The Ontario Society of Registered Psychotherapists (OSRP) recognized the necessity of providing a clear framework of guidelines for ethical behavior, ensuring that members understand and uphold the organization's values, maintain trust with stakeholders, and navigate ethical dilemmas effectively.

We acknowledge that our membership is comprised of a variety of unique and diversely oriented psychotherapists who come together with a variety of ethical principles by which we identify ourselves. As such the OSRP is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the field of psychotherapy. We also recognize the historical and ongoing impact of systemic inequalities, including but not limited to anti-Black racism and anti-Indigenous racism. Through an equity and diversity lens, we are dedicated to working with diverse and inclusive therapists in an effort to provide relational support to ALL individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, abilities, religion, culture, age, sexuality, and financial means.

Members of OSRP, are obligated to uphold the following principles in their professional conduct:

1. Honesty and Integrity: Members commit to conducting their professional practices with honesty and integrity, ensuring that their interactions are free from bias and discrimination. They actively challenge and address any personal biases that may impact their work with clients from diverse backgrounds.
2. Privacy and Confidentiality: Members maintain the privacy and confidentiality of their clients, understanding the importance of creating safe spaces for individuals to share their experiences without fear of judgment or harm. They recognize the significance of protecting the sensitive information shared by clients. Members also recognize the limits of client confidentiality as outlined by CRPO guidelines, and inform their clients from their first meeting of these rare exceptions to this cornerstone rule, such as the duty to report as specified in Standard 3.1 Confidentiality: Limits to Confidentiality under CRPO frameworks. By providing clear and transparent communication regarding these exceptions, therapists ensure that clients are aware of the circumstances under which confidentiality may be breached, while still respecting and upholding the fundamental principles of privacy and confidentiality in their therapeutic relationships
3. Non-Exploitation: Members uphold the therapeutic relationship and refrain from exploiting it for social, personal, or financial gain. They are conscious of the historical exploitation experienced by marginalized communities and actively work to prevent any actions that perpetuate these injustices.
4. Power Dynamics: Members recognize the power imbalances inherent in the therapeutic relationship and the broader social context. They commit to avoiding actions that perpetuate or reinforce these imbalances, and to actively working towards dismantling systemic inequities that contribute to the marginalization of individuals and communities.
5. Ethical Reflection: Members engage in ongoing self-reflection and education to better understand the complexities of equity, diversity, and inclusion. They actively seek ethical solutions to address problematic situations that arise within their practice, taking into account the specific challenges faced by individuals from marginalized communities.
6. Personal Well-being: Our organization is committed to promoting the holistic wellbeing of our members, recognizing that their physical, mental, and emotional health is essential to their overall happiness and productivity. We provide a supportive work environment that encourages work-life balance, offers resources for stress management, and promotes self-care practices. In addition, members recognize that their own biases and prejudices can impact their ability to provide effective and unbiased therapy. They commit to addressing their own biases and working towards their personal growth and development, ensuring that their well-being contributes to providing culturally sensitive care.
7. Community Engagement: Members actively engage with and contribute to their communities, taking into account the diverse needs and experiences of the populations they serve. They strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds. They actively collaborate with community organizations and leaders to address systemic barriers and promote social justice.
8. Diversity and Respect for Freedom of Expression: Members acknowledge and embrace the diversity present among themselves and their clients while ensuring that the value of freedom of expression is upheld. They strive to create an inclusive and affirming environment where individuals can openly express their identities and experiences, fostering dialogue and understanding without compromising the rights and dignity of others. Through recognizing and respecting the intersectionality of identities, members actively work towards creating an environment that values diverse perspectives and promotes inclusivity for all clients.
9. Professional Growth: Professional growth is a continuous journey that empowers individuals to expand their knowledge, skills, and expertise within their field. It involves actively seeking opportunities for learning, such as attending workshops, pursuing advanced education, and engaging in ongoing professional development. Through professional growth, individuals enhance their competence, stay up to date with emerging trends and best practices, and adapt to the evolving needs of their profession. By investing in their growth, members of the OSRP not only advance their careers but also contribute to the overall advancement of their field, fostering innovation, excellence, and positive impact. Members recognize that diverse perspectives and experiences contribute to positive therapeutic opportunities and the advancement of the profession. They actively seek to learn from and collaborate with therapists from various backgrounds and training, including those from marginalized communities. They value ongoing professional development to ensure culturally competent and responsive practice.
10. Constructive Dissent: Members value and encourage constructive dissent as a means to challenge and improve the field of psychotherapy. They actively engage with differing perspectives, particularly from marginalized voices, to foster critical thinking and create a more inclusive and equitable profession. They recognize that addressing systemic biases requires ongoing examination and a commitment to continual growth and change.

OSRP members are bound by the  Professional Practice Standards  of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. If a therapist belongs to another college, they will be bound by the standards of that college.

When there is a difference between the OSRP's Code of Ethics and the CRPO's Code of Ethics/Practice Standards, the CRPO's Code of Ethics and Practice Standards have jurisdiction over Students, RPs and RP(Q)s.

1. CRPO's Code of Ethics https://www.crpo.ca/code-of-ethics/ 
2. CRPO'S Professional Practice Standards for Registered Psychotherapists https://www.crpo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Professional-Practice-Standards-EN-v-6.0.pdf