Filing a Complaint
Watch the video tutorial NSCCT Complaints
The Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapy (NSCCT) regulates the counselling therapy profession. The College registers and licenses counselling therapists. The College must investigate and resolve complaints made about a registrant of the College. The Counselling Therapists Act and the Counselling Therapist Regulations direct the process.
Who can make a complaint?
- A client
- A fellow registrant
- Another health professional
- Any member of the public
- An organization or employer
- The Executive Director/Registrar of the College
A COMPLAINT is an expression of concern about a registrant’s conduct or actions. The complaint may be about the care provided. The complaint may be about the professional counselling relationship or about the behaviour that would not be expected of a counselling therapist. Those who complain may claim that the RCT did not meet the standards set by the College.
The Complaints Committee reviews complaints about:
- Professional Misconduct
- Incapacity
- Incompetence
- Conduct unbecoming the profession
It is not your responsibility to determine which category your complaint falls under.
You can SUBMIT A COMPLAINT by filling out the Complaint Form. The form asks you to provide the following information:
- Your name, address, phone number and email
- Name of the counselling therapist (if known) against whom you are filing the complaint. If you have a complaint against more than one therapist, you must fill out a separate complaint form for each person.
- Date and description of the event
- Name and contact information of any witnesses (if known)
- Copies of any documents or other evidence supporting the complaint
You can also submit a complaint on behalf of another person (with their permission), or for a person for whom you hold Power of Attorney. A complaint can also be made on behalf of a deceased person.
In some cases, MORE THAN ONE HEALTH PROFESSION may be involved in a complaint. When this occurs, the College can assist you to file a complaint with more than one regulatory body.
The Counselling Therapists Act requires strict CONFIDENTIALITY. This applies to the College, the person who makes the complaint, and the counselling therapist. The exception is if it is required by the College to conduct a fair and transparent investigation and review of the complaint.
Section 42(1) of the Act, states:
“All complaints received or under investigation, all information gathered in the course of the professional conduct process and all proceedings and decisions of the Complaints Committee and the Professional Conduct Committee that are not open to or available to the public in accordance with this Act or the regulations must be kept confidential by the person or persons who possess such information.”
Specific exceptions include:
- Information shared with the respondent or their legal representative
- Notification of other health professions regulators
- Notification of possible criminal activity to law enforcement agencies
- Such other disclosure consistent with the College’s obligation to protect the public
There is NO FEE for making a complaint with the College.
It is NEVER TOO LATE to file a complaint. Although it is better to file a complaint close to when the events occurred.
IF YOU ARE UNSURE whether your concern is grounds for a complaint, contact the Executive Director & Registrar for advice. Contacting the College to ask questions or to seek guidance does not mean that you are filing a complaint. Complaints must be made in writing. All inquiries are confidential. If your complaint involves more than one health care provider, the College will help you to connect with the right resources. If you require help to fill out the Complaint Form, contact the Director of Complaints and Professional Conduct.