MCFD and the Psychotherapy Industry

Introduction

Generally, psychotherapy comprises of two distinguished disciplines: psychiatry and clinical psychology (sometimes also known as counseling psychology). Although both types of practitioner are called doctors, psychiatrists (medical doctors specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders) and clinical psychologists (often Ph.D. degree holders in psychology) have very different credentials, governed by different professional bodies and statutory power in their practice.

In the last few decades, reliance on assessments from clinical psychologists and, to a lesser extent, psychiatrists, have become more and more common in the court of law. Pursuant to Rule 11-2 of Court Rules Act Supreme Court Civil Rules [includes amendments up to B.C. Reg. 241/2010, July 30, 2010], psychological assessments are presented to court as expert evidence which assists the court and is not to be an advocate for any party. In criminal proceedings, for instance the Temple Secondary School "Hit List" trial, psychological assessments of the accused are often used in bail hearings and sentencing. In child protection hearings, assessments are often used to support the Ministry's position, for instance FRA/CFCSA - E. Children, 1997 BCPC 17 (CanLII), or to decline custody applications from parents or other relatives.

Many Canadians would think that these assessments are prepared by impartial, well-trained and regulated professionals and are hence reliable in supporting judicial decision making. This page gives an overview of what MCFD-compelled counselling/assessment is and examines the propriety of using assessments from MCFD paid psychotherapy practitioners in the context of CFCSA applications. Except the section under the heading "Psychotropic Drugs on Removed Children and Parents", most of our discussions surround psychologists employed in child protection hearings.

This web page intends to assist families compelled to be assessed by psychotherapists in a CFCSA context. Please review the table of contents below. If you wish to read these materials, please complete and submit the form below to apply for an access code of this page. Please note that granting access to this page is at our sole discretion.

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[This page was conceptualized on 20 April 2011, published on 4 July 2012, last revised 24 March 2015.]