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Psych Associate Jobs in British Columbia (NOW HIRING)

Psych Associate information

What is a psych associate?

Psych Associates are mental health professionals who assist psychologists, psychiatrists, or other licensed clinicians in providing care to patients. They typically support the assessment, treatment, and monitoring of individuals with mental health conditions, often working in hospitals, clinics, or community settings. Their responsibilities may include conducting interviews, administering psychological tests, documenting patient progress, and providing support during therapy sessions. While they often have a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology or a related field, specific qualifications can vary depending on the employer and region.

What are some common challenges psych associates face when working in multidisciplinary mental health teams?

Psych Associates often collaborate with psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, and social workers to deliver patient care. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication and alignment on treatment goals, as each team member may have different perspectives and approaches. Additionally, Psych Associates must balance administrative tasks, such as documentation, with direct patient interaction. Developing strong interpersonal skills and adaptability is crucial for navigating these dynamics and contributing effectively to the team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a psych associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Psych Associate, you need a background in psychology or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's degree and experience in mental health settings. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), behavioral assessment tools, and crisis intervention protocols is common. Strong interpersonal communication, emotional resilience, and teamwork are vital soft skills. These abilities are crucial for supporting patient care, ensuring safety, and collaborating effectively within mental health teams.

What is the difference between Psych Associate vs Psych Technician?

AspectPsych AssociatePsych Technician
Required CredentialsMaster's degree or equivalent in psychology or related fieldAssociate's degree or certification in mental health or related field
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, mental health facilitiesCommunity programs, hospitals, residential facilities
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers, mental health agenciesBehavioral health agencies, hospitals
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles in mental health treatmentOften compared for support roles in mental health settings

The main difference between a Psych Associate and a Psych Technician lies in their education requirements and scope of practice. Psych Associates typically hold a master's degree and work in more advanced clinical roles, while Psych Technicians usually have an associate's degree or certification and focus on supporting mental health professionals. Both roles are vital in mental health settings, but they differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

How to become a psych associate?

To become a psych associate, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field. Some positions may require relevant experience or certification, such as CPR or behavioral health training, and strong interpersonal skills are essential for working with clients in mental health settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Psych jobs in British Columbia?

The most popular types of Psych jobs in British Columbia are:

What cities in British Columbia are hiring for Psych Associate jobs?

Cities in British Columbia with the most Psych Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Psych Associate job openings in British Columbia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Assistant/Associate Professor - Counselling Psychology

Vancouver, BC

Adler University (CAN)
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 11 - 50 employees

CA$82K - CA$100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Adler University is a highly recognized teaching institution that was established in Vancouver in the 1970s and utilizes the Adlerian theory of community psychology to graduate socially responsible practitioners. We are looking for 2 dynamic full-time Assistant or Associate Professors to join us as Core Faculty members in our Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and Master of Counselling Psychology Programs. Our Faculty are a close-knit team that meet weekly to discuss program and supervision issues. We are known as being a different kind of teaching community that offers mentorship and support as we work from common values.

Our core Faculty provide in-person instruction for courses in the two counselling psychology programs (i.e., Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and Master of Counselling Psychology), supporting student learning and outcome measurements, supervising student thesis projects, engaging in committee work, providing clinical supervision to students on practicum, participating in program development, and doing student academic advising.

The position entails attendance at monthly Faculty Council and weekly Program meetings on campus. The Core Faculty teach 18 credits across 3 full terms per year, and report to the Program Director of the aforementioned programs. As a teaching university and a counselling program that follows the scholar-practitioner-advocate model, Faculty contracts are designed around a 4-day week. Faculty are encouraged to have a private clinical practice separate from their work at Adler University.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Teaching, advising, and mentoring students, participation in institutional, campus, and program committees, admission efforts, scholarship applied to teaching and advising thesis students, as well as the support of the program and institutional initiatives. Candidates must be willing to align with the University’s mission and values.

Required Education/Experience: 

  • A doctoral-level degree in Counselling Psychology or Counsellor Education from a recognized program accredited by CCPA, CPA, APA, or equivalent. (We are accepting ONLY doctoral degrees in Counselling, Clinical, Counsellor Education and Supervision, or a related mental health field at this time.)
  • A minimum of five (5) years of progressive counselling, and supervising experience
  • Strong record of teaching experience
  • Permanent resident or citizenship status in Canada, the United States or Mexico (required)

Certifications/Licenses

  • Professional registration as a Clinical Counsellor or Psychotherapist (eg with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association), or Psychologist Registration (or registration eligibility) with the College of Psychologists of British Columbia, is a requirement.
  • Candidates who are not already Registered Psychologists may be required to pass a pre-employment background check.

Desired Qualifications

  • A strong passion for and a strong record of teaching, clinical work, and thesis supervision at the graduate level.
  • A strong record of participation in training activities, including the provision of clinical supervision to trainees.
  • Knowledge of several theoretical orientations in order to supervise students during their clinical practicum.
  • A record of scholarship related to Counselling Psychology or Counsellor Education.
  • Commitment to training counsellors to work with marginalized and underserved populations, in keeping with Adler University’s emphasis on social justice and socially responsible practice.
  • Strong skills in networking, creating and maintaining relationships, problem-solving, diplomacy, stepping into sensitive conversations inviting self-reflexivity and inclusiveness.
  • Experience with counselling in diverse cultural contexts would be an asset. Experience counselling and supervising in one of the prevalent languages found in the Greater Vancouver area would be an asset (e.g., Cantonese, Mandarin, Hindi, Punjabi, Spanish, or Farsi).
  • Experience in program development and community liaising is an asset.

 Expected Compensation Range: (Compensation is dependent on rank) $82,000.00-100,000.00 CAD

Equal Opportunity Employer
Adler University is committed to the principle of equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and potential employees, along with discrimination and a harassment-free workplace environment. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.