Dear Dr. Strang:
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, under the direction provided by the Nova Scotia Health Protection Act, most psychologists are no longer conducting in-person appointments other than those determined to be of an urgent nature. To ensure that their existing clients and new clients who need support during the pandemic receive the necessary treatment, many psychologists have moved to a telepsychology delivery model, relying on phone or secure online technology for “face-to-face” contact with clients.
We are aware that Dr. Fred French, Chair of the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology (NSBEP) has communicated their regulatory position on the protection of the public during the COVID-19 pandemic to the Health Workforce Planning and Regulatory Affairs Division of the Department of Health and Wellness. We strongly support NSBEP’s position on this matter and would like to add our voice to highlight the important role of individual psychologists as the government manages the return to the workplace.
Read the full letter to Dr. Strang in regards to APNS Current Position on Psychologists and Working Through the COVID-19 Pandemic.