How to Become a CBT Therapist in Ontario
Last updated February 25, 2026
I used to think Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) was a little pond of knowledge. Since I have become a CBT expert, I realize that CBT is more like an ocean. CBT encompasses many therapies within it (e.g., cognitive processing therapy (CPT), prolonged exposure (PE), and exposure and response prevention ERP).
Becoming a good CBT therapist takes years of education and experience. I hope that this blog post can help you get started!
If you are looking to connect with a CBT therapist for treatment, book a free 15-minute call. Learn about our therapy rates.
Who can Practice Psychotherapy (e.g. CBT)?
Because CBT is a form of psychotherapy, you must first belong to one of the Colleges that can practice psychotherapy. The colleges include:
These Colleges require a variety of education levels.
Fundamental or Basic CBT Courses
Next, you will want to take a foundational course in CBT. Sometimes, you can take a CBT course as an elective in university. Here are some foundational courses that we recommend:
CBT Certificate - Laurier
Essentials of CBT through the Beck Institute
CBT Essentials through the Association for Psychological Therapies (APT)
Online CBT Training with McMaster
CBT with OISE (University of Toronto)
CBT Foundational through Psychwire
I have personally taken courses with OISE, the Beck Institute and APT and have enjoyed them all.
CBT Basics Books
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: Basics and Beyond
Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think
The Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders: Therapist Guide and Client Workbook
Cognitive Therapy for Challenging Problems
The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Workbook
Schema Therapy: A Practitioner’s Guide
After you take a CBT essentials course and begin your learning, it is important to practice your skills with clients. You can do this through a practicum, volunteering, or if you are lucky - finding a job!
CBT Supervision
Most Colleges will require you to have supervision. You may be able to receive supervision while you are in school or work. If not, you may have to pay out of pocket for supervision. Sometimes, you can find a reduced rate if you can find a supervision group. Generally speaking, the CBT therapist will charge their client an hourly rate.
We offer expert clinical supervision at Virtual CBT Psychotherapy. Learn more about our supervision and consultation.
Certified CBT Therapist
You can also become a certified CBT therapist. However, this is not necessary to become a CBT therapist in Ontario. The Beck Institute offers different levels of certification. You can also register with a Canadian company, the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (CACBT). CACBT is in Guelph, Ontario. Our Clinical Director, Celissa Vipond, is a CACBT member. The Feeling Good Institute and Laurier University also have a CBT registration process.
Honing Your CBT Skills
Once you become familiar with CBT basics, you will want to build your skills by taking specialized courses. You can take courses so that you can treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE).
You can become registered therapists in CPT and PE as well. Our registered CPT therapists at our clinic include Celissa Vipond, Melissa Lindstrom and Jessie Daniel. We have one registered PE therapist, Celissa Vipond.
Celissa Vipond, RSW, MSW, is a registered PE Consultant and can offer certification to therapists. Please inquire using our email: virtualcbt@gmail.com). For more information on this process, visit the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety (CTSA). ** Please note that you must take the 4-Day Intensive PE training through the CTSA to qualify for certification.
Specialized CBT Books
Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD: A Comprehensive Manual
Flexible Applications of Cognitive Processing Therapy: Evidence-Based Treatment Methods (a personal favourite!)
Getting Unstuck from PTSD: Using Cognitive Processing Therapy to Guide Your Recovery
Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD: Emotional Processing of Traumatic Experiences - Therapist Guide
Reclaiming your Life after a Traumatic Experience: A Prolonged Exposure Treatment Program - Workbook
Treating Trauma in Dialectical Behavior Therapy: The DBT Prolonged Exposure Protocol
Specialized CBT Courses
You can also look for courses in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Learning ERP allows you to treat people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is also helpful to take a CBT course for depression and specific anxiety disorders. You can also become certified in these therapies through the same agencies that offer the training.
Don’t forget to read some of our favourite books on OCD:
Getting Over OCD: Second Edition: A 10-step Workbook for Taking Back Your Life
Exposure and Response (Ritual) Prevention for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Therapist Guide
Treating your OCD with Exposure and Response (Ritual) Prevention, Second Edition
Learn more about Virtual CBT Psychotherapy.
The therapists at Virtual CBT Psychotherapy have a variety of specialties. Book a free 15-minute call to learn about private supervision or consultation - or to begin therapy. You can choose to work with a social worker, psychotherapist or clinical psychologist.
Email us at virtualcbt@gmail.com if you have questions about private CBT supervision or consultation. You can also follow us on social media by clicking the links below. Learn more about our supervision and consultation fees.
Don’t forget to download your free CBT training plan below! It outlines the courses mentioned in this blog and more.
If you or someone you know is looking for specialized CBT, check out our services:
Remote CBT Therapist Jobs
Are you an experienced therapist looking for a new opportunity? We want to hear from you! At Virtual CBT Psychotherapy, our team is growing. We’re actively hiring qualified therapists to join us. If you're passionate about helping others and want the flexibility of working remotely, this could be the right fit for you. Explore our current openings and learn more about what it's like to work as a remote CBT therapist with our supportive, client-focused team.
Send us your resume—we’d love to connect!
Learn more about remote CBT therapist jobs with Virtual CBT Psychotherapy.
Written by Celissa Vipond, RSW, MSW. CBT Expert in Ontario.
