An OSRP Qualifying Member recently alerted the Advocacy Committee to an unfair disqualification of RP(Q)s from funding from an Ontario-funded program called the Victim Quick Response Program (VQRP+) for Victims of Crime administered by Victim Services. This program deems RP (Qualifying) to be ineligible to be "approved counselling providers" because of their qualifying status. The argument is that they require supervision.

The OSRP is well aware that supervision continues throughout the lifespan of psychotherapists, social workers, psychologists and many other professionals covered by the program, and that until 1,000 Direct Client Contact Hours are provided by an RP, they must continue supervision. We also know that most benefits plans do not distinguish between RPs and RP(Q)s in their coverage. We will be addressing this issue directly with VQRP and hope to report a positive outcome in the future.

Do you know of any other organizations that discriminate against RP(Q)s? Please don’t hesitate to let us know at advocacy@psychotherapyontario.org

Rachel Fulford & Dr. Natasha Tuletta-Bowman, Co-Vice Chairs, OSRP Board of Directors, Co-Chairs, Advocacy Committee of the OSRP