Psychotic experiences exist on a spectrum, ranging from subclinical experiences or psychosis-risk states (e.g., seeing a shadow out of the corner of one’s eye) to more severe and diagnosable psychotic symptoms (e.g., seeing fully formed figures that may cause significant distress). The onset of psychosis-spectrum experiences is often during adolescence and young adulthood, and research […]
Primary Care is the nexus point for the majority of non-life threatening issues, including mental and physical health (and their meeting point at behavioural health). With many regions in Canada facing a primary care crisis, integrating psychologists into primary care using a Primary Care Behavioural Health (PCBH) model can improve patient access to assessment and […]
Indigenous individuals in Canada experience disproportionately higher rates of mental health and substance use concerns when compared to non-Indigenous individuals in Canada. These concerns are further exacerbated by disparities with access to social determinants of health that have been aggravated by systemic marginalization, discrimination, and racism within broader health systems. Such experiences can impede access […]
Dr. Linda Berg-Cross focuses on the importance of parental sleep for new parents. By combining knowledge about infant development, family relationships, and behavioral sleep medicine, clinicians can help families get off to a healthier start as new parents struggle with the first year of a child’s life. The Protective Sleep Program (PSP) is a skeleton […]
As of 2020, Latinx/Hispanic individuals comprised 18.9% of the total U.S. population according to the U.S. Census. Individuals who are Latinx may come from different backgrounds and there is diversity within diversity. Dr. Ortiz will present three acculturation models and four acculturation strategies impacting mental health treatment. She will also present case examples and ethical […]
Mental health professionals working with children, regardless of whether the services involve treatment or evaluation, are likely to encounter high-conflict parents. This situation is sometimes unpredictable and develops during the delivery of services. Dr. Marc Martinez discusses the characteristics of high-conflict parents, the elevated risks they present, and risk management strategies for reducing exposure to […]
Family Based Treatment (FBT) is considered to be the first-line treatment for youth diagnosed with restrictive eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa given considerable research evidence. FBT is also commonly employed among patients with atypical anorexia nervosa given overlap in symptoms and severity. Dr. Kramer discusses potential modifications of FBT and important clinical considerations for […]
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health concern that is tied to numerous negative consequences for affected individuals, families, and society. Dr. Hammett provides an overview of IPV, its prevalence, consequences, and risk and protective factors. She outlines evidence-based approaches for working with individuals and couples affected by IPV, highlighting the importance of […]
Research indicates that American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth and emerging adults are at the highest risk of suicide in the U.S., in part due to systemic issues including poverty, threats to sovereignty, and inadequate access to mental and behavioral healthcare. Despite an increased need for mental health care services, a majority of psychologists […]
In recent years there has been increased interest by young people and their families in seeking various types of gender-affirming care. In Fall 2022, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health issued updated guidelines that reflect considerably greater attention to the needs of transgender and gender diverse youth than ever before—and yet the provision of […]