‘Therapists’ don’t need qualifications in B.C.

Did you know that in the province of B.C., anyone can open shop as a therapist with no education and no qualifications?

Crazy, right?

A quick Google search revealed this in a Dec. 16, 2019 CBC story: “She discovered that while psychologists are regulated in B.C., counsellors and therapists aren’t — literally anyone can call themselves a therapist, and they don’t have to follow defined standards of practice or face discipline for misconduct.”

Right now, operating as “therapists” people are charging huge fees for a service they are not properly qualified to perform.

Children struggling with divorce, anxiety and depression are being taken to “therapists” by worried parents who do not know that this legal loophole exists and are putting their trust in people they think are mental health professionals, when they, in fact, are not.

People are potentially being subjected to non-ethical conduct and conflict of interest. Or potential bias due to the “therapist’s” previous line of work.

No confidentiality protection. Potential abuse of power. Potential manipulation of small children in custody battles.

No one is monitoring this. It’s not illegal. There is no bylaw, so the city will tell you to call the RCMP. The RCMP can’t really do anything about something that isn’t illegal.

These businesses sometimes don’t have business licences. Without a licence, you can’t file a complaint with the BBB.

It is so concerning to me that our youngest and most vulnerable members of society are potentially at risk when they are in emotional turmoil from divorce or suffering depression or anxiety.

If someone claims they are a “practitioner” on their website, please investigate. No one is ensuring these places are legit, so it is up to you to do your due diligence and check the credentials of your “therapist.”

The public needs to know that right in your town, a clinic like this could be operating right now. So be aware!

It’s high time to get this loophole closed and some new regulations in place. Children going through divorce have a hard enough time. They don’t need this situation on top of it. Shawna Linn, Kamloops