APNS Annual General Meeting, Award Ceremonies and Retirement Reception

Please join us for the Annual General Meeting in  person on Friday, May 31st 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

At Dalhousie University, McCain Bldg., Room 2132, 6135 University Ave, Halifax

In addition to the annual business meeting we will be awarding the annual APNS awards. Immediately following the AGM we will have a retirement reception of Executive Director Susan Marsh, which you are invited to join.

To attend the AGM and/or the Reception please RSVP to admin@apns.ca

This year our in-person AGM is combined with a half day panel discussion on:

Telepsychology: Managing the Challenges, A half-day, hybrid panel discussion and Q&A.

For more information on that see https://apns.ca/publications/news/telepsychology-managing-the-challenges/

Telepsychology: Managing the Challenges

A half-day, hybrid panel discussion and Q&A

Dalhousie University, McCain Bldg., Room 2130, Halifax (or by Zoom)

Friday, May 31 – 9 am to 1:00 pm

Fee: $150 for APNS members; $25 for students.

Contact admin@apns.ca to register now. Watch for the brochure coming soon.

The Panel Discussion is followed by the APNS Annual General Meeting and Award Ceremony; participants are invited to stay for lunch.

Panel: Dr. Marcie Balch, Dr. Elizabeth Church, Dr Natalie Stratton, Carlye Smith-Burke; Moderated by Dr. Robin McGee, Chair NSBEP

Summary

The number of psychologists using telepsychology have increased dramatically in the past five years. The benefits are well know, but what about the challenges? These may not be as obvious, but can cause problems if overlooked. This panel discussion will feature psychologists from various practice areas discussing their experiences with telepsychology, and addressing questions from participants. Some of the topics we hope to address will include ethical concerns, privacy and security, and the whether it is, or is not, appropriate for carious issues or clients.

Panel Discussion: Educating psychologists about government plans to increase access to mental health services

Where are we going and how do we get there? A half-day, virtual panel discussion with those who have been there.

Friday, May 10th, 1 to 4 pm by Zoom

All psychologists are welcome, but there are only 100 spaces available. E-mail apns@apns.ca now and register to receive your Zoom link.

Why are we holding this forum?

The Nova Scotia government has declared its intention to make mental-health care universally available through private services. Government’s role in the private sector of mental-health services may have significant, unforeseen consequences for providers, for public-sector professionals, and for the public. Psychologists have to be prepared for the potential impacts of government’s decisions and anticipate the challenges and opportunities. We seek to understand more about the mechanisms of this change so that we can better navigate our way forward. What do we psychologists need to know in order to play a proactive role in ensuring the wellbeing of the profession and those we serve?

Panel members

David M Clark, CBE is Emeritus Professor of Experimental Psychology at Oxford University. He is well-known for his pioneering work on the understanding and psychological treatment of anxiety disorders. Since 2005 he has also focused on how to disseminate effective psychological treatments within the NHS and international healthcare systems. He is an architect of the English Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme, and continues to advise NHS England. He has received Distinguished Scientist / Lifetime Achievement Awards from the British, Canadian and American Psychological Associations. The latter described his work as “pure genius with a real-world application.”

David Peachey is a Principal of Health Intelligence Inc., a Halifax-based healthcare consulting firm with clients in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. Prior to establishing the consulting firm in 1995, he was the Director of Professional Affairs at the Ontario Medical Association for ten years. His clinical experience spanned 40 years, including comprehensive family medicine, emergency medicine, and urgent care. Consulting work has focused on physician compensation and funding models, provider workforce and clinical services planning, fee schedule modernization, clinical governance, compensation database development and analysis, physician accountability, and measurement of clinical performance. In addition to successfully completing provincial workforce and clinical services plans, he has presented workshops on physician compensation models and performance measures, consulted on the reforming of medical services, and advised governments on delivery and funding models for medical care. He has been the lead consultant on number of projects analyzing physician compensation models and trends, drafting revisions to fee schedules and preambles, and conducting inter-provincial fee and benefit schedule comparisons, and clinical scenario analyses. Clients have included federal, provincial, and territorial governments, professional associations and societies, and the Canadian Institute for Health Information.

Pierre L.-J. Ritchie is Professor Emeritus in the School of Psychology at the University of Ottawa. He has extensive leadership experience in the governance and management of national and international organizations as well as in health policy. In North America, Dr. Ritchie served as CEO of the Canadian Psychological Association and as Executive Director of the Canadian Register of Health Service Psychologists as well as a member of the Council of Representatives of the American Psychological Association. He was twice President of the Ontario Psychological Association and has collaborated with many provincial associations on advocacy for the profession, health care and health policy as well as on regulatory matters. Internationally, Dr. Ritchie served as the Main Representative (Psychology) to the World Health Organization (1997-2016). He was closely involved in the revision of the classification of mental, behavioural, and neurodevelopmental disorders for the Eleventh Revision of WHO’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). He is Co-Editor of the just published A Psychological Approach to Diagnosis: Using the ICD-11 as a Framework. He was Secretary-General of the International Union of Psychological Science (1996-2012). At the International Council for Science, he instrumental in the establishment of the multidisciplinary Urban Health and Well-being Programme for which he was a member and chair of its Science Committee.

Moderator, Ron Sherrard attended the University of King’s College in Halifax and graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism (Honours). He worked for CBC Radio as a reporter and producer in Halifax for 12 years. Then worked in Nova Scotia politics and government for 15 years in communications and outreach, including four years as government/caucus liaison helping individuals and community groups work with government to better communicate their needs and achieve their goals.

BMS Insurance – Tailored Insurance Solutions for APNS Members

CPA/CPAP’s insurance program, in partnership with BMS Canada Risk Services Ltd. (BMS), is tailored to meet the needs of psychology practitioners. APNS members have access to comprehensive insurance coverage that meets the unique practice risk needs of psychological practitioners, including:

• Professional liability Insurance (PLI) and Commercial General Liability (CGL)
• Business Professional Liability Insurance
• Business Commercial General Liability
• Contents/Crime/Business Interruption coverage
• Business Package Insurance
• Cyber Security & Privacy Liability
• Employment Practices Liability
• Legal Services Package
• Personal Legal Solutions
• Business Legal Solutions
• 24 Hour Accident Coverage
• And more

Why the CPA/CPAP Program is Right for You

To learn more about the insurance products available to APNS members or to purchase coverage, please visit www.psychology.bmsgroup.com, or contact a BMS broker at 1-855-318-6038 or by email at psy.insurance@bmsgroup.com.

For more information about your Insurance Broker, BMS, and Insurance Regulatory Principles of Conduct, please click here.

Lifemark Looking for Virtual Psychologist

POSITION: Psychologist (Part-time and Full Time)
ORGANIZATION: Lifemark Health Group, Provincial Mental Health Programs & Services
LOCATION: Fully Remote with Home Clinic at Greenwood Physiotherapy pt Health

Lifemark Health Group is always looking for talented Psychologists and other healthcare professionals to continue our goal of promoting movement to a better life. Whether it’s a role at one of our clinics across the country, a hybrid or fully remote role or in our corporate office, you can join a passionate team working to improve the health and well-being of Canadians.

Salaried and fee-for-service options (part-time and full-time) English and French services are offered. Proficiency in French is a strong asset.

Are you a passionate psychologist looking to belong to a supportive, collaborative community to implement our bold vision to optimize the benefit of mental health services to diverse audiences from prevention to intervention? If so, join Lifemark Health Group and grow with us as we build provincial teams in support of our national mental health strategy.

Read more “Lifemark Looking for Virtual Psychologist”

Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCBNS)

POSITION: Part-Time Contracted Psychology Consultant(s) Request for Proposal (RFP)#: WCB2024-009
ORGANIZATION: 
WCBNS
LOCATION:
 Nova Scotia

The WCBNS is seeking psychologists (2) with expertise in clinical psychology to serve as a Psychology Consultant. As a Psychology Consultant, psychologists support WCB Case Workers to find solutions to complex rehabilitation problems associated with return to work, based on an innovative thinking and an evidence-based research approach.

Psychology Consultants will provide guidance and direction on the assessment and treatment of psychological injuries as well as return to work (RTW) management. Further, they will play a key role in advising and coaching WCB Case Management staff on health care matters, monitoring treatment progress, support for RTW planning, offering opinions on the necessity of medical aid supports, conducting research and educating the WCB Case Management staff on relevant topics. As key members of integrated WCB teams, Psychology Consultants operate collaboratively and liaise with health services professionals in the community to educate, collaborate and promote safe and timely return to work. In addition, the WCB’s Psychology Consultants must be comfortable interpreting a variety of clinical information on a client file together with the body of medical evidence to inform clear opinions and make recommendations to case workers in plain language.

The successful proponent is expected to begin work as soon as possible. Fees are paid at an hourly rate of $221.82/hour. Psychologists who respond to this RFP must possess/demonstrate the following requirements:

Mandatory Requirements:
• Possess current registration, licensure and be in good standing with the Association of Psychologist of Nova Scotia, possess a Ph.D. in Psychology or Masters in Psychology (proof of good standing required as requested by the WCB);
• Minimum of 10 years of clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of: anxiety and mood disorders, substance use disorders, and PTSD/Trauma using evidence-based approaches. (scored 30pts)
• Training and experience in providing evidence-based therapies for PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders such as prolonged exposure, Cognitive processing therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Behavioural Activation and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. (scored, 30pts)
• Knowledge of psychiatric rehabilitation principles and practices and familiarity with community resources. (scored, 10 pts)
• Experience working in a collaborative team environment (required).
• Available to work 10-15 hours per week on-site or remotely at the WCB’s Halifax or Sydney office locations on a regularly scheduled basis.
• Prior Consultant experience for an insurance company and/or WCBNS or other provincial WCB organizations. (scored, 10 pts)
• Experience working with Windows based operating systems and Microsoft Productivity Suites (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook etc.) and proficiency in typing to perform the work at WCBNS. Briefly explain how you meet this requirement (scored, 20 pts); and
• Have his/her own personal computer, High Speed internet connection; and a current subscription to an anti-virus software program (for remote access to the WCBNS network) to access the WCBNS virtual private network computer system and work on-line in accordance with the WCBNS remote working requirements.

Consultants will need to enter a contract for services for work to be done on a part-time basis of up to 10-15 hours/week (or more based on operational need in the sole discretion of the WCBNS). All work is to be performed inside Canada, onsite at the WCBNS offices (Halifax/Sydney), or remotely (i.e. work from home).

The Consultants are expected to begin work on May 23,2024; however, training may be required and will be paid for at the same rate as hourly fees. Fees are paid at an hourly rate of $221.82/hour as of the posting of this RFP.

Psychologists interested in being considered for these contracted position(s) must submit their proposal in writing clearly outlining how they meet each of the mandatory requirements listed above and are requested to also attach their Curriculum Vitae as well as any other documentation requested above. Applicants will have these requirements scored and the top 4 scores will proceed to an interview if all the requirements are met.

The WCBNS reserves the right to request references at any time, and this information will be considered in the acceptance process.

Proposals must be submitted by email. The subject line of the email must be “Part Time Contracted Psychology Consultant Proposal WCB2024-009”. The deadline for submission for this RFP is May 6, 2024 at 4pm AST.

The WCBNS is not bound to accept any proposal of those submitted. Successful proponents must enter the WCB’s standard written contract for this service to be able to become a Psychological Consultant

Please submit your proposal via email (Letter and CV):
Sharon Ann Gillis
Health Services Portfolio Manager, Health Services
Email: sharonann.gillis@wcb.ns.ca

General inquiries regarding this posting may be directed in writing to:
Sharon Ann Gillis
Health Service Portfolio Manager
Email: sharonann.gillis@wcb.ns.ca

DISCLAIMER: The Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia cannot ensure the confidentiality and security or error-free receipt of electronically submitted Bids or Bid components, and cannot guarantee that the Internet connections will be available at all times up to the closing time for Bid submission. A Bidder submitting an Electronic Bid via email does so at its own risk and, upon submission of a Bid in this manner, indemnifies and hold harmless the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia from any and all claims for damages or loss arising in any manner based upon, occasioned by or in any way attributable to a bidder’s submission sent via email.

Affinity Specialized Developmental Group Inc.

Seeking collaborative, developmentally-focused, enthusiastic psychologists for our growing multidisciplinary private practice.

The Affinity Specialized Developmental Group Inc. (aka Affinity Group or ASD Group) is a newly created multidisciplinary private practice in Halifax where families can access a range of assessment and intervention services in the context of a single office. Current ASD Group team members include highly skilled and passionate professionals – including psychology, behaviour therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and learning coaching.

Our goal is to provide an evidence-based, continuum of care to our clients – supporting the development of the cognitive, behavioural, physical, emotional, and social selves.

Read more “Affinity Specialized Developmental Group Inc.”

One to One Wellness Centre

POSITION: Full or Part-time Psychologist
ORGANIZATION: 
Independent Contractor
LOCATION:
 Virtual, Nova Scotia

Are you a psychologist looking to join an experienced interdisciplinary team?

Our locally owned and operated health clinic in downtown Halifax is looking for an enthusiastic and passionate psychologist to join our team. Hours of work is flexible and will be delivered virtually.

Using a patient-centered approached inspired by pain science, therapeutic relationship, trauma-informed care, and behaviour change, One to One delivers high quality patient care to thousands of Nova Scotians who are experiencing pain and/or complex health conditions. The successful candidate will work as part of an interdisciplinary health team that consists of experienced physiotherapists, psychologists, manual osteopathic practitioners, and massage therapists. Our team meets virtually bi-monthly to collaborate on patient care or for education sessions.

The ideal candidate will have a:

  • Masters or Doctoral degree in Psychology from an accredited program
  • Registered Psychologist in good standing with NSBEP
  • Minimum $1million Professional Liability Insurance
  • Cleared Criminal and Vulnerable Sector Checks
  • Experience or interest in trauma, chronic pain, and complex health conditions is considered and asset
  • Experience in an interdisciplinary team is considered an asset

What you can expect from One to One Wellness Centre:

  • Flexible scheduling and hours
  • Bi-Monthly Collaboration meetings (Attendance Optional but encouraged)
  • Private and secure scheduling and telehealth platform (Jane)
  • Full Administrative Support (scheduling, billing, general inquiries) and access to marketing services
  • Direct billing of all major insurance companies including VAC, MVA, and CAF. No WCB patients.
  • Commission based on invoiced billings (Must adhere to clinic policies and procedures for treatment approvals).
  • Potential to offer group courses as part of our Pain Self-Management Program (In-person or virtual)

 If you are interested in this position please email: Tyler Dillman (PT/Owner) tyler@121wellness.ca

Looking For A Psychologist within Law Enforcement Settings

POSITION: Staff Psychologist
ORGANIZATION: Calian Health Services
LOCATION: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Join Calian in Shaping the Future of Psychological Services: At Calian, we take pride in being one of Canada’s largest providers of pre-employment psychological services for federal, provincial, and municipal law enforcement agencies and departments. Trusted by clients nationwide, we conduct assessments ranging from selection services to suitability to carry a firearm and return to work. Our comprehensive psychological services extend across both public and private sectors, ensuring that our clients’ teams are equipped with the right individuals for high-risk scenarios. Calian is thrilled to announce the expansion of our operations in the Greater Toronto Area. We are actively seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist to join our team.

Your Impact in Law Enforcement Settings: We are looking for a psychologist with a genuine interest in the complexities of human behavior within law enforcement settings. If you’re drawn to the challenges of assessing candidates for high-stakes roles and are eager to contribute to public safety, this opportunity is for you. Our ideal candidate values collaboration, possesses a strong understanding of psychological principles and is committed to ensuring the well-being and readiness of individuals entering and working in law enforcement and related fields.

Benefits Package, Work-Life Balance & Growth Opportunities:

  • Full-time role, 40 hours per week commitment.
  • Flexible scheduling options available, including weekdays, weekends, and evenings.
  • Hybrid working environment with opportunities for remote work.
  • Competitive base salary range with a generous allotment of paid vacation days.
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including group medical and dental coverage.
  • Access to professional development fund for attending conferences, workshops, and training sessions.

Staff Psychologist Duties and Contributions

  • Conduct comprehensive psychological assessments tailored for law enforcement and policing roles, to determine psychological suitability for employment in high-risk occupations.
  • Utilize a variety of assessment tools including the MMPI-3, 16PF, and other psychometric measures to evaluate personality traits, psychopathology, and psychological readiness.
  • Review pre-interview questionnaires and administer structured stress interviews and clinical interviews to further assess psychological readiness and suitability for careers involving law enforcement.
  • Collaborate with the Senior Clinical Psychologist to lead consultations on challenging cases, providing guidance on additional testing and interviews required for making final determinations on psychological suitability.
  • Prepare comprehensive evaluation reports outlining psychological suitability for prospective employers, ensuring clarity and adherence to professional standards.
  • Provide feedback to candidates on individual assessment results as requested, offering insight and guidance based on psychological evaluations.
  • Conduct psychological assessments following the removal of duty firearms, addressing concerns such as substance abuse, recovery, and sobriety management.
  • Perform psychological assessments for re-arming, utilizing tools such as the MAST, DAST, and DSM-V, and conducting clinical interviews to ensure readiness to resume full duties.
  • Assess psychological readiness for resuming or continuing full duties following involvement in critical incidents, providing support and guidance as needed.
  • Conduct quality assurance (QA) reviews of assessment reports, ensuring adherence to accuracy and established standards specific to law enforcement and policing requirements.
  • Contribute to the ongoing development and enhancement of assessment programs for law enforcement and policing roles, including the design and refinement of assessment protocols based on research and industry best practices in this field.

Qualifications

  • Doctoral-level degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in Psychology is preferred.
  • Candidates with a Master’s Degree in Psychology will be considered, provided they have relevant experience and expertise in conducting psychological assessments, particularly in law enforcement or related fields.
  • Licensed for autonomous practice with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology.
  • A minimum of 2 years of recent experience working for public entities (federal, provincial, or municipal).
  • Must have completed 50 assessments for psychological readiness of candidates for high-risk employment requiring the issuance of duty defensive equipment in the last 10 years.
  • Must obtain and maintain a Government Security Clearance at the Reliability level.
  • Bilingualism in English and French is a strong asset.

Interested in Learning More: Contact Amy Robillard, our Talent Acquisition Team Lead at Calian Health Services, via email at amy.robillard@calian.com.

Dr C. K. Perrier & Associates

POSITION: Psychologist Positions and office space
ORGANIZATION: Dr. C.K. Perrier & Associates
LOCATION: Bedford, Nova Scotia

We are currently recruiting psychologists to join our team as part-time or full-time associates, working out of offices in Bedford. We offer comfortable, accessible, and welcoming office space with free parking. We offer complete administrative support and use encrypted and secure web-based practice management software for managing client scheduling and clinical records. As an associate with our team, you will be compensated at a rate well above industry standards. Work-life balance is prioritized and associates have flexibility in creating their own schedule and limiting or expanding therapy hours, as well as choosing to provide treatment in-person or via telehealth.

If you are interested in joining our team as an associate, please submit a cover letter with CV to info@PerrierWellness.ca

Alternatively, if you are interested in renting office space rather than joining a practice, we have a welcoming environment with multiple rooms available to rent on an hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly basis, including a large group room. Rates are very reasonable and negotiable.

Full-day, in-person workshop: Your Professional Will – A Facilitated Workshop

Friday, April 12, 2024 – 9 am to 4:00 pm.
Mount Saint Vincent University, Rosaria Building, Don MacNeil Room #401,
Presented by Kim O’Connor, R.Psych., with Special Guest, Tanya L. Butler, Touchstone Legal.

Workshop Overview:

Although we may not like to think about it, life circumstances can happen to any of us at any time which can impact our ability to act to ensure the best interests of our clients. 

The purpose of a professional will for a psychologist is to ensure that their clients receive appropriate care and support even if the psychologist is unable to continue their practice due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness, disability, or death. At the basic level, it is a document that gives instructions to a designated individual regarding your psychology practice as well as the authority to act on your behalf in the event of your death or incapacitation. The goal of this workshop is to provide information and examples about professional wills for psychologists on how to devise the plan and create such a document.  Bring your laptop – this is a facilitated workshop designed to have participants start to create a draft document that day!

Download the brochure for more information and to register.