Psychologists are trained to understand how people think, feel, and behave. Psychologists can help people to understand, explain, and change their feelings, thinking, and behaviour. They are extensively trained in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health issues, and are trained to provide psychotherapy and counselling.

• There are currently 206 Registered Psychologists working in Newfoundland and Labrador, most prominently in the public sector (e.g., regional health zones, the grade Kindergarten-12 and post-secondary systems, the justice system), and private practices.
• It takes approximately a decade to train a psychologist through university undergraduate and graduate programs, supervised practice with senior psychologists/residencies, and international licensing exams.
• The title “Psychologist” is protected and can only be used in NL by someone registered with the Newfoundland and Labrador Psychology Board (NLPB). All registered Psychologists in NL must be registered by the NLPB, and are regulated by this governing body. You can distinguish psychologists’ credentials on documents with wording such as “Registered Psychologist” or “R.Psych” and their registration number (e.g., R.Psych #001).
  For a list of registered psychologists in NL, please visit https://nlpsychboard.ca/ or https://secure.nlpsychboard.ca/registered_psychologists.php

•  Psychologists are licensed, regulated professionals trained in the assessment and diagnosis of varied disorders. Psychologists and Physicians (e.g., Psychiatrists, Pediatricians, General Practitioners) are trained in differential diagnosis and making mental health diagnoses.
• Psychologists are extensively trained in psychometric assessment tool interpretation, diagnosis, and treatment of varied disorders. Psychologists diagnose neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Intellectual Developmental Disorder, Specific Learning Disorder, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder), Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive & Related Disorders, Depressive & Mood Disorders, Feeding/Eating Disorders, Personality Disorders, Neurocognitive Disorders (e.g., Concussions/Brain Injuries), and various other disorders.
• School psychologists travel throughout the province and work directly with students in schools. School psychologists also work directly with teachers and other staff members, families, and other professionals and groups in school communities. School psychologists diagnose and consult on varied student, school, and family concerns. Psychologist support in schools might be referred to as ABCD: Assessment and diagnosis, Behavioural consultation and support, Counselling and therapy (including crisis response support), and Direct service on the student support education team. School Psychologists network with school professionals and other mental health / medical service providers to develop support plans for students. Many school psychologists are dual trained as teachers and psychologists, and are members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association (NLTA). School psychologists have unique skills and are experts in behavioural and mental health support. School Psychologists help students thrive and reach their full potential. Registered psychologists who work in the K-12 education system are represented by Psychologists in Education (PIE) [A Special Interest Council -SIC] of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Union (NLTA)]. Visit the PIE website to learn more about School Psychology. Within the PIE website you can find resources & information for the school community and the general public https://www.psychologistsineducationnl.ca.
• Psychologists provide health-related interventions for issues such as eating disorders, sleep concerns, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other long-term chronic health conditions.
• Psychologists use trauma-informed practice in their work, and many specialize in the assessment and treatment of trauma.
• Psychologists provide evidence-based interventions (treatments that have research evidence to support their effectiveness) for a variety of conditions.
• Psychologists provide science-based non-pharmacological interventions for treatment and rehabilitation of mental and physical health conditions, behaviour change, health promotion, and illness prevention.
• Psychologists often work within multidisciplinary and interprofessional teams. In some provinces, they are included in primary integrated health care teams alongside physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, and other health professionals.
• Psychologists can assist families apply for varied financial supports (e.g., Government of Canada Disability Tax Credit) and advise them regarding the claiming of purchased supports on the family’s tax filings.
• Psychologists are trained in research and statistics, and taught to critically analyze research studies and results. Many psychologists are actively involved in research.
• Psychologists may also teach, provide training, supervision, and consultation to other professionals, as well as provide expertise in program, system, and policy development.
• Information shared with a Psychologist is confidential with a few legal exceptions (e.g. immediate concerns regarding harm, or risk to a minor).
• Most psychological services do not require a physician referral. Individuals can self-refer for mental health services via NL Health Services- central intake. Private psychologists do not require a referral, although some private insurance plans may request one. The cost to see a psychologist in private practice may be covered by extended health insurance plans, and/or workplace Employee and Family Assistance Plans. There is no cost to see a psychologist working in the public sector (i.e., within health, education, or justice systems), however;
• Currently, there is a significant shortage of psychologists and there will be an increased need for psychologists in the future. APNL continues to advocate for psychological services and psychologists in our province.