Publications

APNS – COVID-19 Letter to the Chief Medical Officer

Published: May 14, 2020June 25, 2020 • 1 minute read

Dear Dr. Strang:

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, under the direction provided by the Nova Scotia Health Protection Act, most psychologists are no longer conducting in-person appointments other than those determined to be of an urgent nature. To ensure that their existing clients and new clients who need support during the pandemic receive the necessary treatment, many psychologists have moved to a telepsychology delivery model, relying on phone or secure online technology for “face-to-face” contact with clients.

CPACPAP – COVID-19 Letter to Insurers

Published: April 22, 2020June 25, 2020 • 2 minute read

Dear Mr. Lord,

We write to you given the unprecedented times in which we live. The COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on how we are all living our lives. Its impact is biological, psychological, social and economic. The demands of healthcare providers are significant and will require them to interact and care for their patients and clients in different and innovative ways.

APNS Statement on Conversion Therapy

Published: August 17, 2018June 25, 2020 • 2 minute read

CONTENT ENGAGEMENT NOTICE

This publication contains references to discrimination—which may bring up past experiences of discomfort, anxiety, and or trauma. Please engage with this content only when you feel prepared.

The Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia (APNS) supports the Canadian Psychology Association (CPA) position statement opposing any therapy with the goal of ‘repairing’ or ‘converting’ an individual’s sexual orientation, regardless of age. Conversion therapy, or reparative therapy, refers to any formal therapeutic attempt to change the sexual orientation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and pansexual individuals to that of heterosexual (e.g., Serovich et al., 2008).

APNS Statement on the Sale and Recreational Use of Cannabis in Nova Scotia

Published: June 15, 2018June 25, 2020 • 3 minute read

The Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia has concerns and suggestions about the upcoming legalized sale and use of cannabis in Nova Scotia.

We recognize that Nova Scotia must proceed within the context of the change in federal laws coming into effect in July 2018. We also believe that Nova Scotia should follow the stated intent of the federal legislation. The stated purpose of the federal legislation is not to promote recreational use of cannabis, but rather to displace the current illegal system with a regulated system that will be better able to prevent use by youth and limit irresponsible use in general.