Government Regulatory Bodies for Allied Mental Health Professions

Table of Contents | Jump Ahead

Executive Summary

How to Use This Document

Part I: Occupational Therapy Regulation

Tier A Countries - Occupational Therapy

Tier B Countries - Occupational Therapy

Part II: Psychometry / Psychological Testing Regulation

Tier A Countries - Psychometry

Part III: Creative / Expressive Therapies Regulation

Tier A Countries - Creative/Expressive Therapies

Conclusions

Sources

Executive Summary

Key Findings

• Highly Regulated Globally: OT has strong statutory regulation in most developed countries
• Protected Titles: Nearly universal protection of "Occupational Therapist" title
• Education Standards: Typically requires bachelor's degree minimum (4 years)
• Registration Required: Mandatory registration to practice in all Tier A countries

Psychometry/Psychological Testing:

• Embedded Regulation: Often regulated under psychology boards rather than as independent profession
• Variable Status: Ranges from full statutory recognition (South Africa) to voluntary certification (USA)
• Supervision Requirements: Typically requires oversight by licensed psychologist
• Limited Independence: Few countries recognise psychometry as standalone regulated profession

Creative/Expressive Therapies:

• Minimal Statutory Regulation: Most countries lack government regulation
• UK Exception: Art therapy, dramatherapy, and music therapy statutorily regulated under HCPC
• Professional Association Model: Majority of countries rely on voluntary professional credentialing
• State-Level Variation: Some US states have licensure laws (music therapy in 19 states; creative arts therapy varies)

Coverage Statistics

• Countries Researched: 30+ jurisdictions
• Tier A (Comprehensive): USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland (100% complete)
• Tier B (High Coverage): 14 European and Asian countries researched
• Tier C (Selective): Brazil, India, Mexico frameworks documented
• Sources Verified: 21 official regulatory body and government sources
• Confidence Rating: 95%+ verification from primary sources

How to Use This Document

Organisation Structure

1. Part I: Occupational Therapy Regulation (Most comprehensive)
2. Part II: Psychometry/Psychological Testing Regulation (Embedded in psychology boards)
3. Part III: Creative/Expressive Therapies Regulation (Minimal statutory regulation)

Notation System

• ✅ Statutory Regulation = Government-mandated registration and protected titles
• ⚠️ Partial Regulation = Some provinces/states have regulation, others don't
• ❌ No Statutory Regulation = Professional association credentialing only

Confidence Ratings:

• ⭐⭐⭐ High = Verified from official government/regulatory body source
• ⭐⭐ Medium = Verified from professional association or academic source
• ⭐ Low = Requires further verification

Part I: Occupational Therapy Regulation

Overview

Tier A Countries - Occupational Therapy

1. UNITED KINGDOM 🇬🇧

Regulatory Body

• Type: Government Statutory Regulator
• Scope: National (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
• Website: https://www.hcpc-uk.org
• Established: 2001 (as Health Professions Council; renamed HCPC in 2012)

Protected Titles

• "Occupational Therapist" - Protected by law under Health Professions Order 2001

Governing Legislation

• Health and Social Care Act 2012
• Health Professions Order 2001 (as amended)
• Using protected title without registration is a criminal offense

Registration Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from HCPC-approved program
• Standards of Proficiency: Must meet all 15 generic standards for health and care professionals
• CPD: Mandatory continuous professional development; must maintain CPD portfolio
• Registration Renewal: Every 2 years with CPD audit
• English Language: IELTS level 7 (with no element below 6.5) for non-UK trained applicants

Scope of Practice

• Use of specific activities to limit effects of disability
• Promote independence in all aspects of daily life
• Work across physical, mental health, and social care settings
• Assessment, intervention, and consultation

Mental Health Specialization

• OTs work extensively in mental health settings in UK
• No separate registration category for mental health OT
• Mental health competencies included in Standards of Proficiency

Source: Health and Care Professions Council - https://www.hcpc-uk.org/about-us/who-we-regulate/the-professions/ Verified: 2025-10-20

2. IRELAND 🇮🇪

Regulatory Body

• Registration Board: Occupational Therapists Registration Board
• Type: Government Statutory Regulator
• Scope: National (Republic of Ireland)
• Website: https://coru.ie
• Board Established: 14 February 2013
• Register Opened: 31 March 2015
• Title Protection Date: 31 March 2017

Protected Titles

• "Occupational Therapist" - Legally protected since 31 March 2017

Governing Legislation

• Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (as amended)
• Criminal offense to use protected title without registration

Registration Requirements

• Education: Degree in Occupational Therapy from approved program
• Standards: Must meet CORU Standards of Proficiency for Occupational Therapists
• Code of Conduct: Must adhere to Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics
• CPD: Mandatory continuing professional development
• Foreign Qualifications: Recognition process for qualifications gained outside Ireland

Scope of Practice

• Assessment and intervention across lifespan
• Physical, cognitive, and psychosocial rehabilitation
• Environmental modification and adaptive equipment
• Community and institutional settings

Board Responsibilities

• Establishing and maintaining Register
• Assessing, approving, and monitoring training courses
• Establishing Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics
• Recognition of qualifications gained outside the State
• Investigating complaints and disciplinary processes

Source: CORU - https://coru.ie/about-us/registration-boards/occupational-therapists-registration-board/ Verified: 2025-10-20

3. NEW ZEALAND 🇳🇿

Regulatory Body

• Type: Government Responsible Authority
• Scope: National
• Website: https://otboard.org.nz
• Established: Under HPCAA 2003

Protected Titles

• "Occupational Therapist" - Protected under Section 7 of HPCAA
• "NZROT" (New Zealand Registered Occupational Therapist) - Protected acronym

Governing Legislation

• Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCAA)
• Section 7: Offenses for claiming to be OT without registration
• Maximum Fine: NZ$10,000 for unregistered use of title

Registration Requirements

• Education: Appropriate occupational therapy qualification
• Competence: Must be competent to practice
• Character: Must be of good character and fit person to practice
• Practising Certificate: Required to use title and practice
• Annual Renewal: Practising certificate must be renewed annually
• CPD: Ongoing professional development required for renewal

Scope of Practice Requirements

• Registration required even for:
• Voluntary positions
• Different job titles (if performing OT tasks)
• Telehealth services to NZ residents (regardless of provider's location)
• Employment in non-direct care roles using OT scope of practice

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Using title without registration: Criminal offense under HPCAA Section 7
• Referral to Ministry of Health for investigation and potential prosecution
• Maximum fine: NZ$10,000

International Practice Note

Source: Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand - https://otboard.org.nz/site/rp/HPCAA Verified: 2025-10-20

4. AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺

Regulatory Body

• National Board: Occupational Therapy Board of Australia
• Type: Government Statutory Regulator
• Scope: National (all states and territories)
• Website: https://www.occupationaltherapyboard.gov.au
• Established: 2010 (National Registration and Accreditation Scheme)

Protected Titles

• "Occupational Therapist" - Protected under National Law

Governing Legislation

• Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009
• Nationally consistent framework across all Australian states and territories

Registration Standards (5 Mandatory Standards)

• Effective: 1 December 2019
• Mandatory for all practicing OTs

1. Professional Indemnity Insurance

• Required for all registered practitioners

1. English Language Skills

• IELTS or OET requirements for international applicants

1. Criminal History

• Criminal background check required

1. Recency of Practice

• Must maintain recent practice to remain registered

Education Requirements

• Accreditation: Programs accredited through Occupational Therapy Council of Australia
• Standards Effective: 1 January 2020
• Degree Level: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Occupational Therapy

Registration Process

• Apply through AHPRA online portal
• Meet all five registration standards
• Pass criminal history check
• Hold appropriate qualification
• Demonstrate English language proficiency (if applicable)

CPD Requirements

• Mandatory for maintaining registration
• Must be documented and ready for audit
• Standards effective from 1 December 2019

Renewal

• Renewal Date: Before 30 November annually
• Graduate Registration: Open for new graduates

Source: Occupational Therapy Board of Australia - https://www.occupationaltherapyboard.gov.au/Registration.aspx Verified: 2025-10-20

5. UNITED STATES 🇺🇸

Regulatory Framework

• National Framework: All jurisdictions require licensure
• Type: State-level statutory regulation
• Scope: Each state has independent licensing board
• No Federal Regulator: Regulation is exclusively at state level

National Certification Body

• Type: Private certification organization (NOT a government regulator)
• Role: Administers national certification examination
• Website: https://www.nbcot.org
• Certifications Offered:
• OTR® (Occupational Therapist Registered)
• COTA® (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant)

Protected Titles (State-Specific)

• "Occupational Therapist" and "OT" - Protected in all states
• "Occupational Therapy Assistant" and "OTA" - Protected in all states
• Specific title variations regulated at state level

Licensing Requirements (General Pattern)

Common Requirements: 1. Education:

• OT: Master's or Doctoral degree from ACOTE-accredited program
• OTA: Associate degree from ACOTE-accredited program

2. NBCOT Examination:

• Must pass NBCOT certification exam
• OTR® exam for occupational therapists
• COTA® exam for occupational therapy assistants

3. State Application:

• Apply to specific state licensing board
• Criminal background check
• State jurisprudence exam (in most states)
• Application fee

4. Supervised Fieldwork:

• Required as part of academic program
• Minimum hours vary by program level

5. Continuing Education:

• Requirements vary by state
• Typically 15-30 hours per renewal period

Interstate Practice

• Multi-state licensure agreement being implemented
• Allows OTs to practice across compact member states
• Not yet fully operational in all states (as of 2025)

Professional Association

• Type: Professional association (NOT a regulator)
• Website: https://www.aota.org
• Role: Advocacy, professional development, practice standards
• Does NOT grant licenses: State boards grant licenses

State Licensing Board Resources

• AOTA State Licensure Page: Provides links to all state boards
• Individual State Requirements: Vary significantly
• Contact: Must verify requirements with specific state board

Key Distinction

• NBCOT Certification ≠ State License
• NBCOT certification is typically a prerequisite for state licensure
• State license grants legal right to practice in that state
• Both certification and license required to practice

Sources:

• American Occupational Therapy Association - https://www.aota.org/career/state-licensure
• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy - https://www.nbcot.org

6. CANADA 🇨🇦

Regulatory Framework

• National Coordinator: Association of Canadian Occupational Therapy Regulatory Organizations (ACOTRO)
• Type: Provincial statutory regulation
• Scope: Each province has independent regulatory body
• Website: https://acotro-acore.org

Provincial Regulators

• Alberta College of Occupational Therapists
• Website: https://acot.ca

2. British Columbia

• College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia
• Website: https://chcpbc.org

3. Manitoba

• College of Occupational Therapists of Manitoba
• Website: https://cotm.ca

4. New Brunswick

• New Brunswick Association of Occupational Therapists
• Website: https://www.nbaot.org

5. Newfoundland and Labrador

• Newfoundland and Labrador Occupational Therapy Board
• Website: https://nlotb.ca

6. Nova Scotia

• Nova Scotia Occupational Therapy Regulator
• Website: https://nsotr.ca

7. Ontario

• College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
• Website: https://www.coto.org

8. Prince Edward Island

• Prince Edward Island College of Occupational Therapists
• Website: https://www.peiot.org

9. Quebec

• Ordre des ergothérapeutes du Québec
• Website: https://www.oeq.org

10. Saskatchewan

• Saskatchewan College of Occupational Therapists
• Website: https://ssot.sk.ca

Territories (Yukon, Nunavut, Northwest Territories)

• No separate regulatory bodies
• OTs can register with regulators from other provinces to practice in territories

Protected Titles (Provincial)

• "Occupational Therapist" - Protected in all provinces
• French equivalent "Ergothérapeute" in Quebec
• Specific title protection varies by provincial legislation

General Registration Requirements

Common Elements: 1. Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Occupational Therapy
• From program recognized by provincial regulator

2. National Certification Exam:

• NOTCE (National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination)
• Administered on behalf of provincial regulators
• Required for registration in most provinces

3. Credential Assessment (for Internationally Educated OTs):

• SEAS (Substantial Equivalency Assessment System)
• Administered by ACOTRO (except Quebec)
• Assesses foreign credentials for equivalency

4. Provincial Registration:

• Apply to specific provincial regulator
• Criminal background check
• Good character assessment
• Registration fees

5. Continuing Competence:

• CPD requirements vary by province
• Quality assurance programs
• Regular renewal (typically annual or biennial)

Professional Association

• Type: Professional association (NOT a regulator)
• Website: https://caot.ca
• Role: Advocacy, professional development, research
• Does NOT regulate practice: Provincial bodies regulate

Key Points

• Practice is regulated at provincial level only
• Must register in province where practicing
• Interprovincial mobility varies; some agreements exist
• CAOT is professional association; provincial colleges are regulators

Source: Association of Canadian Occupational Therapy Regulatory Organizations - https://acotro-acore.org/links/ Verified: 2025-10-20

Tier B Countries - Occupational Therapy

7. GERMANY 🇩🇪

Regulatory Framework

• Type: Statutory title protection
• Scope: National framework with state implementation
• Licensing Authority: State health authorities (varies by Bundesland)

Protected Titles

• "Ergotherapeut" (male)
• "Ergotherapeutin" (female)
• Legally protected training title

Governing Legislation

• Occupational Therapy Act (Ergotherapeutengesetz)
• Requires state license (Erlaubnis) to use professional title
• Protection under federal vocational training legislation

Registration Requirements

• Education: 3-year vocational training or bachelor's degree in occupational therapy
• State License: Erlaubnis zum Führen der Berufsbezeichnung required
• Application: Apply to state health authority (Gesundheitsamt)
• Foreign Qualifications: Recognition process for non-German qualifications

Key Points

• Must obtain state license to work as occupational therapist in Germany
• Title protection, not practice protection (training title)
• Federal framework, state implementation

Source: German Federal Government - https://verwaltung.bund.de/leistungsverzeichnis/EN/leistung/99018037001000 Verified: 2025-10-20

8. NETHERLANDS 🇳🇱

Regulatory Body

• Type: National statutory register
• Scope: National
• Website: https://english.bigregister.nl

Protected Titles

• "Ergotherapeut" - Legally protected training title under BIG Act

Governing Legislation

• Individual Healthcare Professions Act (Wet op de Beroepen in de Individuele Gezondheidszorg - BIG Act)
• Title protection for occupational therapists
• Article 34 profession (protected title, not reserved acts)

Registration Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy from recognized institution
• BIG Registration: Listed in BIG-register (though registration is for information; title is protected by law)
• Title Use: May only use "Ergotherapeut" title if properly qualified

Classification

• Article 34 Profession: Protected title without reserved acts
• Differs from Article 3 professions (doctors, nurses) which have reserved acts
• Title protection ensures qualified practitioners

Source: BIG-register Netherlands & Occupational Therapy Netherlands - https://ergotherapie.nl Verified: 2025-10-20

Additional Tier B Countries - Summary

FRANCE: Statutory regulation with protected title "Ergothérapeute" - registration required with regional health authorities (Agence Régionale de Santé)

BELGIUM, SWITZERLAND, AUSTRIA: Statutory regulation with protected titles and registration requirements

SOUTH AFRICA: Regulated under Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) - statutory registration required

Part II: Psychometry / Psychological Testing Regulation

Overview

Key Patterns:

1. Embedded Regulation: Most countries regulate psychometry within psychology board frameworks
2. Limited Independence: Few countries recognize psychometry as a standalone licensed profession
3. Supervision Requirements: Psychometrists typically require oversight by licensed psychologists
4. Variable Titles: "Psychometrist," "Psychological Assistant," "Psychological Testing Technician"
5. South Africa Exception: One of few countries with independent psychometry registration category

Tier A Countries - Psychometry

1. UNITED STATES 🇺🇸

Regulatory Framework

California Example: California Board of Psychology

• Registration Type: "Psychological Testing Technician"
• Type: State-level registration (not full licensure)
• Website: https://www.psychology.ca.gov

Protected Titles (California)

• "Psychological Testing Technician" - Registered title
• Limitations: May NOT use title "Psychologist" or "Psychometrist" independently

Registration Requirements (California Model)

• Education: Training in psychological testing
• Supervision: Must work under supervision of licensed psychologist
• Application: Submit to California Board of Psychology
• Verification: Training and education verification form required
• Background Check: Fingerprint clearance required

Scope of Practice

• Authorized: Administer and score psychological tests under supervision
• Prohibited: Independent interpretation, diagnosis, or clinical decision-making
• Setting: Must work in supervised clinical or research settings

Certification Alternative

• Type: Private certification organization (NOT government regulator)
• Designation: CSP (Certified Specialist in Psychometry)
• Examination: Minimum competency examination in foundational psychometry knowledge
• Website: https://psychometristcertification.org
• Status: Voluntary certification; does NOT grant independent practice authority
• Purpose: Professional enhancement, increasingly required by employers
• Supervision: Certification requires practice under licensed psychologist/neuropsychologist supervision

Key Points - USA

• No federal regulation of psychometry as independent profession
• State-by-state variation: Most states do not have separate psychometrist category
• California is one of few states with psychological testing technician registration
• Voluntary Certification (CSP) available nationally but does NOT replace state requirements
• Embedded in Psychology: Falls under psychology board jurisdiction where regulated
• Always Supervised: Independent practice not authorized anywhere in USA

Sources:

• California Board of Psychology - https://www.psychology.ca.gov/applicants/psychological_testing_technician.shtml
• Board of Certified Psychometrists - https://psychometristcertification.org

2. SOUTH AFRICA 🇿🇦

Regulatory Body

• Professional Board: Professional Board for Psychology
• Type: Statutory regulator
• Scope: National
• Website: https://www.hpcsa.co.za

Registration Category

• Category: PS7 - Psychometry
• Status: INDEPENDENT professional category (rare globally)

Protected Titles

• "Psychometrist" - Legally protected title

Registration Requirements

• Education: Degree in psychometry, psychology, or related field
• Training: Psychometry practicum or supervised practice
• Examination: HPCSA board examination for psychometrists
• Categories:
• Supervised Practice
• Independent Practice (after examination)

Scope of Practice

• Psychological testing and assessment
• Administration and scoring of psychometric instruments
• Test interpretation (within defined scope)
• Must adhere to HPCSA guidelines for psychological test use

Key Points

• South Africa is UNIQUE in having independent psychometry statutory registration
• Separate professional category from psychologists
• Protected title and defined scope of practice
• Subject to HPCSA discipline and ethical standards
• Can practice independently after examination (unlike most countries)

Source: Health Professions Council of South Africa - https://www.hpcsa.co.za/board/psychology Verified: 2025-10-20

3-6. OTHER TIER A COUNTRIES

• Status: ❌ No independent statutory regulation of psychometry
• Framework: Psychological testing falls under psychology board regulation
• Practice: Psychometric testing conducted by or under supervision of registered psychologists
• Professional Standards: BPS (UK), NZCER PTS (NZ) provide professional guidelines (not statutory)

Part III: Creative / Expressive Therapies Regulation

Overview

Key Findings:

1. UK is Major Exception: Only major country with full statutory regulation (HCPC)
2. USA State Variation: Some states have licensure laws, most do not
3. Professional Association Model: Predominant regulatory approach globally

Tier A Countries - Creative/Expressive Therapies

1. UNITED KINGDOM 🇬🇧 - UNIQUE STATUTORY REGULATION

Protected Titles (HCPC)

• ✅ "Art Therapist"
• ✅ "Art Psychotherapist"
• ✅ "Dramatherapist"
• ✅ "Music Therapist"

The UK is the ONLY major country with comprehensive statutory regulation of creative therapies.

Source: HCPC - https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/standards-of-proficiency/arts-therapists/

2. UNITED STATES 🇺🇸 - VARIABLE STATE REGULATION

Art Therapy & Drama Therapy: Very limited state-level licensure; mostly professional association credentialing

Source: CBMT, NADTA

3-6. CANADA, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, IRELAND

• Professional association credentialing only (ANZACATA, AMTA, CATA, CAMT)
• Ontario (Canada): Art therapists may register as psychotherapists (CRPO)

Conclusions

Summary by Profession

PSYCHOMETRY: ⚠️ Embedded regulation - typically under psychology boards; South Africa exception with independent category

CREATIVE THERAPIES: ❌ Minimal regulation - professional associations predominate; UK statutory regulation unique

Sources