Resources & FAQ's

What is Mentor Match?

Mentor Match is the latest addition to an expanding line-up of our services to support members’ professional development needs. It is an online tool – including a searchable database – that facilitates the establishment of mentoring relationships. It is user-driven, allowing registered Mentees to search among registered Mentors using specified criteria to find individuals whose experience and expertise match areas in which they wish to be mentored. Likewise, registered Mentors can search for and identify potential Mentees.

The Mentor Match program is separate and distinct from supervision. Click here for information on finding a supervisor.

How do I view my Mentoring relationships?

You can find your past and current mentoring relationships on your Mentee or Mentor Dashboard.

Is there a fee associated with using Mentor Matching?

Mentor Matching is a benefit of PAA membership and is available only to members. There is no extra charge to use this resource.

Why don't I see any mentors/mentees when I search?

Your selections in the search engine filter out enrolled mentors/mentees. If you are getting very few or no search results, try selecting fewer filters.

How does it work?

The Mentor Match program is an online tool prospective mentors and mentees can use to find one another. Members first enroll as a Mentor or Mentee (or both!), filling out their profile demographics. Be as detailed as possible - this will help suitable Matches find you! Once you've built your profile, you can search for Mentors or Mentees by filtering for these demographics.

When you find someone who seems like a good match, click on them to view their Mentor Match profile in detail. You can request them as your Mentor or Mentee by clicking the Request button on their profile. You will be notified as to whether your request has been accepted or rejected.

If you are a Mentor and you have accepted a request, it's time to reach out to your Mentor or Mentee and arrange a meeting!

How does mentorship differ from Supervision?

Mentorship is distinct from the process of becoming a registered psychologist. Mentoring cannot be counted toward your supervision hours. While supportive in many ways, mentors are not supervisors and are not able to comment on your clinical work or ethical dilemmas as it pertains to your registration process as a provisional psychologist.

How long does the mentoring relationship last?

We recommend that you and your Mentor Match agree on a schedule that works best for both of you. The most important thing is to discuss your mutual expectations about time and communication at the start of your relationship. We recommend a one year mentoring relationship to receive maximum benefit from the program.

Where can I meet with my Mentor Match?

It is up to you and your Mentor Match to decide how, when and where you want to pursue your mentoring relationship. It is likely that most of your communication will occur by phone or electronically.

Where can I edit my profile?

You can edit your profile by going to your Mentor or Mentee Dashboard. You can edit your profile demographics in the left-hand column by clicking on the blue pencil icons.

Can I have more than one Mentor?

While there is no limit to the number of mentoring relationships you can establish, we recommend that you be judicious in selecting only Mentors who are most suited to your mentoring needs. Please keep in mind that Mentors have limited time to offer and may have other Mentoring relationships.

How do I find a Mentor?

Once you have enrolled as a Mentee, click the "Find a Mentor" button on your Mentee Dashboard, and select the criteria you want to use for your Mentor search. Click on the Mentors' names to view their profiles. Once you have found a good match, click on the "Request as Mentor" button on their profile to send the Mentor an email request.

What should I do if I don’t hear from the Mentor I requested?

If you don’t hear from the Mentor within one or two weeks, feel free to contact them using the contact information found on their profile page.

What if the Mentor isn’t the right “fit” for my needs?

Sometimes, regardless of the information provided, Mentors and Mentees don’t always "fit." If this happens, we suggest that you discuss your decision honestly and kindly with your Mentor; thank them for their time then start a new Mentor search.

Can I have more than one Mentee?

While there is no limit to the number of mentoring relationships you can establish, we recommend that you be judicious in selecting only Mentees who are most suited to learn from your expertise and experience. You can limit the number of Mentee requests you are willing to accept on your Mentor Dashboard by editing your Mentor Status.

How do I find Mentees?

Once you have enrolled as a Mentor, click the "Find a Mentee" button on your Mentee Dashboard and select the criteria you want to use for your Mentee search. Click on the Mentees' names to view their profiles. Once you have found a good match, click on the "Request as Mentee" button on their profile to send the Mentee an email request.

How will I know if a Mentee has selected me as their Mentor?

You will receive an e-mail from the Mentee requesting you to be their Mentor. You will be prompted to accept or reject the request.

Is it okay to reject a request?

Yes, but there should be a good reason to do so. We encourage you to at least have an initial conversation to explore whether the relationship would be mutually fulfilling. If a potential Mentee has misinterpreted information in your profile, you may find him/her to be an inappropriate match. If you want to decline a request, go to your Mentor Dashboard page and check the “decline” button next to the specific request.

What if I’m going to be on vacation or unavailable for a period of time?

Go to the "Mentor Enrollment" page, click the “Mentor Status” link then click on the check-box next to “Temporarily Not Participating.” Doing this will indicate that you are not accepting any Mentee requests at the moment, and your mentoring profile will not be included in a Mentee’s search for a Mentor. It is your responsibility to communicate your availability to your existing Mentees.

How do I end a mentoring relationship?

If the mentoring relationship is complete, go to the "My Mentoring Relationships" page and mark the relationship as “completed.”

If the mentoring relationship isn't working out, please kindly discuss your decision to end the relationship with your Mentee. Go to the "My Mentoring Relationships" page and mark the relationship as “completed.

How much time will I need to invest as a Mentor?

We recommend that you and your Mentees agree on a schedule that works best for both of you. The most important thing is to discuss your mutual expectations about time and communication at the start of your relationship. Keep in mind that mentoring doesn’t necessarily require large amounts of your time. Even brief phone calls or e-mail exchanges with you can make a big difference to your Mentees. We recommend a one year mentoring relationship to receive maximum benefit from the program.

What benefits do I receive from the organization if I participate as a Mentor in the program?

All Mentors are volunteers. As an active program participant, you will receive a badge on your profile identifying you as a Mentor.