Psychology

Psychologists at IWK Health help by providing clinical care to infants, children, and adolescents with a wide range of medical, neurological, developmental, and mental health disorders. 

How we help

With almost 50 psychologists, two psychometrists, and a feeding specialist, Psychology at the IWK is a large, dynamic discipline. We are known for providing excellent clinical care, our leading Predoctoral Pediatric and Child Clinical Psychology Residency Program, and our productivity in clinical research.  We provide inpatient and outpatient care, operate day treatment clinics throughout HRM, and work out of residential facilities such as the Nova Scotia Forensic Youth Facility in Waterville.

Psychologists at the IWK work within the Children's Health Program and the Mental Health and Addictions Program. We also work together as part of the Discipline of Psychology, which is overseen by the Professional Practice Chief of Psychology (Dr. Marcie Balch). The role of the Psychologist varies depending on the specific clinical team or service within each program. It usually involves assessment, diagnosis, and/or treatment.  Services are provided at the IWK Health Centre, community-based mental health clinics, and residential facilities.

As with many health centres across Canada, the IWK has adopted a program management model of patient care services. This is different from traditional, department-based models of healthcare. Instead of a “Department of Psychology” or “Department of Neurology,” a wide variety of healthcare professionals, with different areas of practice and specialization, work together within a program.