Alberta to consider formal rules for counsellors

EDMONTON Alberta is proposing to adopt formal rules and standards for a range of counsellors, including addiction therapists and those helping children and youth.

The proposed changes were introduced in the legislature by Health Minister Sarah Hoffman.

The government estimates there are about 5,000 such counsellors in Alberta, and says right now they don’t need any formal training to set up a business.

Hoffman says people looking for help need to know they are getting safe, competent care.

The proposed legislation would also increase requirements for residential addiction-treatment facilities. If the bill passes, the province would have the power to enforce minimum standards and address complaints at such centres.

The changes would kick in starting in the middle of 2019.

“This bill aims to ensure that Albertans are able to access professional mental-health care in safe, regulated environments,” Hoffman told the house Tuesday as she introduced the bill for first reading.

“Our goal is peace of mind for patients, for their families and for all Albertans.”

The province estimates that one in five Albertans will use addiction and mental-health services in their lifetime. Counselling services are offered in public and private facilities, and the province says two-thirds of those clinics are privately operated.