What is a psychologist?

A psychologist is a registered mental health professional who has undergone academic and clinical training leading to a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Subsequent to the requirements of the doctoral degree which includes extensive academic course work, a doctoral thesis and a supervised 2000 hour internship, a psychologist has met all the requirements of the College of Psychologists of Ontario, and has therefore successfully completed written and oral examinations and at least a year of supervised practice. In addition to providing psychological treatment, a psychologist is legally qualified to make a formal assessment and diagnosis of a person afflicted by a mental illness or condition. Psychologists at the OCFI have also undergone extensive couples therapy training in EFT at the University of Ottawa and at the Institute. Many are qualified to teach EFT to other professionals wishing to learn couples therapy.