The title and how it is regulated
Canada regulates health professions province by province. Quebec is unique in the world in reserving the title of sexologue: since 2013 only members of the Ordre professionnel des sexologues du Québec may use it, on the strength of a bachelor's or master's degree in sexology from the Université du Québec à Montréal, and psychotherapy there requires a separate permit from the Ordre des psychologues. In every other province, “sex therapist” and “sexologist” are unprotected words; what is regulated is the underlying profession — psychologist, physician, and in some provinces psychotherapist or counsellor.
Ontario made psychotherapy a controlled act in 2007 and regulates psychotherapists through the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario: sex therapy, being psychotherapy, may only be delivered by members of a college authorised for that act. The Association of Sex Therapy in Ontario — formerly BESTCO — certifies sex therapists after supervised training and keeps a directory. In British Columbia, Alberta and the other provinces, psychologists are regulated while counselling and psychotherapy remain largely voluntary, with associations such as the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association setting standards. Many Canadian practitioners hold the American AASECT certification.
Provincial health plans — OHIP, RAMQ, MSP and the others — pay physicians, so erectile dysfunction, pain or hormonal problems are investigated free of charge through a family doctor, urologist or gynaecologist. They do not pay psychologists, psychotherapists or sex therapists in private practice. Public access exists in Quebec's CLSC network and, elsewhere, in hospital sexual-medicine or mental-health clinics, with waiting lists.
Extended health benefits from employers typically reimburse psychologists, and often registered psychotherapists, social workers or sexologists, up to an annual ceiling; the list of eligible professions is written into each plan. A private session costs roughly 120 to 200 dollars, more for psychologists.
Key points
| Title | Reserved in Quebec (OPSQ, 2013); unprotected elsewhere |
|---|---|
| Quebec training | Bachelor's or master's in sexology, UQAM; psychotherapy permit from the Ordre des psychologues |
| Ontario | Psychotherapy a controlled act (CRPO); certification by the Association of Sex Therapy in Ontario |
| Other provinces | Psychologists regulated; counselling largely voluntary; AASECT certification common |
| Provincial plans | Cover physicians only; hospital and CLSC services free with waits |
| Workplace benefits | Usually cover psychologists, often psychotherapists or sexologists, up to an annual ceiling |
| Typical fee | 120–200 dollars a session |
In practice
- In Quebec, check the OPSQ roll; elsewhere, check the provincial college for the underlying profession, then the ASTO or AASECT directory.
- Read your benefits booklet for the exact list of eligible practitioners and the annual maximum.
- Start with your family doctor for physical symptoms: the work-up is covered.
- Ask about hospital sexual-medicine clinics; several university hospitals run them, with referral.
Cost and reimbursement
Physician: covered by the provincial plan. Private therapy: 120–200 dollars a session, reimbursed in whole or part by workplace benefits if the profession is listed. Public clinics: free, with waiting lists.
What has changed recently
Quebec's order has stepped up prosecutions for illegal use of the title. BESTCO renamed itself the Association of Sex Therapy in Ontario and keeps its certification pathway.
Where to go
- Ordre professionnel des sexologues du Québec: public roll and complaints.
- College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario; Association of Sex Therapy in Ontario.
- Provincial colleges of psychologists: registration checks.
- CLSC (Quebec) and hospital sexual-medicine clinics.
Worth knowing
Outside Quebec, the word “sexologist” guarantees nothing. Look for a regulated underlying profession and a recognised sex-therapy certification, and expect to pay unless your benefits list the profession.
Frequently asked questions
Is “sexologist” a protected title in Canada?
Only in Quebec, where it is reserved to members of the OPSQ. In other provinces anyone may use it; the regulated element is the underlying profession.
Does my provincial plan cover sex therapy?
No, unless it is delivered by a physician or within a public hospital or CLSC service. Workplace benefits usually cover private sessions up to a ceiling.
Can a sexologist in Quebec do psychotherapy?
Only with the psychotherapy permit issued by the Ordre des psychologues, which requires a master's degree. Others provide counselling and sex education.
Official sources and links
- Ordre professionnel des sexologues du Québec — public roll of sexologists in Quebec
- College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario — register of psychotherapists, controlled act
- Association of Sex Therapy in Ontario (formerly BESTCO) — certified sex therapists
- Canada.ca — official government portal
- Justice Laws Website — federal statutes and regulations