41301

Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies

TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Education, law, social & government services

4 › 41 › 413 › 4130

Definition

Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies assist individuals and groups of clients to identify, understand and overcome personal problems and achieve personal objectives. They can be specialized to work on specific problems and they may practice psychotherapy. They are employed by counselling centres, social service agencies, group homes, government agencies, family therapy centres, and educational, health care and rehabilitation facilities, or they may work in private practice.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Interview clients, prepare case histories and assess problems
Develop and implement counselling and intervention programs to assist clients in determining goals and means of attaining them
Counsel clients, provide therapy and mediation services, and facilitate group sessions
Liaise with community agencies or partners, and identify additional or alternative services and provide referrals
Evaluate the effectiveness of counselling programs and interventions, and clients' progress in resolving identified problems and movement toward defined objectives
Follow up on results of counselling programs and clients' adjustments
Prepare assessment, progress, follow-up and court reports
May supervise other counsellors, social service staff and assistants
May provide public education and consultation to other professionals or groups regarding counselling services, issues and methods
May provide witness testimony in court proceedings
May conduct research, publish research papers, educational texts and articles and deliver presentations at conferences
May collaborate with employee assistance programs or with government organizations in health and safety or with victims of crime
May participate in fundraising activities.

Example job titles

•addictions counsellor
•art therapist
•bereavement counsellor
•child and youth counsellor
•drama therapist
•family counsellor
•marriage counsellor
•movement therapist

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, code 41301 covers Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies. This TEER 1 occupation includes professionals such as psychotherapists, family counsellors, and marriage therapists who assist individuals, couples, or groups to improve their mental health and resolve personal or social issues. Typical duties include conducting intake assessments, developing customized therapeutic treatment plans, and delivering specialized counseling or therapy sessions.

To qualify under NOC 41301, individuals usually require a master's degree in counselling, psychology, social work, or a related discipline, along with supervised clinical training. Depending on the province of employment, registration with a provincial regulatory body or professional association is often mandatory. As a high-skilled TEER 1 occupation, this profession is eligible for major Canadian immigration pathways, including the Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker Program and various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a regulated immigration practitioner for official counsel.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.