Public inquiries regarding the conduct of a psychologist are addressed by the Complaints and Professional Conduct Department.
The role of professional guidance is to guide psychologists and provisional psychologists (hereinafter referred to as "psychologist") in identifying regulatory information that may be relevant to their practice. Familiarity with the foundational professional and regulatory documents that guide the profession is essential to providing ethical and competent care for the public. This means psychologists are familiar with the following documents (located under Resources and Regulatory Information):
- Jurisprudence: Legislation naming or affecting psychologists in Alberta
- Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists
- CAP’s Standards of Practice and Practice Guidelines
- Content covered in The CAP Monitor and other communications and consultations
- Training materials related to preventing and addressing sexual abuse and sexual misconduct
Psychologists must demonstrate the skills, knowledge, judgment, and diligence associated with their area of practice. However, there may be times in their career when psychologists face unusual or complex problems and as a result, supplement their peer consultation by contacting CAP for information. Specifically, information from CAP is intended to protect the public by assisting psychologists in locating regulatory resources (e.g., Legislation, Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, Practice Guidelines/Alerts) that govern the profession of psychology in Alberta. In accordance with CAP's public protection mandate, action on issues involving unprofessional conduct may be required when brought to the CAP's attention.
Clinical Advice: CAP does not provide specific practice advice as it may present a conflict of interest with our primary public protection mandate. The Psychologists’ Association of Alberta’s (PAA) members can consult with a the Professional Guidance Director and/or a Practice Advisor through the PAA Professional Guidance Program. When deciding who to contact first, please read the following document CAP and PAA Resources.
Specialized Advice: Business, legal and/or technological professional guidance consultations are limited to the scope of CAP's primary public protection mandate. Psychologists are encouraged to seek consultation with qualified members of the appropriate profession when seeking guidance on these issues.