Publications

Increase in Recommended Rate for Psychological Services

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 Board of Examiners in 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.

Statement of Accountability and Responsibility to Indigenous Peoples

The Council of Professional Associations of Psychologists (CPAP), of which APNS is a member, has made a Statement of Accountability and Responsibility to Indigenous Peoples. APNS has supported this statement that acknowledges that psychologists must be accountable for the profession’s marginalization of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

To promote this accountability, CPAP’s Board of Directors moved to formally endorse the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) Statement of Accountability in the CPA Task Force’s report entitled, “Psychology’s Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Report.”

To read more, please see Psychology’s Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Report by clicking on the link below.

https://cpa.ca/docs/File/Task_Forces/TRC%20Task%20Force%20Report_FINAL.pdf

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Report and other related reports may be downloaded here:

https://nctr.ca/records/reports/#trc-reports

2024 Election Priorities

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.

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.

Associate Psychologist Positions Available – Dartmouth Psychological Services

POSITION: Registered Psychologist (Child and Adult Psychologist positions available)
ORGANIZATION: 
Dartmouth Psychological Services
LOCATION: 
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Dartmouth Psychological Services is seeking Registered or Candidate Register Psychologists (Child and Adult positions available)  to join our team on a part-time basis with the potential to grow to full-time. Hours are flexible – daytime, evening, and weekend hours are available, as is the option to provide services in-person and virtually (through the Jane platform). We offer associates an opportunity to grow their practice by providing new referrals, ongoing promotion/advertising, comprehensive administrative and team support, as well as opportunities to grow professionally. Compensation is fair and competitive.

The chosen applicant will be a Registered Psychologist (or Candidate Register) at the Master’s or Doctoral level. They will be ethically minded, client focused and experienced in providing evidence-based counselling to children and adolescents, and/or  adults (can include couples and families) struggling with a range of issues.

DPS is a team of collaborative and caring practitioners who have been providing evidence-based mental health services to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in the HRM for over 20 years (previously Jacqueline Milner-Clerk & Associates). We also host the Breathe Mindfulness Centre within our clinic, which specializes in offering mindfulness and compassion-based classes, workshops, and programs. We are conveniently located in Queen Square downtown Dartmouth with beautiful harbour views, close to the Alderney ferry terminal and directly on a Halifax Transit route. We are a very busy and established practice offering a rewarding experience for the right psychologist.

For more information about our practice, visit dartmouthpsychological.ca. Please fax, mail, or email resume to: Dartmouth Psychological Services, 45 Alderney Drive, Suite 1050, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, B2Y 2N6. Fax: 902-461-0517. Email: admin@dartmouthpsychological.ca

Associate Psychologist Position Available – Halifax

POSITION: Registered or Candidate Registered Psychologist
ORGANIZATION: Aulakh Psychological & Counselling Services
LOCATION: Central Halifax, Nova Scotia

Aulakh Psychological & Counselling Services is a well-established, vibrant collegial practice in central Halifax, Nova Scotia. We provide psychological services to a diverse range of clients (children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, veterans, first-responders and members of diverse communities).

We are seeking a qualified Registered Psychologist, or Candidate Registrar, to be a part of our team. We are looking for a client-focused candidate who likes to work collaboratively with clients and other health care professionals. The successful candidate would be warm, ethically minded, and have a fundamental respect for the clients we work with. The successful candidate must be a Registered Psychologist, or Candidate Register, of good standing in the province of Nova Scotia. We offer flexible hours and an associate looking for either part-time or full-time hours would be welcome to apply.

The Practice is centrally located in the North End of Halifax within the Gladstone Professional Building and offers free parking for both clients and psychology associates. In addition, the premises are supportive of people in who have accessibility needs (e.g., wheelchairs). Our lobby and offices are spacious enough to comfortably permit in-person services in adherence with Department of Health social distancing rules. In addition, we offer telepsychology services (via telephone or end-to-end encrypted video conferencing) so that we ca provide services to clients remotely. As such, our practitioners can offer clients options of either in-person sessions or virtual teletherapy sessions. Also, this allows practice associates flexibility to work onsite or offsite. Our recently renovated and expanded office features a large waiting area/lobby, attractively decorated and furnished offices, a kitchenette and a back entrance through the kitchen. In our main waiting area, clients can have a cup of herbal tea or water and relax while they wait to meet with one of our practitioners. We have a steady source of referrals and there are opportunities for a psychologist to readily build a client base.

We employ a full-time Practice Administrator and a part-time Administrative Assistance. This allows for comprehensive administrative support, including allowing for direct billing to some key insurance companies to help clients who cannot afford to pay directly thereby helping to reduce barriers for some of our clients. The administrative support allows practice associates to focus on client care and let the administrators take care of bookings, billings, insurance and several other onerous administrative tasks. We provide an online calendaring and charting system (for those who want this). In addition, this is a highly supportive team setting. Given the nature of our work, we provide regular peer consultation meetings, social events, ad-hoc consultations between clinicians and training opportunities to support professional development. As such, our practice encourages and provides supports for on-going professional training and consultation.

This position is for either a part-time or full-time registered or candidate registrar psychologist and has flexibility around hours worked.

We ask any interested psychologists to forward your information in confidence to:

Aulakh Psychological and Counselling Service Inc.

305-6155 North Street, Halifax, NS B3K 5R3

Phone: 902-490-0090 ~ Fax: 902-490-0099

Email: info@aulakhpsychology.ca

Website: https://www.aulakhpsychology.ca/

Natural Psychology Inc.

Registered or Candidate Psychologist for Small Growing Practice Overlooking Saint Margarets Bay

Natural Psychology is a small practice which specializes in integrated body and somatic psychotherapy. We are looking for a psychologist or school psychologist to join the team. 

Natural Psychology specializes in trauma and is looking for a candidate who is interested in learning somatic techniques to resolve trauma. 

Read more “Natural Psychology Inc.”

Marsh-Knickle and Associates

Marsh-Knickle and Associates is a well established practice serving the Halifax Regional Municipality and beyond. We have multiple opportunities for Registered and Candidate Register Psychologists who work with various populations. 

Read more “Marsh-Knickle and Associates”

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) In-Person 8-Week Therapeutic Program

Wolfville Location: Wednesdays Beginning October 16, 2024 6:00-8:30PM

Develop the capacity for greater calm and learn practical skills in managing stress and building resilience in this 8-week program for enhanced coping.

Facilitated by: Jacqueline Milner, Registered Psychologist/Certified Mindfulness Teacher and Tom Wigan, Certified MBSR Teacher.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is the original mindfulness-based program designed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, clinically proven to help people cope with chronic pain, physical and mental illnesses, and the stress of daily life. In this 8-week in-person group program, you will learn a combination of mindfulness, cognitive behavioural, and self-regulation skills to cultivate a different relationship with your body and mind that will help you live with more self-awareness, balance, and choice in response rather than a reaction to stress.

What to expect
Week 1: Orientation + Session 1
An overview of the program and an introduction to mindfulness practice will be provided. Before this session, a mandatory phone interview (10-15 minutes) for those new to the Centre or Facilitator will be arranged to review eligibility and ensure the program will be beneficial for you. The duration of this first session is approximately 3 hours with participation being mandatory for continued participation in the program.

Week 2-8: Sessions 2-8
Participants will meet as a group with a facilitator(s) once a week for 7 more weeks. Each session is approximately 2.5 hours long and is organized around a theme that is explored through short talks, experiential exercises, group inquiry and mindfulness meditation practices. Digital materials to reinforce session themes and support home practice are provided. Commitment to attendance and home practice is an essential component for participation in and effectiveness of the program.

Day of Silent Retreat
In addition to these sessions, there will be one full-day mindfulness silent retreat held between weeks 5 and 7. Although this is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to attend.

Is this program for me?
This program is designed for anyone interested in learning strategies designed to help manage stress and promote long-term wellness. Meditation experience is not required. This program is also for professionals who wish to begin integrating mindfulness-based skills and principles into their work or as the first step in pursuing further teacher training in MBSR as this group fulfills the prerequisite for becoming an MBSR teacher. Meditation experience is not required.

Fee: $675* (HST and materials included) Most private health insurance covers the cost of this program. Please contact your insurance provider to determine whether therapeutic group sessions (in-person or online) offered by a Registered Psychologist are covered.
To make our therapeutic groups more accessible to everyone, payment plans are available for those who require them
.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ABOVE EVENTS or to REGISTER:  https://breathemindfulness.ca/events/

Should you have difficulty registering online, contact admin@breathemindfulness.com

Mindfulness Maintenance Meetings (MMM)

Dartmouth Location: Beginning October 1, 2024

Deepen and maintain your mindfulness practice with these monthly group sessions.

Facilitated by: Andrea Ennis, Clinical Psychologist and MBSR Teacher

Keep your practice going and be supported by others by committing to these monthly 90-minute group sessions for graduates of Mindfulness-Based Programs (including MBSR, MBCT, and MSC).

What to expect
Keeping up with a regular mindfulness practice after course completion can be challenging. These sessions provide an opportunity to support your practice by coming together with a group of other graduates.

Mindfulness Maintenance Meetings (MMM) are offered monthly (the first Tuesday of each month) for 90-minutes. Each meeting will include between 40-60 minutes of guided mindfulness practice (including options for seated, lying down, and movement-based practices), followed by facilitated group discussion and time for informal discussion and questions.

Prior to attending your first Mindfulness Maintenance Meeting you will be required to register through our online scheduling system (JaneApp). If you did not complete your Mindfulness Based Program(s) through Breathe Mindfulness Centre or Dartmouth Psychological Services, you will be required to complete consent and registration forms prior to attending your first meeting.

Is this program for me?
This program is offered exclusively to those that have already completed a Mindfulness-Based Group Program, either through the Breathe Mindfulness Centre or another agency.

Private health insurance may cover the cost of these group sessions. Please contact your insurance provider to determine whether therapeutic group sessions offered by a Registered Psychologist are covered.
Pre-registration is required for each session. Space is limited and groups will run with between 4-12 participants.

Fee per session: $20.00 (HST included)

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ABOVE EVENTS or to REGISTER:  https://breathemindfulness.ca/events/

Should you have difficulty registering online, contact admin@breathemindfulness.com

Mindful Yoga – 6-Week Beginners Series

Wolfville Location: Mondays Beginning September 16, 2024 9:00-10:00AM

Yoga is not about touching your toes. It is what you learn on the way down.
– Jigar Gor

Facilitated by: Jacqueline Milner, Registered Psychologist/Certified Mindfulness Teacher.

Discover the transformative power of yoga in our 6-week beginner series designed to help you gently ease into a mindful practice. Whether you’re new to yoga or looking to deepen your connection, this series offers a slow, easy-to-follow pace perfect for beginners.

The beginner series is taught in a sequential manner, with each week building on the prior week’s foundation and knowledge, to help students build strength and flexibility. The focus of this beginner yoga series is to move through key yoga poses while safely exploring your limits through the encouragement of deep listening and honouring your body. Each class will also include introduction to yogic breathwork and mindfulness meditation to release tension in the body and mind.

Benefits Include:
• Building a foundation of yoga poses (asanas) that are safe for your body .
• Increased flexibility, strength, and balance.
• Increased connection and honour towards your body through the practice of non-harm (‘Ahimsa’).
• Increased calm for body, mind, and spirit.

Fee: $80 (HST included), Students and Seniors 10% discount

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ABOVE EVENTS or to REGISTER:  https://breathemindfulness.ca/events/

Should you have difficulty registering online, contact admin@breathemindfulness.com

Introduction to Mindfulness – 2 Hour In-Person Workshop

Wolfville Location: Monday, September 16, 2024 6:00-8:00PM
Dartmouth Location: Monday September 23, 2024 6:00-8:00PM

Explore how mindfulness practice can increase resilience and reduce the effects of stress on the mind and body.

Facilitated by: Jacqueline Milner, Registered Psychologist/Certified Mindfulness Teacher.

Mindfulness is a gentle and effective way to cultivate awareness of thoughts, emotions and sensations. Mindfulness helps us stay connected to the present moment, break free of automatic, habitual reactions that are often unhelpful for our wellbeing and helps us manage stress and other difficult emotions more effectively. A great way to understand what mindfulness is and what it has to offer is to experience it.
This workshop will offer an overview of the core principles of mindfulness and its benefits, along with a variety of short mindfulness practices. Resources and information on how to develop and maintain a regular practice will be provided.

Who should attend: This workshop is open to the public as well as professionals who are curious about mindfulness and would like to begin to explore it. Meditation experience is not required, all are welcome!
Please note, mindfulness is an innate capacity that exists in all of us and is free from any religion or faith.
Fee: $45 or PWYC (HST included)

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ABOVE EVENT or to

REGISTER:  https://breathemindfulness.ca/events/

Should you have difficulty registering online, contact admin@breathemindfulness.com

Coastal Psychology Inc.

POSITION: Full-time or Part-time Psychologist
ORGANIZATION: Coastal Psychology Inc.
LOCATION: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Coastal Psychology, a leading private practice in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is seeking a dedicated Psychologist to join our dynamic team on a full- or part-time basis. As a well-established high-demand mental health provider, Coastal Psychology is committed to delivering the highest-quality psychological services to our diverse clientele.

The ideal candidate would have the following qualifications:

  • Doctoral degree in Psychology from an accredited program
  • Registered, Candidate Registered, or eligible for registration, with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology
  • Proficiency in evidence-based assessment and treatment
Read more “Coastal Psychology Inc.”

Job Opportunities at Sunnyside Psychological Services

POSITION: Registered or Candidate Registered Psychologist
ORGANIZATION: Sunnyside Psychological Services
LOCATION: Bedford, Nova Scotia

We are seeking a Psychologist to join our growing practice. Over the past 5 years we have strived to create a professional, relaxed, welcoming atmosphere for our clients and clinicians, alike. At Sunnyside Psychological Services clinicians have the autonomy to set their schedule to suit the needs of themselves and their clients. As a clinician in our practice you may provide individualized services to clients, but have the added benefit of being part of a collaborative team of experienced clinicians. We offer a comfortable and inviting workspace with a reception area, fully furnished offices, and a separate exit for a private client departure. Virtual treatment is also optional.

Read more “Job Opportunities at Sunnyside Psychological Services”