Newfoundland & Labrador Psychology Board

The Newfoundland and Labrador Psychology Board (NLPB) is the regulatory body for the profession of psychology in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Established under the authority of the Psychologists Act (2005), the NLPB is committed to protecting the public by ensuring that the practices of psychology within the province are carried out in an ethical and professional manner.

The NLPB is governed by a board consisting of five elected Registered Psychologists and two Public Members appointed by the Minister of Health and Community Services. All psychologists practicing within the province must adhere to the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists, the NLPB Standards of Professional Conduct, and the Practice Guidelines for Providers of Psychological Services, published by the Canadian Psychological Association. The board holds registered psychologists accountable for their conduct, and if there are any concerns or complaints about a psychologist's behavior, the public is encouraged to contact the Registrar.

Registration with the NLPB is mandatory for any individual who wishes to practice psychology within the province. There are two levels of registration: Full Registration and Provisional Registration. Those with Full Registration may practice independently, while Provisional Registration requires supervision by a fully registered psychologist. Provisionally registered psychologists must indicate their status to the public and clients at all times. The board regulates the use of the titles "Psychologist" and "Provisionally Registered Psychologist, " and only those registered with the NLPB may provide psychological services to the public.

Services Offered

The NLPB aims to protect the public by ensuring that registered psychologists provide ethical and professional services. The board regulates the profession of psychology through several mechanisms:

1. Registration: The NLPB maintains a public register of all psychologists practicing within the province. The register includes the psychologist's name, registration number, registration status, and area of practice.

2. Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct: Registered psychologists must adhere to the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists and the NLPB Standards of Professional Conduct. These guidelines ensure that psychologists practice in an ethical and professional manner.

3. Continuing Education: Registered psychologists are required to complete ongoing professional development to maintain their registration. The NLPB provides opportunities for continuing education and professional development.

4. Discipline: The NLPB has the authority to investigate complaints against registered psychologists and impose disciplinary measures when necessary. This ensures that the public is protected from unethical or unprofessional behavior.

What is a Psychologist?

A psychologist is a professional who studies how people think, feel, and behave from a scientific viewpoint. They apply this knowledge to help people understand, explain, and change their behavior. Psychologists work in various settings, including hospitals, schools, clinics, correctional facilities, and private offices. They may also work as researchers, faculty at universities, and consultants to corporations and organizations.

Psychologists engage in research and practice across a wide range of topics related to human behavior. These topics include mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and phobias, neurological, genetic, psychological, and social determinants of behavior, and psychological factors that contribute to health and disease management.

Conclusion

The Newfoundland and Labrador Psychology Board is dedicated to ensuring that the practice of psychology within the province is carried out in an ethical and professional manner. The board's regulatory mechanisms, including registration, code of ethics, continuing education, and discipline, protect the public and ensure that registered psychologists provide high-quality services. Psychologists play a crucial role in understanding and improving human behavior, and the NLPB is committed to supporting and regulating this important profession.