News Publications

Clinical Psychologist, Pediatric Pain Team

Published:   •  5 minute read

Req ID: 227504
Department/Program: Pain Program PAEDS, Children’s Medical Care
Location: Halifax
Type of Employment: Temporary Hourly PT long-assignment (60% FTE) until 08/24/2027 x 1 position(s)
Start Date: ASAP
Union Status: NSGEU Hlthcare, Healthcare Bargaining Unit
Compensation: $54.0472 – $73.4637 /hour
Closing Date: Open Until Filled (Applications are accepted until 23:59 Atlantic Time)
Website: https://jobs.nshealth.ca/job-invite/227504/

IWK Health is a respected academic health sciences centre located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, providing tertiary and primary care for two million children, youth, adults and families each year across the Atlantic region. We have a team of approximately 4000 employees, physicians, volunteers and learners at sites across Nova Scotia. People build careers with IWK Health with our focus on training and mentorship opportunities. We recognize each other’s talent and celebrate our successes. We collaborate in modern facilities or virtually from home, align our work to our values, and enjoy access to enhanced benefits and wellness programs. We are proud to support our patients, families and communities and are grateful for the generous donor support we receive.

Promoting an anti-racist environment, and calling out discrimination as we work and provide care, is important to us. We are located in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq people. Working in Mi’kma’ki and providing care to those across Atlantic Canada is a shared privilege with the original inhabitants who have lived here for many thousands of years prior to colonization. There are 13 First Nation communities across Nova Scotia, and more than 50 historic African Nova Scotian communities who also have a long, deep, and complex history dating back over 400 years. We have the highest percentage of people with disabilities in the country. Nova Scotia has the highest proportions of transgender and non-binary people than any other province or territory in the country. We are active in our work to eliminate discrimination, but have more work to do to build that trust, acknowledge our biases and reduce the barriers our diverse communities face. We want IWK Health to be a safe and supportive space of equity and belonging in the care we provide and the employment we offer. We welcome all interested persons who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotians, Persons of Colour, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply to support our goal for our workforce to be representative of the patients, families, and communities that we care for at all job levels.

The Opportunity
Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the IWK Health Centre, the Children’s Hospital of the Maritimes, provides quality care to women, children, youth and families. IWK Psychology is strong and growing, with over 50 doctoral and MA psychologists and assistive roles. Our Predoctoral Internship in Clinical Psychology is CPA accredited.

This role will work as part of an interdisciplinary Pediatric Pain Management team that provides tertiary family centered care for children and youth, and their families, with chronic pain. Assessments and treatment are provided by a team including physicians, clinical nurse specialists, clinical psychologists, and physiotherapists. Treatment often includes a combination of physical treatment and exercise, cognitive-behavioral and acceptance and commitment therapy techniques, and medications. The Psychologist works as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide assessment, treatment and consultative services for youth and their families. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to deliver coping skills training in a group-based format and will share responsibility for program development and program evaluation.

Hours of Work
Working hours will are flexible, within M-F 8-4 schedule.

Your Qualifications
Completion Ph.D./PsyD degree in Clinical Psychology from a CPA/APA accredited university program, or equivalent, required.
Completion of a CPA/APA accredited predoctoral internship/residency program required.
Registered, or eligible for registration, with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology.
Minimum five (5) years of formal training and clinical experience in child/adolescent psychology required.
Demonstrated experience in assessment, diagnosis and treatment with health psychology required.
Experience with evidence-based pediatric pain methods preferred.
Experience with Research preferred
Experience with program evaluation preferred
Knowledge in a range of psychological interventions for pain management (<abbr class=”screen-reader-only” aria-label=”for example”>e.g.</abbr>, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, biofeedback). Experience in evidence-based psychological interventions for children and youth with somatization.
Conversant in anatomy & physiology of pain and biopsychosocial models of pain and pain management preferred.
Experience working in a multidisciplinary team or pediatric pain clinic setting preferred.
Demonstrated ability to effectively consult and work with parents, other health care providers, and social service and education agencies required.
Experience in a range of psychological interventions for general mental health concerns in youth e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy).
Background and experience in educational settings, having an understanding in various approaches to managing youth living with pain in schools.
Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
Demonstrated excellence in clinical care required.
Knowledge of program-based care an asset.
Demonstrated excellent time management, organization, and problem-solving skills required.
Demonstrated commitment and champion of family-centered care required.
Competencies in other languages an asset including French, would be a significant asset.

Thank you for your interest in IWK Health.

Please note that we only contact applicants selected for interview/testing. If we invite you to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) you have the right to request accommodation. Please discuss your needs when invited to the assessment process.

This is a Healthcare bargaining unit position. Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions. Successful applicants changing unions, bargaining units or employment status, are advised to seek clarification regarding their seniority, benefits, and vacation entitlement and/or usage, prior to accepting the position.

An offer of employment is conditional upon the completion and satisfactory results of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials.

Clinical Psychologist, Subacute Inpatient Unit (full-time)

Published:   •  6 minute read

Company: IWK Health
Req ID: 224143
Department/Program: Subacute Uni, Mental Health And Addictions
Location: Halifax
Type of Employment: Permanent Hourly FT (100% FTE) x 1 position(s)
Start Date: November 2026
Union Status: NSGEU Hlthcare, Healthcare Bargaining Unit
Compensation: $54.0472 – $70.9795 /hour
Closing Date: November 25, 2026 (Applications are accepted until 23:59 Atlantic Time)
Website: https://jobs.nshealth.ca/job-invite/224143/

Successful external applicants may be eligible to receive a one-time Signing Bonus of up to $10,000 and a Relocation Assistance of $5000. There is a Return of Service Agreement (ROSA) attached to these incentives.

IWK Health is a respected academic health sciences centre located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, providing tertiary and primary care for two million children, youth, adults and families each year across the Atlantic region. We have a team of approximately 4000 employees, physicians, volunteers and learners at sites across Nova Scotia. People build careers with IWK Health with our focus on training and mentorship opportunities. We recognize each other’s talent and celebrate our successes. We collaborate in modern facilities or virtually from home, align our work to our values, and enjoy access to enhanced benefits and wellness programs. We are proud to support our patients, families and communities and are grateful for the generous donor support we receive.

Promoting an anti-racist environment, and calling out discrimination as we work and provide care, is important to us. We are located in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq people. Working in Mi’kma’ki and providing care to those across Atlantic Canada is a shared privilege with the original inhabitants who have lived here for many thousands of years prior to colonization. There are 13 First Nation communities across Nova Scotia, and more than 50 historic African Nova Scotian communities who also have a long, deep, and complex history dating back over 400 years. We have the highest percentage of people with disabilities in the country. Nova Scotia has the highest proportions of transgender and non-binary people than any other province or territory in the country. We are active in our work to eliminate discrimination, but have more work to do to build that trust, acknowledge our biases and reduce the barriers our diverse communities face. We want IWK Health to be a safe and supportive space of equity and belonging in the care we provide and the employment we offer. We welcome all interested persons who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotians, Persons of Colour, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply to support our goal for our workforce to be representative of the patients, families, and communities that we care for at all job levels.

The Opportunity
Reporting to the Manager, the Clinical Psychologist will work as part of an interprofessional team, providing holistic, comprehensive care to meet the needs of youth up to the age of 19 by providing short-term, high-acuity assessment and stabilization for children and youth. The Clinical Psychologist is responsible for the delivery of assessments and evidence-based treatment to children and youth with Tier-4 mental health and addiction challenges. The Clinical Psychologist provides assessments, case formulation and planning, and individual, group and family-based therapy for children, youth and their families. as part of an interprofessional team, providing holistic, comprehensive care to meet the needs of youth up to the age of 19. Responsibilities will also include evidence-based mental health treatment group evidence –based treatments that are trauma informed and congruent with best practices and family centred care (group, family, individual), consultation to other staff members and to community service providers, and program evaluation. In addition, the psychologist will implement measurement-based care into their practice and participate in quality improvement initiatives in the program of care.

The IWK Health Centre Predoctoral Residency Program in Pediatric and Child-Adolescent Psychology is both APA and CPA approved. All Psychologists at the IWK are expected to actively participate in training residents. Candidates for Psychology positions who have the appropriate credentials may be considered for academic adjunct appointment in an appropriate university department at Dalhousie University.

Applicants must specify the competition number and include a copy of his/her curriculum vitae, pertinent scientific publications. Applicants must be eligible for candidate registration at the doctoral level with the Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology (NSRP) prior to their anticipated start date.

Hours of Work
7.5 hour shifts, 0830-1630, Monday – Friday; flexibility required.

Your Qualifications
• Ph.D./PsyD in Clinical Psychology from an accredited university program required.
• Registration (in good standing) with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology.
• Minimum of one year of full-time predoctoral residency in relevant area e.g., Clinical Child Psychology, Pediatric Mental Health and Addictions, Pediatric Health Psychology, Forensic Psychology).
• Formal training and clinical experience in evidence-based child/adolescent mental health and addiction required.
• Demonstrated competency in clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health and substance misuse disorders.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and provide psycho educational/skills-based training programs.
• Knowledge and experience working with Measurement Based Care platforms and engaging clients in data collection within their practice.
• Demonstrated ability to work well as part of an interdisciplinary team required.
• Demonstrated organizational, time management and coordination skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple competing workload demands.
• Excellent critical thinking, communication (verbal & written) and interpersonal skills required.
• Excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to patient and family centered care and trauma informed care required.
• Experience with hospital-based inpatient mental health programs preferred.
• Demonstrated awareness of IWK Health Centre and community resources.
• Competencies in other languages an asset.

Thank you for your interest in IWK Health.

Please note that we only contact applicants selected for interview/testing. If we invite you to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) you have the right to request accommodation. Please discuss your needs when invited to the assessment process.

This is a Healthcare bargaining unit position. Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions. Successful applicants changing unions, bargaining units or employment status, are advised to seek clarification regarding their seniority, benefits, and vacation entitlement and/or usage, prior to accepting the position.

An offer of employment is conditional upon the completion and satisfactory results of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials.

If you are an employee of IWK Health, please apply through the internal careers page to ensure you are flagged as an internal applicant.

APNS Statement: Doctor of Psychology Program in School and Child Clinical Psychology at MSVU

Published:   •  2 minute read

The Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia applauds the provincial government’s investment in the new doctoral psychology program and training clinic at Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU). This initiative marks a significant step forward in expanding access to high-quality psychological care, specifically for children and youth, while investing in training within our province. Specialized advanced training in child and youth mental health will help ensure that future psychologists are well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of the Nova Scotian population.

APNS firmly believes that Nova Scotians across the lifespan and in all geographical areas deserve access to psychologists with advanced training and competencies to meet their complex mental health needs. Doctoral training programs like this one at MSVU play a vital role in strengthening the province’s mental health system by better serving the needs of children and youth.  While this is a step in the right direction, additional doctoral level psychology training programs across the province are still needed. This will increase psychologists’ representation outside of HRM, improve local access to services for the public, and better meet the province’s growing demand for psychologists to support universal mental health care and addictions initiatives. We will continue to strongly advocate for ongoing investment in psychology education and training through additional program development to serve more populations and the complex needs of the public.

Additional Information:

https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/04/02/province-funds-groundbreaking-psychology-training-program

https://www.msvu.ca/msvu-establishing-new-youth-focused-doctor-of-psychology-program-and-mental-health-clinic/

APNS Workshop Proposal

Published:   •  1 minute read

The Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia (APNS) welcomes proposals for workshops that contribute to the professional development of psychologists and mental health professionals. If you have expertise in a relevant area and would like to share your knowledge, we encourage you to submit a workshop proposal. APNS offers opportunities for presenters to engage with a diverse audience, enhance professional skills, and support ongoing education in the field of psychology. Whether your topic focuses on clinical practice, emerging research, or specialized techniques, we’d love to hear from you!

To submit a proposal or idea please complete one of the following forms:

Workshop Proposal – Presenter
For individuals who would like to present a workshop.

Workshop Proposal – Topic
For APNS members who would like to suggest a topic for a future workshop.

Forensic Psychologists

Published:   •  2 minute read

Forensic psychology plays a crucial role in the legal system, providing evidence based psychological evaluations that help inform decisions in criminal, civil, and administrative matters. These assessment services are used by legal professionals, social service agencies, and regulatory boards.

Forensic psychologists apply clinical psychology in legal settings, conduct assessments, and serve as expert witnesses.

Comprehensive Forensic Assessments

Forensic assessment services cover a wide range of areas, including:

  • Violence risk evaluations – Assessing the likelihood of future violent behavior.
  • Dangerous offender assessments – Evaluating whether an individual meets the criteria for a dangerous offender designation.
  • Pre-trial and pre-sentence assessments – Providing courts with psychological insights into an individual’s mental state and risk factors.

These assessments are used by both defense and prosecution services to support legal proceedings and ensure informed decision-making.

Beyond the Criminal Justice System

While forensic psychology is often associated with criminal cases, its expertise extends beyond the courtroom. Services are also sought after in contexts such as:

  • Social service and child welfare agencies – Assessing parental capacity and child protection concerns.
  • Insurance and disability claims – Evaluating psychological factors related to disability determinations.
  • Citizenship applications – Assessing psychological aspects relevant to immigration and naturalization cases.
  • Professional fitness-to-practice evaluations – Providing assessments for various licensing boards to determine an individual’s ability to perform their professional duties safely and competently.

Collaborating with Mental Health Professionals

Forensic psychologists frequently collaborate with other mental health clinicians, offering specialized psychological testing to aid in complex diagnostic considerations. Their expertise in psychological assessments enhances the depth and accuracy of evaluations, ensuring that professionals in legal, healthcare, and regulatory settings have reliable data to inform their decisions.

Through extensive experience, forensic psychologists provide critical insights that help legal professionals, social service agencies, and regulatory bodies make well-informed decisions that impact individuals and communities.

For those in need of forensic assessment services, this expertise offers a comprehensive and objective approach to psychological evaluations. Whether in a legal, social, or professional context, forensic assessments play a vital role in upholding justice and evidence-based decision-making.

Health Psychologists

Published:   •  3 minute read

Understanding the Role of Health Psychologists

Health psychologists play a crucial role in understanding how psychological, behavioral, and social factors influence physical health and illness. Health psychologists are often employed in healthcare settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and healthcare clinics. They leverage a variety of psychological frameworks and expertise to promote wellness in their patients.

Outside of a clinical or healthcare setting, health psychologists who work in research-focused roles can significantly impact healthcare policy, public health, and health education issues.

What Do Health Psychologists Do?

At Nova Scotia Health, Health Psychology offers psychological interventions for those with chronic and acute health conditions. The focus is on the patient’s mental and emotional reaction to an illness or their recovery from an illness.

Health psychologists work in a variety of settings and their work can be divided into several key areas:

1. Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

One of the primary roles of health psychologists is to help individuals adopt healthier lifestyles. They design and implement interventions to encourage behaviors such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, smoking cessation, and stress management. These interventions aim to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

2. Psychological Factors in Physical Health

Health psychologists explore how emotions, attitudes, and behaviors impact physical health. For example, they may study the effects of stress on the immune system or how depression influences recovery from surgery. By identifying psychological risk factors, they develop strategies to improve patient outcomes.

3. Chronic Illness Management

For individuals diagnosed with chronic illnesses, health psychologists provide support to help them cope with their conditions. This includes pain management techniques, adherence to treatment plans, and counseling to address emotional distress associated with illnesses like cancer, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders.

4. Healthcare System Improvement

Health psychologists collaborate with medical professionals to enhance healthcare delivery. They may work on designing patient-friendly medical procedures, improving doctor-patient communication, or developing policies that promote better healthcare access and outcomes.

Why Are Health Psychologists Important?

With the increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases, the role of health psychologists has never been more critical. They help bridge the gap between physical health and mental well-being, ensuring that individuals receive holistic care that addresses both their psychological and physiological needs.

By integrating psychological principles into healthcare, health psychologists contribute to a more comprehensive approach to medicine—one that not only treats illness but also prevents it and enhances overall quality of life.

School Psychologists

Published:   •  3 minute read

The Vital Role of School Psychologists: Supporting Students and Schools

School psychologists play an essential role in fostering student success and well-being. By combining expertise in psychology and education, they help children and youth navigate academic, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. But what exactly do school psychologists do, and how do they contribute to a healthy school environment? Here’s what you need to know about their vital role.

What Do School Psychologists Do?

School psychologists work with students, educators, and families to create supportive learning environments. Their key responsibilities include:

  • Assessment and Evaluation: They assess students’ cognitive, academic, and emotional functioning to identify strengths and challenges, ensuring appropriate interventions are in place.
  • Consultation and Collaboration: They work closely with teachers, parents, and other professionals to develop strategies that support student learning and well-being.
  • Intervention and Prevention: They design and implement programs that promote positive behavior, social skills, and emotional resilience.
  • Mental Health Support: Help students, families and school staff deal with crisis situations.
  • Advocacy and Policy Development: They contribute to policies that enhance student support services and advocate for inclusive educational practices.

Why Are School Psychologists Important?

School psychologists are critical to addressing the diverse needs of students. Their work leads to:

  • Improved Academic Performance: By identifying learning barriers and providing strategies, they help students achieve their full potential.
  • Better Mental Health and Behavior: Their interventions support students in managing stress, emotions, and relationships, leading to a healthier school climate.
  • Stronger School-Home Partnerships: By working with families, they ensure that students receive consistent support both at home and in school.

How Can School Psychologists Help Your Child?

If you notice that your child is struggling with learning, social interactions, or emotional well-being, a school psychologist can provide valuable support. Parents can reach out to their child’s school to connect with these professionals, discuss concerns, and explore available resources.

The Need for More School Psychologists

Despite their importance, there is a growing demand for school psychologists. Schools benefit greatly from having these professionals on staff, yet shortages often lead to limited access to their services. Advocacy for increased funding and awareness of the role of school psychologists can help ensure that every student receives the support they need.

Final Thoughts

School psychologists are key to fostering safe, inclusive, and supportive school environments. Their work enhances students’ educational experiences, mental health, and overall well-being. By recognizing their contributions and advocating for their presence in schools, we can ensure that all children have the opportunity to thrive.

2024 Election Priorities

Published:   •  2 minute read

Following consultations with our members, APNS has identified the following priorities for the 2024 NS General Election.

  1. Improving public access to mental health services through timely access to services, high quality of care, innovative implementation, collaborative care teams, educating the public on mental health and addictions care services and supporting organizations that provide mental health care.
  2. Public System Recruitment and Retention.  Public health system and school psychologists are leaving public institutions to work in the private sector.  This is mostly due to workplace culture, shortage of resources that affect the standard of care, lack of professional autonomy and wages.
  3. Increased Education and Training. There is a shortage of psychologists across Nova Scotia. Students who leave the province for training often do not return, whereas students who train here often stay. Additionally, the mental health needs of Nova Scotians are increasingly complex, requiring newly trained psychologists to possess very specialized skills.  To meet the complex health needs of Nova Scotians, university graduate programs and residency training sites across the province need to be expanded. Funding is necessary to support increased opportunities for high quality, graduate-level training in psychology within Nova Scotia, which will enable graduates to better support diverse and underserved clients in high needs regions.
Letter to Parties
Letter to Candidates
Parties Responses

Please note that the Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia (APNS) is a non-partisan organization and does not endorse specific candidates or political parties. We work with all levels of government to advocate on behalf of our members to support policies that advance mental health care in Nova Scotia.

Increase in Recommended Rate for Psychological Services

Published:   •  1 minute read

Please be advised that effective October 1, 2024 the Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia (APNS) has set the recommended fee for psychological services provided by Psychologists registered with the Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology at $225 per hour.

The official letter from the APNS President in regard to this increase is available here.

This fee increase is based on a review of other psychology association rates across Canada, and those currently being charged by psychologists across the province. APNS also reviewed and compared Psychologists rates to rates of other mental health professionals in Nova Scotia. The rate is reviewed annually and was last revised in 2021.