About CAPT

The Canadian Association for Psychodynamic Therapy (CAPT) is a professional association of psychodynamic psychotherapists, training institutes and organizations committed to the preservation, practice, study and advancement of psychodynamic therapy. We have been a proud and influential member of the psychotherapy community in Canada since CAPT’s inception in 2000.

CAPT supports high standards of psychotherapy training, practice and ongoing professional development. We also invite the broader health care community and public to learn about psychodynamic therapy through this web site.

We advance a broad spectrum of psychodynamic approaches, fostering a rich and ongoing professional exchange.

The interests of psychodynamic therapy and its standards of practice are rerepresented through:

  • Upholding standards of professional conduct including training, regulation and development
  • Providing a hub for psychodynamic therapists and training institutes
  • Supporting understanding of psychodynamic therapy among healthcare professionals and the public
  • Liaising with government bodies, mental health agencies and other professional associations
  • Contributing to research on psychodynamic psychotherapy

CAPT has also been active in raising the profile advancing the practice of psychodynamic therapy with the public, government, and other stakeholders.

Here is a collection of our advocacy work, both ongoing and accomplished:

Regulation: CAPT plays an active role in the regulation of psychotherapy services in Ontario through the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and works with all regulatory bodies across Canada to ensure professional practice standards.

Professional Insurance: CAPT was a founding member of Registered Psychotherapists Insurance Committee (RPIC) which included registered psychotherapists in third-party insurance coverage.

Education: CAPT advocates on the role of psychodynamic therapy in private colleges.

Research: CAPT members welcome opportunities to submit research and co-ordinate with the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care in Ontario as well as other consultations across Canada.

Elimination of Sales Tax: The harmonized sales tax (HST) was eliminated from mental health services in 2024 through collaboration with multiple campaigns advocating to remove the tax.

Employee Benefits: CAPT advocates for psychotherapy to be included in the insurance coverage of employee benefit plans. This draft letter encourages employers to add regulated titles to the list of approved providers in policies and can be shared with patients, union representatives or other stakeholders.

CAPT is a member of the Partnership of Registered Psychotherapist Associations (PRPA).

PRPA exists to amplify the voice of psychotherapists and remind you: you are seen, supported, and essential.

Together with all its member associations, PRPA advocates for issues that affect Ontario’s registered psychotherapists, and builds a united front on how mental health is approached and supported across the province.