The Need for Counselling Regulation in the News
Media Requests: Laura Hahn, Interim CEO and Registrar, registrar@acta-alberta.ca
In The News 2024
St. Albert Gazette, March 7, 2024
Province moves to regulate counsellors
Reporter: Kevin Ma
Click image to read the full story
CBC News, March 7, 2024
Counselling therapists to be regulated by College of Alberta Psychologists but questions remain
Reporter: Michelle Bellefontaine
Click image to read the full story
ACTA Press Release - February 23 2024
First Nations Urgently Call for the Proclamation of the ‘College of Counselling Therapy of Alberta’ to Address Escalating Mental Health Crisis
The Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations and Treaty No. 8 First Nations of Alberta are both calling on the government to immediately proclaim the College of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (CCTA) to address the growing mental health crisis and increasing number of opioid deaths in First Nations communities.
The association working to open the college has developed meaningful collaborative partnerships with both First Nations to advance culturally safe and accountable mental health counselling. Once the CCTA is proclaimed, it will continue to work with First Nations, Metis and Inuit to ensure diverse cultural understandings are appropriately considered within the CCTA’s processes, policies, and governance. Ongoing partnerships will be essential for co-creating cultural safeguards and cultural training requirements for over 4000 counselling professionals regulated by the CCTA.
The Confederacy of Treaty No.6 and Treaty No.8 First Nations of Alberta have also identified the opening of the CCTA as a means to significantly increase access to mental health counselling through First Nations Insured Health Benefits (FNIIHB) and other government funding that requires providers to be regulated health professionals. Currently, access to this funding and desperately needed services are denied to many First Nations people due to the government's stall in opening this much-needed college. At a time when many First Nations are in a State of Emergency due to a growing mental health and opioid crisis, we cannot afford any further delay.
LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR THE CCTA FROM TREATY 8 FIRST NATIONS OF ALBERTA
LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR CCTA FROM CONFEDERACY OF TREATY SIX FIRST NATIONS
St. Albert Gazette, February 28, 2024
Treaty 6 and 8 grand chiefs call for action on counselling
Reporter: Kevin Ma
Click image to read the full story
CBC News Edmonton, February 23, 2024
Reporter: Michelle Bellefontaine
Click image to read the full story
CBC News Edmonton, 11:00pm, January 30, 2024
Reporter: Mrinali Anchan
Click image to watch the full story
ACTA Press Release - January 26, 2024
Alberta doctor, found guilty of sexually abusing a patient, now offering counselling services.
CBC National, World Report, January 30, 2024
Reporter: Julia Wong
Click image to listen to the full story
CBC Edmonton, January 30, 2024
ADVOCATES CALL ON THE ALBERTA GOVERNMENT TO REGULATE COUNSELLORS TO PROTECT CLIENTS
Click image to read full story
Global News, Edmonton, January 26, 2024 @ 11:00 pm
Disgraced Grand Prairie Doctors Move to Offer Therapy Reignites Calls for Counselling Oversight Body in Alberta
Click image to watch full story
Global News, Edmonton, January 26, 2024 @ 6:00 pm
Click image to watch full story
Edmonton Global News at 6:00pm, January 26, 2024
Laura Hahn, Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta, Interim CEO & Registrar
CTV News, Edmonton, January 26, 2024
The Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta is asking the province to immediately approve new regulations in the counselling field.
Click image to watch full story
CTV News, Edmonton, January 26, 2024
Nicholas Renaud and Cayley McConaghy
St. Albert Gazette, January 28, 2024
Alberta counsellors association says risks for clients increasing
“It’s hard for us to understand…how the need for more consultation could outweigh the need to eliminate the risks that exist right now.” Nicole Imgrund, Chair ACTA
Click image to read full story
CTV Edmonton News, January 26, 2024
Grande Prairie doctor sex case spurs counsellors to call for advancement of Alberta regulatory college plans
Click image to read full story
Daily Herald Tribune, January 25, 2024
Disgraced Grande Prairie doc opens wellness centre specializes in addiction counselling
Brianne Hudson, a Grande Prairie physician found guilty of sexually abusing her opioid-dependent patient will have no regulatory oversight as an addictions counsellor, because a regulatory college has yet to be proclaimed by the Alberta Government.
Click image to read full story
Delay in counselling therapist regulation hindering access for Indigenous people in Alberta
CBC News, January 09, 2023
Click image to read full story
Province stalls creation of professional college for counselling therapists
CBC News, December 12, 2021
Click image to read full story
CBC Radio
Radioactive, Getting Quality Counselling
March 11, 2018
Global News
Group Representing Alberta Counsellors and Therapists Calls for More Regulation of Profession
March 12, 2018
https://globalnews.ca/news/4079023/regulation-counsellors-therapists-health-politics-alberta/
FACT-Alberta Press Release: With More Albertans Using Mental Health Services, Regulation of Counsellors is Needed Now!
March 12, 2018
With More Albertans Using Mental Health Services, Regulation of Counsellors is Needed Now!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2018 (Edmonton, Alberta) – The Federation of Associations of Counselling Therapists in Alberta (FACT-Alberta) finds it promising that the Speech from the Throne addressed many social and mental health issues currently facing Albertans. The Government has promised to continue addressing the opioid crisis, expand counselling services to sexual abuse survivors, and increase quality and safety of public services to protect the most vulnerable. However, to accomplish these goals, FACT-Alberta continues to stress the importance of regulating counselling services in Alberta.
“As it stands, anyone can call themselves a counsellor in Alberta. There is no regulation. No higher board or college to regulate the profession” said Nicole Imgrund, Chair of FACT-Alberta and a Canadian Certified Counsellor. “It’s imperative that as the Government moves forward with promising and offering more counselling services, that Counsellor Therapists are regulated under a college.”
Not regulating this profession is problematic for many reasons such as: lack of boundaries between the Counselling Therapist and the client, breach of privacy, incompetency in the counselling, and poor business or pricing practices. Any and all of these risks can create significant harms to those seeking help and can have lasting adverse effects on the patients’ mental health.
“We need to ensure that our children are getting appropriate mental health services from regulated counsellors. We need to ensure that the survivors of sexual violence are being supported by regulated Counsellors Therapists who are accountable to a code of ethics and standards of practice, and have the advanced training that would allow them to counsel in complex situations” continued Ms. Imgrund.
FACT-Alberta launched an advocacy campaign on Tuesday to regulate counselling therapy in Alberta after finding out that the Government has decided not to prioritize the regulation of counselling for legislation in the next year. In three days, Counselling Therapists and concerned Albertans have sent over 900 letters to their MLAs and to Minister Hoffman and Associate Minister Payne, a number that only keeps growing each hour.
“With the increased openness to talk about mental illness and a decrease in the stigma surrounding seeking help, more Albertans are using the services of therapists and counsellors. We need to ensure that they are getting help from regulated professionals. We hope the Government will listen to its citizens”.
-30-
The Federation of Associations for Counselling Therapists in Alberta (FACT-Alberta) is the provincial voice of member associations who are pursuing regulation and the development of the Alberta College of Counselling Therapists under Alberta's Health Professions Act (HPA) to promote and ensure public protection, accessibility and accountability.
For more information or for media inquiries, please contact:
Nicole Imgrund
780.953.5649 | nicole@riversedgecounselling.com
Global News Morning
Higher Demands for Mental Health Services Spurs Calls for Counselling Regulations
March 14, 2018
Alberta Primetime
A Call to Regulate Counselling Therapists in Alberta
March 15, 2018
https://alberta.ctvnews.ca/a-call-to-regulate-counselling-therapists-in-alberta-1.3845172
Edmonton Journal
Opinion: Mental health professionals in Alberta need regulation
March 29, 2018
FACT-Alberta Press Release
FACT-Alberta Held Press Conference on Steps of Alberta Legislature: MLA endorsements from three political parties
April 5, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MLA endorsements from three political parties
April 5, 2018 (Edmonton, AB) – The Federation of Associations of Counselling Therapists in Alberta (FACT-Alberta) held a press conference today on the steps of the Alberta Legislature with three MLA Champions to urge the NDP government to commit to legislation this year to regulate counselling therapy in Alberta. Nicole Imgrund, Chair of FACT-Alberta was accompanied by three MLA Champions, who all gave statements of support: Marie Renaud from St-Albert (NDP), Dr. David Swann from Calgary-Mountain View (Alberta Liberal Party), and Karen McPherson from Calgary-Mackay-Nose Hill (Alberta Party).
“No matter who we talk to in Alberta, everyone is shocked when we tell them that counselling is not regulated in Alberta” said Nicole Imgrund. “This means anyone can claim to be a counsellor. There are no common standards of practice, code of ethics, or regulatory body to investigate complaints. Without a regulated title that guarantees these basic safeguards, vulnerable people who seek counselling services are on their own to make sure the person they are turning to for help is competent and safe.”
With a decrease in the stigma surrounding seeking mental health services, more and more Albertans are turning to counsellors. In Budget 2018, released on March 22, the Alberta government dedicated $87 million to addictions and mental health in 2018-19. FACT-Alberta stresses that as more funding for counselling services is being provided by the provincial government, they should put in place safeguards to ensure that those seeking help are doing so by regulated, professional, and accountable counsellors.
“It is estimated that there are more than 5000 unregulated counsellors in Alberta. This is a significant gap in the healthcare system” continued Ms. Imgrund. “We have multi-partisan support. I am thankful that Ms. Renaud, Dr. Swann, and Ms. McPherson joined me today to show that this an issue that has broad support across all parties. We now need the Government to commit to legislation after their consultation process is completed in 8 weeks.”
FACT-Alberta launched a very successful grassroots letter writing campaign to all MLAs and the Health Ministers in March which has already generated over 5,100 letters to Members.
-30-
The Federation of Associations for Counselling Therapists in Alberta (FACT-Alberta) is the provincial voice of member associations who are pursuing regulation and the development of the Alberta College of Counselling Therapists under Alberta's Health Professions Act (HPA) to promote and ensure public protection, accessibility and accountability.
For more information or to book an interview, please contact:
Nicole Imgrund
Telephone: 780.953.5649
MEMBER STATEMENT BY MLA MARIE RENAUD
Bill 30: The Mental Health Services Protection Act
BILL 30 - LEGISLATURE CLIPS
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuL4FYnfPj0DQPMqiR8rv3FyTE174m1tQ
GLOBAL NEWS
SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES WITH ADDICTIONS IN ALBERTA November 27, 2018
https://globalnews.ca/video/4705568/support-for-patients-with-addictions-in-alberta
BILL 30 PRESS CONFERENCE
Nov. 27, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/your-alberta/addiction-and-mental-health-services-bill-nov-27-2018
CBC.CA NEWS
Alberta wants to regulate counsellors, private addiction treatment centres
Nov. 27, 2018
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-regulate-counsellors-addiction-centres-1.4923074
ST. ALBERT GAZETTE
Province to regulate therapy services
Nov. 27, 2018
https://www.stalberttoday.ca/local-news/province-to-regulate-counsellors-1300269
EDMONTONJOURNAL.COM
Watch: Protection for People Seeking Addiction and Mental Health Services
Nov. 28, 2018
FACT-ALBERTA PRESS RELEASE: SAFER MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR ALBERTANS: LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO REGULATE COUNSELLING THERAPY, ADDICTIONS COUNSELLORS, AND CHILD AND YOUTH CARE COUNSELLORS
November 27, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Safer Mental Health Services for Albertans: Legislation Introduced to Regulate Counselling Therapy, Addictions Counsellors, and Child and Youth Care Counsellors
(Edmonton, AB) November 27, 2018 – The Federation of Associations of Counselling Therapists in Alberta (FACT-Alberta) is pleased with the Government of Alberta’s decision to move forward with the introduction of legislation to regulate counselling therapists in Alberta.
As it stands, anyone can call themselves a counsellor and provide mental health services without proper training. This legislation will result in a College of Counselling Therapy to oversee the practices of Counselling Therapists, Addictions Counsellors, and Child and Youth Care Counsellors.
“We are very happy with the Government’s decision to move forward with legislation” said Nicole Imgrund, Chair of FACT-Alberta and a Canadian Certified Counsellor. “We have been working with the Government for years, and have ramped up our efforts over the last year to convince the government that this legislation is much needed and much overdue. The Government has been very supportive of our position and this legislation is evidence that is shares our priority to provide vulnerable Albertans with the safeguards needed to ensure they receive safe and effective counselling services.
“We’ve had some tremendous support in government for these changes, including Minister Sarah Hoffman, MLA Brandy Payne, MLA Marie Renaud, and MLA Debbie Jabbour. We are also appreciative of the bipartisan support we have received, including Liberal MLA Dr. David Swann and Alberta Party MLA Karen McPherson” continued Imgrund.
Regulation currently exists in 4 provinces (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia) and in all 50 states in the United States. Regulation protects Albertan’s from the various harms that can come from an unqualified and untrained person practicing in this space. From poor business practices, to incompetency in providing services, to lack of a formal code of ethics or standards to abide by, the risks can be many to unsuspecting clients who need help.
“As more Albertan’s are seeking mental health services than ever before, this piece of legislation comes at a good time. It will ensure that Albertan’s are seeking help from qualified professionals” continued Imgrund.
“As a certified counsellor myself, I know first-hand the devastation clients and families have had from seeking mental health services from untrained and uneducated people claiming to be counsellors. Albertan’s will have peace of mind that counsellors they turn to for help will have the necessary qualifications, ethics guidelines, and higher authority to be accountable towards.”
Legislation has been introduced in the Assembly entitled The Mental Health Services Protection Act and will go through the normal legislative process. FACT-Alberta hopes for a good dialogue among all parties to discuss this legislation and a speedy adoption into the Health Professions Act.
-30-
The Federation of Associations for Counselling Therapists in Alberta (FACT-Alberta) is the provincial voice of member associations who are pursuing regulation and the development of the Alberta College of Counselling Therapists under Alberta's Health Professions Act (HPA) to promote and ensure public protection, accessibility and accountability.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Nicole Imgrund
nicole@riversedgecounselling.com
(780) 953-5649
ST. ALBERT GAZETTE
Regulation dreams in reach for local counsellor
Dec. 1, 2018
https://www.stalberttoday.ca/local-news/regulation-dreams-in-reach-for-local-counsellor-1300295
FACT-ALBERTA LETTER TO MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS
In the News 2016
St. Albert Gazette
"Regulation will Protect Vulnerable Albertans”
May 28, 2016
http://www.stalbertgazette.com/article/Regulation-will-protect-vulnerable-Albertans-20160528
Global Edmonton
Alberta Counsellors Call for more Regulation of Mental Health Counsellors
June 28, 2016
In the News 2015
Primetime Alberta
Regulating Counsellors
August 21, 2015
St. Albert Gazette
St. Albert Counsellor Sees Room for Mental Health Improvement
July 22, 2015
Table of Contents
A timeline of the collaborative work-to-date between the Government of Alberta and the counselling profession.