I have recently become the co-owner of a private practice, along with my business partner. We are in the process of rebranding and renaming the practice to Dartmouth Psychological Services (DPS). We wanted to check with the board about this name, as we also employ two clinical social workers. The MSW’s are clearly identified as such (e.g., on the practice website, by our administrative assistants when booking, etc.). Would DPS be considered misrepresentation if we also employ and clearly identify MSW’s?

As long as there are psychologists working there, then the NSRP would not consider it to be a violation of the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Psychology Regulations to use this name for the practice. We would have noted the importance of clearly identifying the MSWs but you have stated that you would be doing so already. The bottom line inside the practice would be to ensure that any client receiving service from the MSW is clear that they are receiving social work services and not under the impression that they are receiving psychological services. This would be consistent with the NSRP position on billing to ensure that billing is transparent about services provided and by whom:

https://www.ns-rp.ca/downloads/billing_practices.pdf

In case it is also useful, here is some common information we provide to those starting practices.

Whenever starting a practice, NSRP would recommend that psychologists review the NSRP Standards for Providers of Psychological Service. One could also review the below PDF for a listing of relevant legislation and other guidance they might see through the lens of operating a clinic:

https://www.ns-rp.ca/downloads/Binder_Standards_Legislation_Guidelines.pdf

Finally, we would suggest that that document on starting and operating an independent practice might be helpful:

https://cpa.ca/cpasite/UserFiles/Documents/publications/PAA%20Guidebook.pdf

We wish you the best with your practice.