Non-Practicing Membership Status (Up to 3 Years)

PACCP recognizes that life and work seasons change. Active Members in Good Standing may choose to move to Non-Practicing Status for up to three (3) years while stepping away from counselling/psychotherapy practice.

This option may be used for circumstances including (but not limited to):

  • Maternity or parental leave
  • Medical leave or other leave of absence
  • Temporary relocation outside of the country
  • Sabbatical
  • A “retirement trial” season
  • Other temporary non-practice circumstances

Eligibility

  • Must be an Active Member in Good Standing at the time of request
  • Must confirm that you will not be practising in any capacity while non-practicing

Length of Time Allowed

  • Non-Practicing Status may be held for up to three (3) consecutive membership years.
  • After three years, members must either:
    • Return to Active (Practising) Status, or
    • Resign membership

Membership Fees While Non-Practicing

Members on Non-Practicing Status pay 50% of the annual membership fee set for that membership year.

Status Change Fee

  • A Membership Status Change Fee applies when changing to Non-Practicing outside of renewal time.
  • A Membership Status Change Fee applies when returning to Active outside of renewal time.
  • No status change fee applies if the change is completed at renewal time (June 1). In that case, only the applicable membership fee is charged.

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is not required while you are Non-Practicing. Insurance is optional during this period.

Important:
If you choose to discontinue your professional liability insurance, you will no longer be covered for claims that arise in the future from work you performed in the past — even if you were insured at the time you were practising. Members with insurance outside of the PACCP policy are responsible to understand their own insurance terms.

Continuing Education (CEUs) and Certification

  • CEU requirements are put on hold while on Non-Practicing Status.
  • Certification maintenance requirements are put on hold during this period.
  • Upon returning to Active Status, members must resume compliance with all applicable membership requirements.

Practice Restrictions

Non-Practicing Status is only available if you are not practising at all, including:

  • Full-time practice
  • Part-time practice
  • Contract work
  • Volunteer counselling services
  • Any professional counselling or psychotherapy services

If you resume practice in any capacity, Non-Practicing Status no longer applies and you must return to Active Status and meet all Active Membership requirements, including liability insurance and continuing education.

How to Request a Status Change

To change your status, email [email protected] and include:

  • Your full name
  • Your membership number (if applicable)
  • The requested effective date of the status change

Returning to Active (Practising) Status

To return to Active Status, email [email protected] with your requested effective date.

If you will be practising again, you are responsible to ensure you meet all Active Membership requirements, including maintaining appropriate professional liability insurance and resuming CEU/certification requirements.