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Fees, billing and advertising
CRPO's rules on money and marketing: the fee schedule and what you may charge (Standard 6.1), block fees and refunds, receipts, non-payment, and truthful advertising without testimonials (Standard 6.2), with Competency 3.10.
Study aid, not legal advice.Last verified against the official sources linked below on .
On the exam (CRPO's words)
- Area 6, Professional practice, is at least 10 to 15% of the assessment; its competencies include 3.10, establish business practices relevant to professional role (Resource Manual).
- CRPO does not publish how many points any one competency carries.
The fee schedule (6.1.1, 6.1.2)
- A standardized fee schedule, available to current and prospective clients, shared before providing services; it includes administrative fees and missed-appointment fees.
- CRPO does not set fees, but expects them to be non-exploitative and reasonable for the service.
- Fulfill the agreements you make, and give an itemized account on request.
Never (6.1.3 to 6.1.8)
- Discounts or incentives for pre-payment or prompt payment.
- Charging for services not provided, except late cancellations, missed appointments or deposits.
- Unduly restricting how clients pay, or discounting preferred methods; nor passing on card processing fees.
- Bartering with clients: it creates a dual relationship (a last resort, in all but extraordinary cases not appropriate).
- Selling or assigning a client's debt; a collection agency is allowed.
Fair dealing (6.1 commentary)
- Never charge more than your usual fee because a third party is paying.
- A sliding scale, or fee reductions under a set policy, is allowed for equity.
- Deliver what you advertise: not an "hour" that is really 50 minutes.
- Raise fees only with reasonable notice, and do not end therapy because a client cannot afford the increase.
Block fees (6.1.7)
- A written agreement: the services covered, the total fee, how it is paid, and refund requests and procedures.
- No pressure to continue because the client paid up front.
- Refund services not yet provided within seven days of the decision to end, save extraordinary circumstances.
Receipts, reminders, non-payment
- Receipts show the client's name; your name, title and registration number; the service's name, date and duration; the cost and the method of payment.
- Remind clients of upcoming charges, even when payment is automated; promotional rates are for a fixed term.
- Non-payment is not grounds for immediately discontinuing: first advise the client of alternative services accessible to them.
Advertising must be (6.2.1, 6.2.5, 6.2.8)
- Truthful, accurate, factual and verifiable.
- Paid advertisements are recognizable as advertisements.
- Clear about whether it concerns psychotherapy or another product or service you offer.
Advertising must not (6.2.2, 6.2.4)
- Request, solicit or use testimonials.
- Promise a result that cannot be delivered.
- Use comparisons, superlatives ("best psychotherapist in Toronto") or claims that your practice is unique.
- Appeal to a person's fears ("avoid being alone, come in for therapy").
Reviews, training, names
- Clients may post reviews if you do not request them or influence which appear; do not promote them.
- Advertise an area of practice only with verifiable training in it (6.2.7); check every directory drop-down.
- You may say you are registered, but not use the CRPO logo or suggest a CRPO-recognized specialty.
- Use the name on CRPO's Public Register (or a registered nickname); a business name is fine beside it.
Others and soliciting (6.2.3, 6.2.6)
- Take reasonable steps so advertising placed by others on your behalf meets CRPO's rules.
- Never present an unregistered practicum student as a "psychotherapist".
- Soliciting: say at once that it is to solicit your services and that the person may end the communication, and end it if they choose. Appointment reminders are fine.
Fees known before you start, charged fairly and refunded promptly; advertising true, verifiable and free of testimonials.