FAQ

Answers To Your Most Common Questions

I am located outside of New Brunswick, a client has moved to, or is traveling to, New Brunswick. Am I permitted to continue counselling my client?

Yes, you can counsel NB clients virtually. The College has no jurisdiction on where a client seeks assistance. It is between the client, the counsellor, and the insurances. You need only remind your client that in the event of any concerns they would reach out to your regulatory/governing body, if any.

Please note: Advertising to or soliciting for new clients in New Brunswick is not permitted.

As part of informed consent, you need to advise your client(s) that you are not a licensed practitioner in New Brunswick.

I am a licensed practitioner in New Brunswick. Can I see clients outside of New Brunswick?

CCTNB has no restrictions to work outside of the province; however, you are bound by the rules and regulations of the province/country where your client resides. It is recommended that you reach out to the licensing body in the jurisdiction you plan to provide services in to confirm eligibility to practice. 

I live in New Brunswick and want to conduct counselling services; do I need to be licensed?

In short, no. Our Act gives us title protection only. This means that we can’t regulate the provision of psychotherapy. Anyone can conduct counselling-like services in the province, but they can’t call themselves a counselling therapist, a licensed or registered counselling therapist etc. (Please review our Act for full details). As part of informed consent, clients should be advised if you are not licensed to practice counselling therapy.

I have a question regarding an ethical dilemma, can CCTNB help?

As a regulatory body, we are not permitted to offer ethics advice. This would be the role of an association such as Canadian Counselling Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).

To remain fair, neutral, and protective of the public, CCTNB cannot:

  • Provide individual ethics advice
  • Consult on hypothetical or personal practice dilemmas
  • Act as an advocate for members
  • Offer legal or risk-management advice
  • Pre-approve clinical decisions
  • Employee/employer dispute resolutions

Doing so could compromise the College’s role in complaints or discipline processes. 

What’s the difference between a psychotherapist and a counselling therapist?

Licensed Counselling Therapist is the New Brunswick designation. Other jurisdictions use psychotherapists or other titles. In Canada, psychotherapist and counselling therapists have similar scope of practice.

Can the College send out my marketing material to members or through the website to advertise job postings, space rentals, collaborative projects?

No. Due to the nature of our position as a regulatory body, we cannot advertise or advocate for the profession directly or indrectly to our members. 

How do I submit my references and transcripts?

References and transcripts must come directly from the issuer. If sent by the applicant, we cannot accept them.

They can be submitted either by email (preferred) to info@cctnb.ca or via postal mail to:
attn: registration committee
205-236 St. George Street
Moncton NB
E1C 1W1

Do I have to send all my documents at once?

When it comes to your application package, everything needs to be uploaded into Member365. This process requires that all documents be submitted at once. 

However, your references and official transcripts need to be sent to the College directly. These do not need to be submitted at the same time that you submit your application package.

How do I pay my application fee?

When you have completed submitting your application package, you will be prompted to pay the application fee in Member365. Choose “invoice.” Then, once a member of our team confirms that we have received your references and transcript(s), we will advise that you can now pay the fee. Please note: the application fee, once paid, is non-refundable. For this reason, please only pay once your application is fully submitted. If you choose not to move forward with your application or if your other documents are not submitted in time for the deadline, your application fee will not be refunded.

My application was denied. How can I appeal this decision?

If your application is denied, you have the option to submit a request to the Review Committee. Click the link here to make a request. Please email the completed form to info@cctnb.ca with any supporting documentation you wish to provide.

How long is the registration review process?

Depending on the number of applications you can expect to hear back within 2 weeks from the date the Committee meets (please see our website for dates).

Can I practice while I wait to hear from the Committee?

Yes. But you can’t identify as a licensed counselling therapist until you receive your official approval and license number.

Do I still have to complete supervision hours if I already have years of experience?


Yes. All individuals applying for licensure through the College of Licensed Counselling Therapists of New Brunswick (CCTNB) are required to complete professional supervision with a CCTNB-approved supervisor for the duration and frequency outlined in the College’s Rules.

This requirement applies to all applicants, including those who have previous supervision experience or who have provided supervision to others. Under the Licensed Counselling Therapists Act, CCTNB has a legislated responsibility to protect the public by ensuring that all members practice to a consistent and high standard of professional competence and ethical care. Supervision completed with a CCTNB-approved supervisor ensures that it meets the College’s established standards, provides appropriate oversight, and allows the College to confirm that applicants are engaging in safe, ethical, and effective practice.

Supervision completed outside of this framework is not subject to CCTNB’s requirements or monitoring, and therefore cannot be used to fulfill the supervision component for licensure. This process is not intended as a reflection of an applicant’s prior experience or skill, but rather as an essential safeguard that supports accountability, professional development, and the ongoing protection of the public. Through consistent, approved supervision, CCTNB ensures that all counselling therapists entering practice in New Brunswick are well-supported and providing the highest standard of care.

I want to become a CCTNB approved supervisor. How do I know if I am eligible to apply?

The information below (and more) can be found in our Supervision Rules. Please review the document in full for a better understanding of all the requirements and expectations of supervision.

Eligibility Criteria:

  1. Licensure and Membership: Must be:
  • A Licensed Counselling Therapist (LCT) with CCTNB, or
  • A full member in good standing of the College of Psychologists of New Brunswick or the New Brunswick Association of Social Workers, at the master’s level with adequate training in counselling therapy plus work experience, or
  • Canadian Certified Supervisor (CCS) designations from CCPA may also be accepted when accompanied by documentation of prior supervision experience.

Experience Requirements:

  • Minimum of five (5) years of full-time counselling experience, with at least three (3) years accrued in the five years prior to application.
  • If previously supervised, at least two (2) years of the required 5 years of full-time counselling experience must have occurred after supervision was completed. This requirement is waived if the Supervisor Applicant has the CCS designation from CCPA.
  1. Exceptions: The Supervision Committee may approve supervisors from outside the above regulatory bodies if they demonstrate substantial supervisory experience and equivalent qualifications.

How do I apply to be a Supervisor?

  1. Review our eligibility requirements outlined in our Supervision Rules.
  2. Documentation Requirements:

Applicants must submit:

  • A completed Supervisor Application Form
  • A current résumé outlining clinical and supervision experience
  • L-Psych and RMSW must provide documentation showing counselling therapy training and years of practical experience.
  • Proof of professional liability insurance (minimum $2 million coverage)

Where can I find a list of CCTNB approved supervisors?

Click Here for a list of supervisors.

What if I have a supervisor in mind, but they aren’t a CCTNB approved supervisor?

For it to qualify for your license requirements, all accrued supervision hours must be completed with a CCTNB approved supervisor, be done after acceptance into the College, and include a supervision agreement form. If your supervisor of choice is not yet a CCTNB approved supervisor, we encourage them to review our eligibility requirements and submit an application for review. Please note that supervisors are approved by the Supervision Committee and not the Registration Committee. Therefore, there are no set dates for when the Supervision Committee reviews applications. For this reason, we strongly encourage the prospective supervisors to apply well in advance of the registration deadline to ensure they are approved before you need to submit your license application.

What do I do if I want to have an exemption from the supervision rules?
You will need to complete the exemption request form and submit to Supervision@cctnb.ca.

What if I have questions about supervision? 

If you have any questions regarding the length, frequency, duration, and format of your supervision, please review the Supervision rules. If you can’t find the answer to your question, you can contact the Supervision Lead directly at Supervision@cctnb.ca.

When are membership fees due?

Membership renewals are due by April 30th each year. The College allows a grace period for members to supply their renewal requirements by end of business day on May 31st. Anything beyond that date will be subject to late fees, or suspension of your license.

How much are membership fees?

Currently, the membership fee is $460 annually.

What comes with my membership?

Membership dues are used to facilitate the needs of the College to keep things running smoothly. This includes:

  • Legal fees to process complaints
  • Paying staff
  • Office rental

Additionally, members are invited to our Annual General Meeting in October where they can have their voices heard, learn what the College has been up to, and vote on important College developments.

While the College hopes to bring value where possible to the counselling field, it is important to note that the College is not here for the benefit of members. Our sole mandate, per our Act, is to protect the public, and is the foundation of every action/decision the College makes.

What do I need to renew my license?

You will receive email reminders of when you need to complete renewal with a link to your member portal. Each year during memberships renewal members are required to submit three key components:

  1. A completed Membership Renewal form
  2. Membership dues (via credit card or Interact. To pay via cheque or etransfer please contact us at info@cctnb.ca
  3. Provide updated liability insurance

Licenses will not be considered renewed until all three have been submitted. Late fees will apply past the deadlines as indicated on the Membership Renewal form.

How do I display my title once I am licensed?

Newly licensed therapists that are under supervision are required to use the title Licensed Counselling Therapist-Candidate (LCT-C) on all documentation. The use of Licensed Counselling Therapist (LCT) can only be used once supervision is completed, and they have received official confirmation from the Supervision Committee.

How do I submit my CECs?

CECs are audited. Every November members who are eligible for that year’s audit will be placed on a spreadsheet and a random number generator will be used to select 30% of those members for an audit. Only those who have been selected will be required to submit proof of CECs for the preceding three years. Until then, members are advised to retain all associated certificates, transcripts, and documents related to their CECs in their personal records until called upon to submit them.

How does CEC auditing work?

Every year an audit will be completed for 30% of eligible members to determine if they have met the continuing education requirements. At that time, a staff member of CCTNB will reach out to the chosen members by email to request proof of CECs for the appropriate period. Auditees are chosen as follows: a College staff member will be assigning a number to the list of eligible members and then a random number generator will be used to select 30% in that cohort. No identifying information is used when selecting members. It is entirely random.

How will I know if I am eligible to be selected for an audit?

The College requires members to accrue 36 CECs on a three-year cycle from the year they were accepted into the College. For example, if you were accepted into the College in 2023 you will be eligible for an audit in 2026.

What if I have a complaint against me–can I still renew my license?

If a complaint has been filed against you and no decision has yet been made by the Complaints or Discipline Committee, you remain eligible to renew your licence. However, once a decision has been rendered, any resulting restrictions or conditions imposed must be complied with, and your licence status will be subject to those terms.

How do I submit a complaint? And what should I include in the complaint?

Complaints should include as much relevant detail as possible. At minimum, please provide a clear description of the concern or presenting issue, along with the name of the member who is the subject of the complaint. At this time, complaints must be submitted as a signed letter and sent to info@cctnb.ca.

Can I remain anonymous?

In general, complaints cannot be submitted anonymously. The complaints process requires an identified complainant in order to proceed, as anonymity limits the ability to fairly review and address the concerns raised.

How long does the complaint process take?

The length of the complaints process varies depending on the complexity of the case and the timeliness of responses from those involved. Factors such as the collection of documentation and required follow-up may affect timelines. Complainants will be kept informed as the process progresses and as new information is received.

Do I have to license my business?

Yes, the Licensed Counselling Therapy Act requires this if:

  • You are an LCT/LCT-C
  • Your business is incorporated

Do I have to pay additional membership dues for my corporation license if I already pay dues for my personal license?

Yes. A corporation is considered an “entity” and must pay fees like any other member. You would pay the membership dues for both the corporation and your personal license.

How do I apply to receive a license for my corporation?

You will need to submit the Corporation licensure application forms and submit them to info@cctnb.ca. This application process is subject to a $125 application fee.

How can I find out which Committees need volunteers?

The College is still relatively small, but we are growing at an unprecedented rate. Currently all of our committees are in need of more volunteers. Visit our Volunteer section to find out how you can get involved.

What is the time/work commitment of being on a committee?

The time commitment is different for each committee. Some committees meet regularly over the year, while others only meet as needed. Each has its own processes and requirements. If you have an interest in a committee, please reach out at info@cctnb.ca for more information.

What Committees does the College have, and what do they do?

Registration Committee

  • Reviews applications for licensure to ensure applicants meet the College’s education, training, and competency requirements. This Committee determines eligibility for registration and professional designations.

Complaints Committee

  • Receives and reviews complaints from the public or other parties regarding a member’s conduct or practice. The Committee determines whether concerns require further investigation or resolution.

Discipline/Fitness to Practice Committee

  • Hears cases referred by the Complaints Committee and determines whether professional misconduct, incompetence, or incapacity has occurred. Where necessary, the Committee imposes appropriate outcomes to protect the public.

Governance Committee

  • Supports the Board in maintaining strong governance practices, policies, and strategic direction. This Committee ensures the College operates transparently, ethically, and in alignment with its mandate.

Billing Committee

  • Oversees matters related to fees, invoicing, and financial policies connected to member accounts. The Committee helps ensure billing practices are fair, consistent, and aligned with regulatory requirements.

Review Committee

  • Conducts independent reviews of certain decisions made by College committees, ensuring procedural fairness and consistency in decision-making processes.

Training and Continuing Education (CEC) Committee

  • Develops and monitors continuing education requirements and professional development standards. This Committee supports members in maintaining competence and staying current in the profession.

Supervision Committee

  • Establishes supervision standards and requirements for candidates and supervisors. The Committee reviews supervision-related matters to ensure quality oversight and professional development.

    Finance Committee

    • Provides oversight of the College’s financial planning, budgeting, and reporting. This Committee supports responsible stewardship of resources and long-term financial sustainability.

    How do I apply to be a volunteer?

    To apply to be on one of our committees, please submit a 250-word letter stating your interest and experience along with an up-to-date resume to Info@cctnb.ca. Your information will be submitted to the corresponding committee’s Chair for review.

    Please note that, according to our Act, Complaints Committee members must be approved by the Board and not the committee chair. This process can take a bit longer than other committees.

    When is the AGM?

    Every October, though the exact date differs each year.

    Is it mandatory? If yes, will it be recorded?

    The AGM is not mandatory, and it will not be recorded; however, the ethics portion is mandatory. If you cannot attend the live event, it will be uploaded to our website within the following weeks. You will need to sign and submit the attestation that you’ve completed the webinar.

    Will I receive Continuing Education Credits for attending the ethics webinar?

    Yes. You will receive 1 CEC for the ethics webinar regardless of it you are present during the live event or if you watch the recording on our website.