Professional Standards, Codes of Ethics and Policies are for public protection and to guide the safe delivery of health care.

ACTA’s mandate has been to prepare the professional standards and codes of ethics, together with Alberta Health where appropriate, which has been completed.

The Government of Alberta is responsible for the proclamation of the regulations so professional standards, codes of ethics, and entry-to-practice requirements can be approved and enforced.

Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics

The Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics, and Advice to the Profession guide the  professional counselling relationship and outline the code of conduct necessary for the safe and effective  provision of professional services across various practice settings, areas of practice, and client populations.

Advice to the Professions (ATTPs)

• Dually-registered Members

• Use of Titles and Designations

• Affirming Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

What is a Counselling Therapist?

In their practice, counselling therapists do one or more of the following: (a) within a counselling relationship, assess, guide, support and treat individuals or groups of individuals to enhance, maintain and promote health and wellness; (b) engage in education with respect to the practice of counselling therapy; (c) engage in research related to the practice of counselling therapy; (d) provide restricted activities authorized by the regulations. *

The therapeutic counselling process is characterized by the application of clinical assessment and evidence-based methodologies to enhance mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being, and to support safety and change within a defined therapeutic counsellor-client relationship. Counselling therapists utilize a diverse range of modalities and expertise to address client issues related to trauma, addiction, grief, relationships, personal growth, career development, and so forth. Counselling therapists work with adults, adolescents, children, couples, families and groups. They provide culturally appropriate and competent care in alignment with their standards of practice and code of ethics. 

Counselling therapists commonly hold a master’s degree in counselling, counselling psychology, psychology, psychotherapy, or a related field, with some having a doctoral degree. Due to Alberta’s unregulated environment, there are counselling therapists who have acquired their competencies through diverse avenues and levels of education, training, experience, and supervision.