The Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia (APNS) is the voice of, and for, psychology throughout Nova Scotia. As a voluntary professional organization APNS is committed to representing and promoting psychology as a profession, a science, and as a means of encouraging human welfare. This is accomplished by:
- Advocating for psychology through representations to government, employers and the public at large.
- Advocating for the public through representations to government and employers on matters affecting public mental health and wellness.
- Providing education through organizing and facilitating workshops and conferences.
- And building cooperation by fostering a sense of community among all who identify with psychology.
APNS is Nova Scotia’s sole provincial association devoted to representing the needs of the psychology profession, separate from the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology (NSBEP) who is the regulatory body for psychologists in the province.
History
Established in 1965, APNS has played an important role in monitoring contemporary social issues and speaking out in the interest of the public good. APNS was pivotal in promoting passage of The Psychologists’ Act in 1982 which created the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology (NSBEP) who administers the Act.
Our position statements and briefs have addressed on-going matters such as:
- The administration and interpretation of psychological tests.
- Access to psychological services.
- The establishment of a university Ph.D. program in clinical psychology.
- Hiring psychologists within school boards.
- The role of psychologists in interdisciplinary primary healthcare, Homes for Special Care, input into the Nova Scotia Mental Health Act, child care, and human rights.
- And obtaining exemption of health-care psychological services from the GST.
APNS continues to submit briefs and write to Ministers regarding proposed legislation that may have impact on the practice of psychology and also makes formal presentations to government commissions, such as the Nova Scotia Royal Commission on Health Care.
To learn more about APNS’s history please read our APNS 50th Anniversary Program.
Affiliations
The APNS hold strong ties to other psychology associations as well as being representatives and members to various councils. A few of those affiliates are:
- Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)
- Council of Professional Associations of Psychologists (CPAP)
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- Division 31, Council of Executive State and Provincial Psychological Associations (CESPPA)