Profile of Regulated Profession

The title “psychologist” is protected by statute in Nova Scotia.

Under the RHPA and the Psychology Regulations made pursuant to the Act, no person may practise psychology, use the title “psychologist” (or any variation or abbreviation containing the words “psychology,” “psychologist,” or “psychological”), or hold themselves out as qualified to practise psychology unless registered with the Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology (NSRP).

The NSRP is governed by the Regulated Health Professions Act, the Regulated Health Professions General Regulations, the Psychology Regulations, its own bylaws—which further detail registration requirements, standards of practice, continuing competency, discipline processes, and other operational matters—and its policies, which support the implementation of these frameworks, including practice standards and procedural guidelines.

The statutory scope of practice of psychology remains as previously defined under the former Psychologists Act and is now set out in the Psychology Regulations under the RHPA. Psychologists are authorized to assess behaviour and mental processes, diagnose psychological and emotional disorders, provide psychotherapy and other evidence-based interventions, and conduct and communicate psychological research.

While workforce numbers change throughout the year, the following PDF document provides an overview of the regulated profession of psychology with data current to the end of the last registration year under the NSBEP (June 30, 2025).

You may click on the following PDF document to view this information