Learn about the role of CRPO, RPs, and AI in therapy.
CRPO is the regulatory body for over 17,000 Registered Psychotherapists (RPs) in Ontario. CRPO’s duty is to work with the Minister of Health to ensure, as a matter of public interest, that the people of Ontario have access to enough qualified RPs. This page explains how CRPO’s role connects to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in therapy—like AI chatbots acting as therapists.
To register with CRPO and use the RP title, individuals must complete a graduate-level psychotherapy training program, gain clinical experience, and pass an exam. RPs are expected to follow established standards for competent and ethical practice. They are required to engage in ongoing professional development and are subject to a complaints and reports process if members of the public have serious concerns about an RP.
Psychotherapy is the assessment and treatment of cognitive, emotional or behavioral disturbances by psychotherapeutic means, delivered through a therapeutic relationship based primarily on communication.
Psychotherapy is the assessment and treatment of cognitive, emotional or behavioural disturbances by psychotherapeutic means, delivered through a therapeutic relationship based primarily on communication. AI can communicate like a person. As a result, it is possible to use it in a manner that resembles therapy.
Outside of face-to-face conversations, it can be hard to tell if you’re talking to a human or an AI. One of the best ways to know is by checking how the service is described on its website. There are other clues too—AI usually replies faster and might not use emotional language as naturally. But AI can also mimic these things, like pausing before answering or using words that sound caring.
RPs may carefully use AI as part of their work. For example, they may use it to create or summarize notes, develop proposed treatment plans, or they may recommend certain AI products to clients. If the RP does any of these things, they are responsible for meeting all CRPO requirements. These include providing services only if they are competent, protecting privacy, obtaining consent, and reviewing AI outputs using their own judgment.
AI tools are widely available, and some individuals may find them personally helpful or convenient. However, in Ontario they are not regulated to provide therapy. There are risks in using AI as a substitute for therapy. These include privacy concerns, unhealthy dependence, triggering or exacerbating mental health symptoms, and reinforcement of negative thinking (see Exploring the Dangers of AI in Mental Health Care | Stanford HAI).
CRPO has the authority to prevent individuals from practicing psychotherapy illegally. However, the relevant laws were written long before the popularization of AI tools. The federal and provincial governments are responsible for regulating AI and AI therapy.
AI tools like chatbots are not regulated as therapists in Ontario. While some people may find them personally useful, they are not subject to the same oversight or standards as human professionals.
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