Nurse Psychotherapist Certificate
The Nurse Psychotherapist Certificate Program is offered online and is designed to assist nurses in obtaining the skills, knowledge, and experience in performing the controlled act of psychotherapy safely in private practice, in the community, and in hospital settings.
Nurses can now initiate the controlled act of psychotherapy without an order (CNO the Standard 2020).
Psychotherapy is a controlled act in which nurses can perform independently, providing that the nurse has the necessary training, skills, experience, and judgment to perform the task.
Psychotherapy is defined as “an intense client-therapist relationship which often involves the examination of deeply emotional experiences, destructive behaviour patterns, and serious mental health issues” (Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council, 2006). It includes a deep assessment of life processes that focus on behaviour modifications, thinking patterns, cognition, emotional response, and social functioning. In order to competently practice psychotherapy, nurses need in-depth knowledge, skills, and experience using a theoretical framework.
This course utilizes counselling and psychotherapy methods, including; Cognitive Intervention, Behavioural Intervention, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy CBT, a recognized psychotherapy approach with Psychotherapy Theoretical frameworks to assist in behaviour and mental health changes. Usually, nursing incorporates some form of health counselling within the definition of nursing practice. Structured Psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), is not taught in nursing programs, however, when nurses are taught professional counselling skills and CBT, this evidenced based psychotherapy approach, nurses can perform counselling and psychotherapy treatment sessions to individuals, couples, families, and groups.
Prerequisites
This course is open to registered nurses, nurse practitioners, registered practical nurses, licensed practical nurses, and registered psychiatric nurses. nurses in Quebec and the United States. Nurses must be registered with their respective regulatory College of Nurses and their nursing associations who provides malpractice insurance.
This course duration is 1 year online and includes 750 hours, comprising of online theory and 450 practice hours using direct client contact that the nurse will obtain from their communities
The nurse will be expected to complete 450 hours of clinical practice utilizing counselling and psychotherapy skills learned or submit 50 case studies and recordings of counselling and Cognitive Behavior Therapy – CBT Sessions, with clients’ consent, including history, formulation, and treatment plans for each client.
The nurse will be expected to complete 100 hours of clinical supervision under the mentorship of an experienced certified nurse psychotherapist CNP/CPN or a registered psychotherapist RP. Clinical Supervision and support will be provided throughout the program and after the nurse completes the program.
Course content covered in this course includes
- The Role of The Nurse Psychotherapist practicing the controlled act of psychotherapy in private practice, community, and in a hospital setting
- Initial Contact and Establishing The Therapeutic Relationship
- Invitational and motivational Interviewing
- Diagnostic Assessment
- Formulating Goals
- Cognitive Interventions
- Behavioral Interventions
- Depression and Anxiety disorders
- Solution-focused approach to psychotherapy
- Anxiety Disorders Specific Models and treatment protocol
- Family therapy and Group Therapy
- Report writing, Reimbursement, and Documentation
- Psychotherapeutic approach for addictions and related disorders
- Termination, Maintaining Clinical Gains, Preventing Setbacks, and Relapse prevention
- Starting a psychotherapy practice as a Nurse Psychotherapist, billing insurance companies
Upon completion of the 750 hours of online theory, 450 hours of clinical practice providing counselling and psychotherapy, or 50 case studies sessions completing counselling and psychotherapy with 100 hours of clinical supervision, the Nurse Psychotherapist Certification will be awarded. The nurse will also receive a numbered certificate of registration under the clinical class and a 3 year membership with the Nurse Psychotherapist Association . the nurse will be able to use the protected title CNP – Certified Nurse Psychotherapist or CPN Certified Psychotherapist nurse from the association.
If you are interested, please fill out and submit the contact form.
Enrollment in this program is restricted to a limited number of students per year.
For inquiries, please contact us at (905) 452-8139 or (905) 965-1966 or fill out the form and submit it.
