The College of Psychologists of New Brunswick (CPNB) undertook a survey of its members in October 2017 with the purpose of understanding the demographic profile of its members, the type of work they do, and their satisfaction with their work environment. One of the primary reasons for conducting this survey was due to a significant concern with the staggering shortage of psychologists working in the public sector in New Brunswick (NB). The increasing number of vacant psychologist positions in the public sector has led to longer wait times and less access to assessment, diagnosis, and intervention services that support mental wellness, physical health, and behavioural wellbeing.
The number of vacant psychologist positions in the public sector was presented as both an issue of recruitment and retention and was raised by CPNB during a meeting in the spring of 2017 with the provincial Minister of Health and some departmental officials. This issue is particularly relevant now, as the province moves toward doctoral level licensing of psychologists in line with nationally recommended standards by the Canadian Psychological Association and endorsed by many provinces. Currently, psychologists can become licensed to practice in NB with either masters or doctoral level training in clinical psychology; however, as of July 2020, only doctoral level degrees in psychology will be eligible for licensing. With this change, it is anticipated that the number of new psychologists graduating annually will decrease, while the quality of available psychological services will increase. The changing landscape of licensing standards for psychologists, in combination with interest in understanding why psychologists are not attracted to work in the public sector in NB, prompted CPNB to undertake this survey of its members.
Click here for access to the full report: CPNB Member Survey Report
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