Clinical & Mental Health Pathways Resource

Minimum A- average, unless otherwise specified

Undergraduate Honour’s Thesis

Full list of accredited programs here: https://cpa.ca/accreditation/cpaaccreditedprograms/

Recommend a couple of years research experience in a couple of labs, 2-3 conference presentations, experience working on publications, 2 strong reference letters (usually from academics), sometimes required 1 clinical reference.

Wide range of activities including assessments (depending on specialties, can include psycho-educational, forensic, neuro), psychiatric diagnosis, therapy, program evaluation, research, government work.

~3-5%

Minimum A- average

Undergraduate Thesis NOT REQUIRED

(unless otherwise specified)

Ontario: McMaster (psychotherapy), Western (counselling psychology), Guelph (psychotherapy), Laurier (theology masters), OISE (counselling)

Outside Ontario: SFU (counselling), UBC (counselling), UVic (counselling)

**This is not an exhaustive list

“Clinical” experience such as working in a group home, mentorship, community mental health sites. Two really good references that can speak to your skills as a potential therapist (typically from the clinical experiences).

Usually 1 academic reference that knows you well (e.g., you attended office hours, spoke to the prof outside of class hours, do not select a professor from a large class)

Therapy with your desired populations

5-10%

There are many programs that will allow you to register as a psychotherapist, however, they are not created equally. Private, online universiites are incredibly expensive (>$50K) and do not offer enough training to ensure competent practice. Students from these programs often have an incredibly difficult time finding practicum placements with experienced supervisors as many supervisors are refusing to take them on due to the lack of training. Currently, some supervisors are taking advantage by charging extra for the supervision, costing the students more than they make. Focus on applying to public universities or in person programs that will provide the training and support you need to be a safe and effective therapist

Minimum A- average, unless otherwise specified

Undergraduate Honour’s Thesis NOT REQUIRED

BSWs can apply for 1 year MSW programs, otherwise 2 years

Ontario: Laurier (most clinical program), UofT (lots of clinical), York (anti oppression focus), Carelton, Windsor

Clinical experience (aim for community settings), decent grades, really good references letters that speak to your clinical abilities, a statement that links your experience to systemic understanding of mental health. Be very thoughtful in WHY social work for your statement. (AI statements frowned upon)

Psychotherapy, Clinical management

More info: https://youtu.be/fMn-45UDZQI?si=-T4cHEKSPJ9phNeq

15-30%

Websites states B+, but usually closer to A average, unless otherwise specified

Undergraduate Honour’s Thesis NOT REQUIRED (but some research experience could help)

Ontario: University of Toronto, Western University, McMaster University

Volunteer with speech clinics or autism programs or with the population you hope to work with, strong reference letters (clinical not research); Check for specific course requirements such as Linguistics, Psychology (2nd year or higher), Human anaomy/ physiology, stats/ research methods; strong letter of interest including a strong understanding of what the program has to offer, and an understanding of what SLPs do

Children → speech delays, autism, learning issues

Adults → stroke, brain injury, dementia

Seniors → swallowing + cognitive decline

3-10%

A- (but likely high 80s+)

Undergraduate Honour’s Thesis NOT REQUIRED

Full list here: https://caot.ca/site/becomeotota/uniprograms

Strong personal statement, volunteer work in rehab, long term care, mental health or disability services, want to see breadth of experience, at least two letters of references (one needs to be academic). First cutoff is GPA, usually B+ and above, next is references, resume and statement.

Example from Queens: "The Statement of intent should demonstrate an informed career decision and the particular strengths, experiences, and abilities that the candidate would bring to the profession."

Helping people function in daily life (physical, cognitive, mental health)

Rehab after injury, chronic illness, disability support

Settings: hospitals, community agencies, schools, private practice

5-15% (e.g., 130 students out of 1000 applicants)

B+ to A- average

Undergraduate Honour’s Thesis NOT REQUIRED

Ontario: Western University; Brock University (MADS program)

Other Canadian Universities: University of New Brunswick, University of Manitoba

not an exhaustive list

Preference to psychology or ABA backgrounds, Three references (Brock), strong statement of intent that includes demonstrated commitment to field of disabilities or ABA (employment, volunteer, schooling or personal experience)

Work with ASD, Developmental Disabilities, ADHD, brain injury, Schools

Observe behaviour and identify triggers and maintaining factors, create structured plans to help clients, skill building (e.g., social skills, communications, daily living, school readiness)

20-60%

Minor or courses in fine or studio art in addition to psychology courses

Undergraduate Honour’s Thesis NOT REQUIRED

Ontario: Fleming College, Toronto Art Institute

Other schools: https://oata.ca/students/training/

Toronto Art Therapy Institute example: "Must have consistent and ongoing engagement with arts-making through academic, professional, personal, or community-based practices."

Three references (one has to be a character reference), statement of interest about how lived experience contributed to your desire to pursue art therapy, portfolio of work with a brief statement of reflection for each

Art Therapy within Hospitals, community mental health, shelters, LTC homes, forensic units, child welfare etc

Wide range of clients (developmental disorders, dementia, stroke, trauma etc.)

20-50% (unverified)

Only apply to this program if you are also very interested in art. This is not a back up to psychotherapy but a passion for art as well

at least a B average overalll; at least B- in Intro Psych, Developmental, and Psychopathogy courses

Undergraduate Honour’s Thesis NOT REQUIRED

Ontario: Laurier University

Other schools: Concordia University

not an exhaustive list

Relavent paid or voluntary experience in community. Statement of Intent, example of scholarly writing, 3 reference (2 academic, 1 professional),

Laurier example: audition with 2 contrasting pieces on your instrument, a song to demonstrate your singing voice, a short improve on your instrument, and a Grade 6 piano piece (if piano is not your instrument), knowledge of music theories.

Music Therapy within Hospitals, community mental health, shelters, LTC homes, forensic units, child welfare etc

Wide range of clients

14-40% (unverified)

Only apply to this program if you are also very interested in music and can play an instrument or sing at a high level. This is not a back up to psychotherapy but a passion for music as well