Proposed restrictions on high-risk psychotherapeutic interventions in BC

As part of regulating psychotherapy under the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA), the Ministry of Health is proposing creation of restrictions on the provision of high-risk psychotherapeutic interventions in BC.

These new restricted activities would help differentiate between higher-risk mental health services and other counselling-related services and be added to the existing list of restricted activities that only authorized practitioners can perform.

To inform Doctors of BC’s feedback to government on this matter, we are seeking physicians' input on which higher-risk activities should be restricted to authorized practitioners.

Take our survey below to guide our response to government and ongoing advocacy for you.

The deadline for input is 11:59pm on July 29, 2026.

As part of regulating psychotherapy under the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA), the Ministry of Health is proposing creation of restrictions on the provision of high-risk psychotherapeutic interventions in BC.

These new restricted activities would help differentiate between higher-risk mental health services and other counselling-related services and be added to the existing list of restricted activities that only authorized practitioners can perform.

To inform Doctors of BC’s feedback to government on this matter, we are seeking physicians' input on which higher-risk activities should be restricted to authorized practitioners.

Take our survey below to guide our response to government and ongoing advocacy for you.

The deadline for input is 11:59pm on July 29, 2026.

  • Identifying high-risk psychotherapeutic interventions

    Take a few minutes to tell us about the higher-risk psychotherapeutic interventions you think should be restricted in BC.

    When working to identify these, consider:

    • How the treatment is provided (the method/approach)
    • The patient population(s) who receive this care
    • The therapeutic relationship required for the intervention
    • Which health care professions should be able to provide it
    • Patient safety


    TELL US WHAT YOU THINK