NOC 2021 · 41301 · TEER 1
NOC 41301: Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies
Official NOC 2021, Job Bank and IRCC data · checked 21 October 2026
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies assist individuals and groups of clients to identify, understand and overcome personal problems and achieve personal objectives. They can be specialized to work on specific problems and they may practice psychotherapy. They are employed by counselling centres, social service agencies, group homes, government agencies, family therapy centres, and educational, health care and rehabilitation facilities, or they may work in private practice.
TEER
TEER 1
Usually needs a university degree
Median wage (Canada)
$34.00 / hour
Job Bank, 2023-2024
High-wage tier (from 3 Nov 2026)
Not on the list
No high-wage CRS points
Express Entry categories
Healthcare and social services
Category-based draws (2026)
Express Entry
How NOC 41301 counts for Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Worker: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of continuous skilled (TEER 0–3) work in the last 10 years and 67 points on the FSW grid.
- Canadian Experience Class: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of skilled (TEER 0–3) work in Canada in the last 3 years.
- Federal Skilled Trades: not eligibleNeeds 2 years of work in an eligible trade group in the last 5 years, plus a job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification.
High-wage CRS points
NOC 41301 is not one of IRCC's 186 high-wage occupations, so Canadian work or a job offer in it earns no high-wage points. Your usual Canadian work-length points still count.
See all 186 high-wage occupationsCategory-based draws
- Healthcare and social services
At least 12 months of full-time work experience (or equal part-time) in the past 3 years in one listed occupation, plus Express Entry eligibility and the round instructions.
IRCC category listsDuties
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Interview clients, prepare case histories and assess problems
- Develop and implement counselling and intervention programs to assist clients in determining goals and means of attaining them
- Counsel clients, provide therapy and mediation services, and facilitate group sessions
- Liaise with community agencies or partners, and identify additional or alternative services and provide referrals
- Evaluate the effectiveness of counselling programs and interventions, and clients' progress in resolving identified problems and movement toward defined objectives
- Follow up on results of counselling programs and clients' adjustments
- Prepare assessment, progress, follow-up and court reports
- May supervise other counsellors, social service staff and assistants
- May provide public education and consultation to other professionals or groups regarding counselling services, issues and methods
- May provide witness testimony in court proceedings
- May conduct research, publish research papers, educational texts and articles and deliver presentations at conferences
- May collaborate with employee assistance programs or with government organizations in health and safety or with victims of crime
- May participate in fundraising activities.
For Express Entry, your experience must match the lead statement and most of these duties, not only the job title.
Job titles
Example job titles
- addictions counsellor
- art therapist
- bereavement counsellor
- child and youth counsellor
- drama therapist
- family counsellor
- marriage counsellor
- movement therapist
- music therapist
- psychotherapist
- registered clinical counsellor
- registered dance therapist
- registered marriage and family therapist
- sex therapist
All 65 job titles in NOC 41301
- addictions counsellor
- alcohol addiction counsellor
- art therapist
- art therapists' supervisor
- art therapy consultant
- art therapy teacher (except education)
- behavioural consultant
- behavioural therapist
- behaviourist
- bereavement counsellor
- child and family counsellor
- child and youth counsellor
- children's counsellor
- clinical counsellor
- community mental health counsellor
- counselling program supervisor
- counselling therapist
- counsellor for persons who are intellectually impaired
- couples therapist
- crisis counsellor
- dance therapist
- dance therapists' supervisor
- dance therapy researcher
- dance-movement therapist
- dance-movement therapy researcher
- disability consultant
- drama therapist
- drama therapists' supervisor
- drug addiction counsellor
- eating disorder therapist
- family counsellor
- family planning counsellor
- family therapist
- gambling addictions counsellor
- gambling addictions therapist
- grief counsellor
- group home counsellor
- human relations officer - family and children's services
- human relations officer - family therapy
- marital counsellor
- marriage and family therapist
- marriage consultant
- marriage counsellor
- marriage therapist
- mental health counsellor
- movement therapist
- music therapist
- music therapists' supervisor
- music therapy researcher
- play therapist
- preretirement counsellor
- psychoeducational consultant
- psychoeducator
- psychotherapist
- registered clinical counsellor
- registered dance therapist
- registered family therapist
- registered marriage and family therapist
- registered marriage therapist
- sex therapist
- sexologist
- special needs counsellor
- spontaneous art teacher - therapy
- welfare organization counsellor
- zootherapist
Also includes: behavioural consultant, disability consultant, play therapist, psychoeducational consultant, psychoeducator.
Requirements
Employment requirements
- A bachelor's or master's degree in the field of counselling, therapy, mental health, psychology or a related social service discipline is required and a period of supervised clinical work with clients may be required.
- A master's degree in the field of therapy is required for art therapist, music therapist, and dance therapists.
- Membership with a provincial or federal association is usually required by employers.
- Registration with a regulatory body is required in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick for counselling therapists.
- To practise psychotherapy, a permit is required in Quebec and registration with the appropriate regulatory body is required in Ontario.
Additional information
- Counselling therapists usually become specialized in a particular area through continual training and experience.
- Progression to social service management positions is possible with additional training and experience.
Wages
Wages for NOC 41301 in Canada
Low, median and high wages per hour in Canadian dollars, from ESDC Job Bank's 2025 wage data.
| Region | Low | Median | High | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $23.00 | $34.00 | $50.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $26.00 | $31.00 | $43.96 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Prince Edward Island | $20.00 | $31.50 | $43.34 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Nova Scotia | $20.00 | $30.67 | $43.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| New Brunswick | $18.90 | $32.00 | $48.81 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Quebec | $27.30 | $38.00 | $48.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Ontario | $23.00 | $33.00 | $48.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Manitoba | $24.61 | $36.00 | $51.37 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Saskatchewan | $25.00 | $37.00 | $53.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Alberta | $22.45 | $38.46 | $54.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| British Columbia | $25.00 | $39.50 | $51.15 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Nunavut | $42.00 | $54.95 | $60.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
Provinces with too little data are not shown. Wages vary by city and employer; see Job Bank for regional figures.
Job outlook
Job outlook by province, 2025–2027
Job Bank rates the 3-year outlook as good or very good in Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, Alberta.
Very goodOntario
The employment outlook will be Very good for therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies (NOC 41301) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
What Types of Employers Are Out There?
More than one-third are employed in offices of other health practitioners
Other key employers include, individual and family services, out-patient care centres, and hospitals
Self employment
What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?
This occupational group includes therapists in different specializations, therefore employment prospects may vary among these professionals. For example:
Public sector investments in mental health-related services are expected to create job opportunities for therapists offering services for addiction treatment and prevention, and to children and youth
What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?
Professional and/or regulatory bodies associated with this occupational group include:
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
Here are some key facts about therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies in Ontario:
Approximately 33,250 people work in this occupation.
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies mainly work in the following sectors:
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 46%
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 28%
Hospitals (NAICS 622): 10%
Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 7%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 72% compared to 81% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 28% compared to 19% for all occupations
61% of therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies work all year, while 39% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
41% of therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 17% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 83% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 32% compared to 24% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 68% compared to 13% for all occupations
GoodNewfoundland and Labrador
The employment outlook will be Good for therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies (NOC 41301) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies in Newfoundland and Labrador:
Approximately 1,000 people work in this occupation.
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies mainly work in the following sectors:
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 38%
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 25%
Hospitals (NAICS 622): 25%
Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 7%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 5%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 84% compared to 83% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 16% compared to 17% for all occupations
72% of therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies work all year, while 28% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.
19% of therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 14% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 86% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: 55% compared to 14% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 43% compared to 7% for all occupations
GoodNova Scotia
The employment outlook will be Good for therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies (NOC 41301) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
The number of registered counselling therapists in Nova Scotia has increased rapidly in recent years. Rising demand for counselling services has been driven by factors like population growth and a greater reported need for mental health care among Canadians.
The Province of Nova Scotia has committed to creating public health insurance billing codes for private mental health care professionals, including registered counselling therapists. This program is anticipated to significantly increase the net demand for mental health care in the province, creating favourable conditions for further growth in this occupation.
These conditions suggest that fully licensed counselling therapists should be able to find employment or build a full client base with ease (many are self-employed). However, some new graduates of counselling programs have found that finding a supervising therapist for their multi-year candidacy period can be competitive.
Here are some key facts about therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies in Nova Scotia:
Approximately 1,700 people work in this occupation.
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies mainly work in the following sectors:
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 33%
Hospitals (NAICS 622): 24%
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 23%
Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 12%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 81% compared to 82% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 19% compared to 18% for all occupations
64% of therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies work all year, while 36% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
38% of therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 18% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 82% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: 32% compared to 20% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 68% compared to 10% for all occupations
GoodNew Brunswick
The employment outlook will be Good for therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies (NOC 41301) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies are most often employed in one of the province’s health networks (Horizon or Vitalité) or within a private practice.
Mental health has been an issue of increasing importance, and this has led to higher demand for therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies. In addition, opportunities will continue to arise through replacement of retirees.
Opportunities will also be greater for those who are fluent in both official languages of New Brunswick.
To work in New Brunswick, candidates must register with the College of Counselling Therapists of New Brunswick. This involves having a relevant master’s degree with the counselling course requirements, completing 150 hours or direct client contact, purchasing professional liability insurance, and completing a criminal record check and vulnerable sector check.
Given the expanding application of virtual care, candidates should be comfortable with all relevant technologies.
Here are some key facts about therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies in New Brunswick:
Approximately 1,300 people work in this occupation.
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies mainly work in the following sectors:
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 43%
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 27%
Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 9%
Universities (NAICS 6113): 5%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 75% compared to 84% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 25% compared to 16% for all occupations
54% of therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies work all year, while 46% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 42 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
42% of therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 25% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 75% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: 39% compared to 16% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 61% compared to 7% for all occupations
GoodSaskatchewan
The employment outlook will be Good for therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies (NOC 41301) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies in Saskatchewan:
Approximately 2,250 people work in this occupation.
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies mainly work in the following sectors:
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 36%
Hospitals (NAICS 622): 25%
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 22%
Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 5%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 74% compared to 81% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 26% compared to 19% for all occupations
70% of therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies work all year, while 30% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
28% of therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 23% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 77% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: 56% compared to 18% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 43% compared to 7% for all occupations
GoodAlberta
The employment outlook will be Good for therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies (NOC 41301) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies in Alberta:
Approximately 7,100 people work in this occupation.
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies mainly work in the following sectors:
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 36%
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 32%
Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 12%
Hospitals (NAICS 622): 11%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 76% compared to 80% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 24% compared to 20% for all occupations
64% of therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies work all year, while 36% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
20% of therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 19% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 81% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: 42% compared to 21% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 57% compared to 9% for all occupations
ModeratePrince Edward Island
The employment outlook will be Moderate for therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies (NOC 41301) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Demand for this occupation influenced by a growing and ageing population. The majority of family, marriage and other related counsellors are employed in healthcare or social assistance. They work in hospitals, nursing and residential facilities and out-patient care centres. Demand for mental health services is growing alongside public awareness of mental health and wellness issues, which will likely increase the demand for workers in this occupational group.
Here are some key facts about therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies in Prince Edward Island:
Approximately 100 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies mainly work in the following sectors:
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 46%
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 36%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 13%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 76% compared to 84% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 24% compared to 16% for all occupations
71% of therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies work all year, while 28% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
24% of therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 24% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 76% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: 44% compared to 17% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 56% compared to 8% for all occupations
ModerateQuebec
The employment outlook will be Moderate for therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies (NOC 41301) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies in Quebec:
Approximately 8,250 people work in this occupation.
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies mainly work in the following sectors:
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 32%
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 26%
Hospitals (NAICS 622): 25%
Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 5%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 77% compared to 82% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 23% compared to 18% for all occupations
66% of therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies work all year, while 34% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
25% of therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 14% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 86% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: 43% compared to 17% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 56% compared to 11% for all occupations
ModerateManitoba
The employment outlook will be Moderate for therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies (NOC 41301) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies in Manitoba:
Approximately 2,100 people work in this occupation.
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies mainly work in the following sectors:
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 32%
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 30%
Hospitals (NAICS 622): 14%
Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 9%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 8%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 74% compared to 81% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 26% compared to 19% for all occupations
70% of therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies work all year, while 30% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
36% of therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 20% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 80% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: 39% compared to 20% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 59% compared to 8% for all occupations
ModerateBritish Columbia
The employment outlook will be Moderate for therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies (NOC 41301) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
As the province has experienced robust population growth in the past couple of years, the Government of British Columbia has invested into expanding health care services around the province. The demand for mental health care professionals, such as psychologists, will also be strong in the short to medium term.
Here are some key facts about therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies in British Columbia:
Approximately 14,700 people work in this occupation.
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies mainly work in the following sectors:
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 49%
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 27%
Hospitals (NAICS 622): 12%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 62% compared to 78% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 38% compared to 22% for all occupations
59% of therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies work all year, while 41% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
51% of therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 21% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 79% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: 23% compared to 22% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 76% compared to 12% for all occupations
ModerateNorthwest Territories
The employment outlook will be Moderate for therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies (NOC 41301) in Northwest Territories for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
Several positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Counsellors are not regulated by a professional body in the Northwest Territories. Counsellors employed by the Government of Northwest Territories are however encouraged to register with a professional body.
Employees in these occupations work across the Northwest Territories. For example, the Northwest Territories' Community Counselling Program has counsellors that live in 20 communities. In other communities, counsellors provide phone or fly-in support.
Here are some key facts about therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies in Northwest Territories:
Approximately 50 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies mainly work in the following sectors:
Health care and social services (NAICS 62): 79%
Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 21%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 75% compared to 88% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 25% compared to 12% for all occupations
50% of therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies work all year, while 50% work only part of the year, compared to 71% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 42 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.
22% of therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies are self-employed compared to an average of 7% for all occupations.
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: 40% compared to 17% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 60% compared to 9% for all occupations
UndeterminedNunavut
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
Source: ESDC Job Bank, 3-year employment outlooks 2025–2027 (released December 2025).
Provinces
Provincial Nominee Programs
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points. Most provinces run occupation-targeted draws or in-demand lists, and some accept TEER 4 and 5 occupations that Express Entry does not.
Provincial lists change often, sometimes between draws. We check whether NOC 41301 is being targeted by any province as part of a consultation.
Similar occupations
Related NOC codes
Classified elsewhere
If your duties fit one of these better, use that code instead.
- 41321 Career development practitioners and career counsellors (except education)
- 41320 Educational counsellors
- 31204 Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
- 40030 Managers in social, community and correctional services
- 42201 Social and community service workers
- 41300 Social workers
Same occupation group
Social and community service professionals
- 41300 Social workers
- 41302 Religious leaders
Questions
NOC 41301: common questions
What is the NOC code for therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies?
What TEER category is NOC 41301?
Is NOC 41301 eligible for Express Entry?
Is NOC 41301 a high-wage occupation for Express Entry?
Is NOC 41301 eligible for category-based Express Entry draws?
What is the median wage for NOC 41301 in Canada?
Classification
Where it sits in NOC 2021
- 4Occupations in education, law and social, community and government servicesBroad Category
- 41Professional occupations in law, education, social, community and government servicesMajor Group
- 413Professional occupations in social and community servicesSub-major Group
- 4130Social and community service professionalsMinor Group
- 41301Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies
Enquiry
Is NOC 41301 your occupation? Ask us about your options.
Tell us your duties, experience and language scores. We will confirm your NOC code and the Canadian routes that fit.
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0, Job Bank wages (2025), Job Bank outlooks 2025–2027 and IRCC. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Checked 21 October 2026.
NOC 2026 is due from Statistics Canada in December 2026. IRCC still uses NOC 2021 codes, and this page will show any change once IRCC switches.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada, IRCC or ESDC.
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