Summer Political Engagement & Registration Fee Reduction Ends September 15
While summer often brings a slower pace, this has been a full and productive season for ACTA. Throughout the summer, we have continued to build momentum toward the regulation of counselling therapists in Alberta through sustained engagement, collaboration, and partnership with government.
From presenting Alberta’s counselling therapy and psychotherapy workforce data to the Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Workforce Advisory Committee, to engaging with political leaders during the Calgary Stampede and meeting with Minister Wright, ACTA has continued to advance the profession’s priorities and demonstrate the value regulation will bring to Albertans.
There is important work underway, and we are encouraged by the continued collaboration and forward momentum. Below, we’re pleased to share some of the highlights from a busy summer.
ACTA was grateful for the chance to connect with Alberta's government leaders about the Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Workforce Advisory Committee and the future of counselling therapy regulation.
Thank you to Premier Danielle Smith, Minister Rick Wilson (Mental Health and Addiction), Minister Justin Wright (Primary and Preventive Health Services) for your time, your openness, and your genuine engagement on this important file.
We shared findings from our 2026 Counselling Therapy & Psychotherapy Workforce Survey: Alberta already has a substantial, trained mental health and addiction workforce, ready to expand access to care across the province. Regulation is what unlocks that existing capacity and would allow the profession to work to their full scope of practice— strengthening the workforce, protecting the public, and supporting Alberta's recovery-oriented system of care.
We're encouraged by these conversations and the ongoing collaboration throughout the summer with the Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction. The path forward to regulation through the Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Workforce Subcommittee continues to gain momentum, and we remain committed to seeing this work through — in partnership with government and for the benefit of Albertans.
The Board continues its efforts to increase public access to mental health and addiction services by expanding awareness and recognition of ACTA Counselling Therapists among third-party insurance providers.
New provider recognition secured this year includes Wawanesa, ClaimSecure, Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance, GroupHEALTH, and Select Victim Services.
ACTA Counselling Therapists are now recognized by more than 14 insurance providers, increasing access to reimbursable counselling therapy services and supporting greater choice and access to mental health care for Albertans.
The Board remains committed to advancing regulation, strengthening member value, and increasing access to qualified, accountable counselling therapy services across Alberta.
To stay up to date, see more information on ACTA Webpage
There’s still time to take advantage of ACTA’s Summer Registration Incentive, but the deadline is quickly approaching!
Until September 15, 2026, ACTA is waiving the $200 application fee for new applicants and reinstatement fees for former members returning to ACTA.
With ACTA’s updated registration requirements—including the reduction in required Direct Client Contact hours from 450 to 150 hours—you may now qualify for registration.
Don’t miss the opportunity to apply or return to ACTA before the summer incentive ends September 15!
See the last newsletter for more details.
ACTA members were emailed the free promo code.
