31200 – Psychologists

Lead statement

Psychologists assess and diagnose behavioural, emotional and cognitive disorders, counsel clients, provide therapy, conduct research and apply theory relating to behaviour and mental processes. Psychologists help clients work toward the maintenance and enhancement of psychological, physical, intellectual, emotional, social and interpersonal functioning.

Main duties

• Examine and assess behaviour, diagnose behavioural, emotional and cognitive disorders, counsel clients and provide therapy
• Help clients manage physical illness and disorders
• Counsel individuals and groups to achieve more effective personal, social and vocational development and adjustment, and offer mediation services
• Use standard psychological tests for assessment
• Plan intervention programs and conduct program evaluation
• Apply psychological theory and principles regarding behaviour and mental processes such as learning, language development, memory and perception to develop treatment programs
• Formulate hypotheses and experimental designs, review literature, conduct studies and publish research papers, educational texts and articles
• Deliver presentations at conferences, workshops or symposia
• Provide consultation services to government and other organizations
• Conduct applied psychology and/or experimental research.

Employment requirements

• A doctoral degree in psychology is required in order to use the designation "Psychologist" in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.
• A master's degree in psychology is required for the designation "Psychologist" in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
• A master's degree in psychology is required in order to use the designation "Psychological Associate" in Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.
• A period of supervised practical experience is required in most jurisdictions.
• Successful completion of the written Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is required in most provinces.
• Oral examinations and board interviews are required in some provinces.
• Registration with a regulatory body is required in all provinces, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
• Written ethics and jurisprudence exams may be required in some jurisdictions.
• Psychologists can become specialized in a particular area through training and experience.

Example job titles

psychologist · educational psychologist · clinical psychologist · school psychologist · neuropsychologist · research psychologist · child psychologist · chartered psychologist · registered psychologist · psychological associate · provisional psychologist

Wages (per hour)

Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.