In Brief
The association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia is a voluntary professional organization established in 1965 to represent psychology in Nova Scotia. APNS is the only provincial association devoted to representing the needs of psychology professionals in the province. APNS promotes psychology as a profession, as a science, and as a means of promoting human welfare.

•  APNS advocates for psychology through representations to government, employers and the public at large.
• APNS advocates for the public through representations to government and employers on matters affecting public mental health policy.
• APNS educates by organizing and facilitating workshops and conferences.
• APSN builds psychological collegiality by fostering a sense of community among all who identify with psychology.
  

Professional Development
APNS fosters professional development through continuing education, professional guidelines and through its own journal, The Nova Scotia Psychologist.

Continuing education is offered through professional workshops, conferences and other opportunities organized, sponsored and advertised by APNS.

Professional Guidelines are established and published by APNS. These include a directory of psychological services in Nova Scotia, schedules for fees and services, periodic statements of policy, and guidelines for the training and hiring of psychologists. APNS supports and promotes national Psychology guidelines such as the CPA Code of Ethics, Standards of Professional Conduct, and Standards for Providers of Psychological Services.

The Nova Scotia Psychologist is published four times per year, and is free to Association Members and Affiliates. Readers are provided with updates on APNS activities, feature articles of psychological interest, book and test reviews, and announcements of continuing education and employment opportunities.

In the Public Forum
APNS monitors contemporary social issues and speaks out in the interest of the public good. Briefs and position statements have addressed matters such as the administration and interpretation of psychological tests, access to psychological services, the establishment of a university Ph.D. program in clinical psychology, hiring psychologists within school boards, Homes for Special Care, the Nova Scotia Hospitals Act, child care, and human rights.

APNS was instrumental in obtaining exemption of health-care psychological services from the GST. APNS submits briefs regarding proposed legislation that may have impact on the practice of psychology. APNS also makes formal presentations to government commissions, such as the Nova Scotia Royal Commission on Health Care.

The Psychologists’ Act
APNS was pivotal in promoting passage of The Psychologists’ Act. This Act created the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology, which administers the Act. APNS plays an important role in the appointment of NSBEP members.

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