Yukon approves regulation for psychologists

Law360 Canada (January 29, 2025, 1:30 PM EST) -- Yukon’s government has approved the regulation of psychologists — thus establishing professional standards and giving residents access to “licensed, qualified” practitioners.

According to a Jan. 28 news release, the new regulation, which falls under the Health Professions Act, “aligns the profession with other Yukon regulated health professionals, national standards and practices for psychologists.”

“This regulation also provides a formal process to register complaints if they are dissatisfied with the quality of services they receive,” it goes on to state.

Yukon psychologists are able to register as of Feb. 1. With regulation, they “will now need to meet qualification standards and follow standards of practice to be registered to practice in the territory.”

Yukon minister of community services Richard Mostyn called it a “significant step forward.”

“The psychologists’ regulation under the Health Professions Act is a significant step forward in ensuring that Yukoners receive care from highly qualified and ethical professionals,” said Mostyn in a statement. “By setting clear standards and strengthening accountability, this regulation not only improves access to registered psychologists but also fosters trust and transparency in mental health services.”

Health and social services minister Tracy-Anne McPhee echoed Mostyn’s sentiments.

“This regulation ensures that Yukoners will have better access to high quality mental health care, governed by professional standards, more accountability and better support,” said McPhee. “It’s our government’s goal to have a health care system that is both accessible and culturally safe and this is the latest step in that direction.”

According to a separate government webpage titled “Psychologists are now regulated in the Yukon,” eligibility requirements include already holding “full registration” in another Canadian jurisdiction, or having completed required academic training and passed the Examination of Professional Practice in Psychology.

All those providing psychology services to Yukon residents will need to register, hold a “Yukon certificate” and renew that certificate annually.

According to its website, the Psychological Society of Yukon has been calling for regulation since the organization’s formation in 2019. The society notes that, until now, Yukon was the only Canadian jurisdiction that did not regulate psychologists.

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