants, university (in 4012 Post-secondary teaching and research assistants )
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Psychometrists (in 4169 Other professional occupations in social science, n.e.c. )
