May 2025

Communiqué

version française

Mental Health Awareness and a

Decade of Regulated Psychotherapy in Ontario

May marks Mental Health Awareness Week, which was established by the Canadian Mental Health Association in 1951 as a way of emphasizing the significance of mental well-being and the vital role that mental health professionals play in our communities. This year holds special meaning as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the College. Since its establishment in 2015 under the Psychotherapy Act, 2007, CRPO has been committed to its mandate of regulating psychotherapists in the public interest, ensuring competent and ethical practice within a professional accountability framework. ​  

Over the past decade, CRPO has worked to set and uphold standards that protect the public and support registrants in delivering high-quality care. At this time of year, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the progress made in the regulation of psychotherapy and to acknowledge the dedication of RPs across Ontario. Your commitment has been instrumental in advancing mental health support and accessibility throughout the province.​ 

Looking ahead, CRPO remains committed to fostering excellence, trustworthiness, and accessibility in psychotherapeutic practice. The 2024 College Performance Measurement Framework Report outlines the work that took place last year to enhance public protection.  If you haven’t had a chance to look at the report, we’d encourage you to check it out. In October, Council will be developing a new strategic plan to guide our work through to 2029. There will be opportunities for registrants to have input into that process; please look for invitations to provide feedback over the coming months.  

Quality Assurance Program: Peer Circles

Last month, CRPO’s Peer Circle Facilitators welcomed over 160 registrants at two peer circle events. Participants discussed topics relating to clinical supervision; changing practices and client care transitions; and professional boundaries and social media. Registrants let us know they valued engaging with and hearing from their peers; validating and confirming their understanding of the Professional Practice Standards; and sharing practical experience and perspectives.  

Thank you to all facilitators and participants for making this collaborative learning event a success!

We look forward to offering more peer circles in the coming months. We will tell registrants in an upcoming Communiqué when they can sign up. In the meantime, registrants are invited to attend peer circles hosted by the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals: https://oamhp.ca/peer-circles/ 

Voting Now Open in CRPO Council Elections

Voting is now open in CRPO Council elections. Eligible voters have received an email from CRPO via Simply Voting, a web-based online voting system, with instructions on how to vote. To vote in CRPO elections, you must meet the criteria defined in the by-laws, including the requirement to primarily practice the profession (or, if not practicing, primarily residing) in one of the electoral districts that are holding elections. Voting closes on May 30 at 3:30 p.m. EST. 

We are pleased to share the following candidates are seeking election to Council: 

District 7 (Central) – 2 positions: 

• Anabel Helen, RP 
• Kathleen (Kali) Hewitt-Blackie, RP 
• Sarah Knox, RP 
• Michael Thunderblum, RP (Qualifying) 
• Corey Turnbull, RP 

District 8 (Ontario) – 1 position: 

• Felipe Cepeda, RP 
• Janet Cullen, RP 
• Agnes Kaufman, RP 
• Michael Machan, RP 
• Rasha Wahid, RP 

 Click here to review the candidate statements. Council Elections: Candidate Statements 

Questions? Email elections@crpo.ca  

Reminder: Minors and Consent Webinar

CRPO will be holding its next practice standard webinar on May 28, from 12-1pm ET, on Minors & Consent.

Join the meeting using this link.

A recording will be made available for those who cannot attend. 

Education Program Recognized

The Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy program at the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute is the latest educational program to receive academic recognition from CRPO. This means that the program sufficiently enables students to develop the required competencies for entry-to-practice in psychotherapy. Visit our website for more information about the recognition process or to review the other recognized programs.

For CRPO registrants: Please do not unsubscribe. CRPO uses email to communicate with registrants about important College updates. If you choose to unsubscribe, it is then your responsibility to regularly check our website to keep yourself informed about your College obligations. It is the responsibility of each registrant to make sure CRPO has your current contact information, updated within 30 days of a change, and ensure that the organization you work for does not block CRPO emails. CRPO may collect information about whether a recipient has read a message. CRPO may use this information for communication planning and record-keeping.