Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) Applauds Government's Passing of the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy
TORONTO, Dec. 21, 2017 /CNW/ - Passing the controlled act of psychotherapy protects the public, ensures access to essential mental health services
The Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW), the voice of social workers in Ontario, is applauding the government's passing of the Psychotherapy Act, 2007, making sure Ontarians are protected and continue to have access to important mental health services from qualified practitioners.
"This is great news for Ontario's social workers and the clients they serve every day," said Joan MacKenzie Davies, Executive Director, OASW. "Passing this final piece of the Psychotherapy Act enhances clarity, improves access, and makes sure Ontarians can continue accessing these important services, knowing they are receiving them from highly trained social workers and other qualified regulated professions."
OASW was pleased to work with the Ontario government when they initially passed the Psychotherapy Act in 2007. We have continued to work closely with government on its development of this final piece of the Act over the past several years. Passing the controlled act of psychotherapy was an essential element of the Psychotherapy Act, and makes it one of the 14 controlled acts under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA). This important legislative change ensures that the practice of psychotherapy is carried out by qualified Registered Social Workers and other designated regulated professions.
"OASW and Ontario's more than 17,000 Registered Social Workers commend the government for passing this final component of the Psychotherapy Act," concluded MacKenzie Davies. "It has taken almost ten years to get here. We are so pleased that individuals right across Ontario will be protected and have access to these important mental health services from qualified practitioners."
About OASW
OASW is the voice of social work in Ontario. It is a voluntary, provincial, non-profit association representing approximately 5,200 social workers. All practicing members have a university degree in social work at the bachelor's, master's or doctoral level. OASW works actively to speak on behalf of social workers and advocate for the improvement of social policies and programs directly affecting social work practice and client groups served.
SOURCE Ontario Association of Social Workers
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