Algoma University Launches Urgent Master of Psychotherapy Program

UPDATE: Algoma University is set to launch a groundbreaking Master of Psychotherapy program in Sault Ste. Marie, aimed at addressing urgent mental health and addiction issues in northern Ontario. The program, debuting in Fall 2026, comes as the university faces budget cuts and aims to enhance local mental health care.

With applications accepted until December 15, 2025, the program will offer a “mostly in-person” curriculum designed specifically for the region’s unique needs. Teryn Bruni, the program planning lead for Algoma’s School of Psychology, emphasized the importance of culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices for the future psychotherapists being trained.

“We’re really excited,” Bruni told CBC. “We’re really cognizant in our region that graduates need to work with a diverse population. Psychotherapy felt like a good first step towards helping meet that need.” This initiative aims to expand the workforce of mental health professionals in a region that has long been underserved.

The Master of Psychotherapy program will accommodate class sizes of up to 20 students, with options for both full-time and part-time study. This structure allows students to gain essential field exposure early in their training, addressing concerns that many graduates feel unprepared for real-world therapeutic sessions.

Bruni noted that the program is tailored to encourage local individuals to pursue their training in the north, enhancing the quality of care available to the community. She highlighted the critical need for more qualified professionals in the area, stating, “We hope this will encourage individuals from the north to want to train here.”

The faculty currently includes three full-time instructors, among them a registered psychologist, a psychotherapist, and an Indigenous social worker, with plans for further recruitment to strengthen the program.

This initiative represents a significant investment in the mental health infrastructure of northern Ontario, responding to the pressing demand for effective care in communities that have historically been overlooked. As mental health issues continue to rise, the launch of this program could not come at a more crucial time.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as Algoma University takes steps to improve mental health services in the region.