Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Voice in Nova Scotia Psychology Advocacy
Established in 1965, the Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia (APNS) has served as the definitive voice for psychology professionals across the province. Our organization champions the advancement of psychology as both a science and a profession while prioritizing public mental health and wellness. Through strategic advocacy, we engage with government bodies and employers to shape policies that benefit both practitioners and the communities they serve. Our commitment to professional development is demonstrated through comprehensive educational programming, including workshops and conferences that keep members at the forefront of psychological practice.We cultivate a strong professional community by connecting practitioners across diverse specializations. APNS played a pivotal role in establishing The Psychologists Act in 1982, which created the regulatory framework for psychological practice in Nova Scotia. Our ongoing policy work addresses critical issues ranging from psychological testing standards to healthcare accessibility. With decades of collective experience, our leadership maintains authoritative standing in provincial mental health policy discussions while ensuring transparent, ethical operations that prioritize client welfare and professional accountability.
Services
Policy Advocacy
Professional Education
Community Networking
Public Representation
Career Resources
Psychologist Directory
Mental Health Policy
Workshops & Conferences
Professional Networking
Regulatory Development
Details
- Year established: 1965
Highlights and features
- We have represented Nova Scotia psychologists for over 55 years
- Our advocacy shaped provincial psychology regulation since 1982
- We provide evidence-based mental health policy development
- Our educational programs meet evolving professional standards
- We maintain Nova Scotia's most comprehensive psychologist directory
Services
Policy Advocacy
We actively represent psychology professionals through government consultations and policy development. Our advocacy addresses mental health legislation, professional standards, and public wellness initiatives. This work ensures psychologists' expertise informs provincial healthcare decisions while improving access to psychological services for Nova Scotians.
Professional Education
Our educational initiatives include workshops and conferences covering contemporary psychological practice. These programs maintain professional standards while addressing emerging mental health challenges. We provide continuing education opportunities that help practitioners stay current with evidence-based methodologies and regulatory requirements across diverse practice settings.
Community Networking
We foster collaboration among Nova Scotia's psychology professionals through networking opportunities and shared resources. Our initiatives build professional relationships across specializations while promoting interdisciplinary cooperation. This strengthens the collective capacity to address complex mental health needs throughout the province's diverse communities and healthcare systems.
Psychologist Directory
Our comprehensive directory helps Nova Scotians find qualified psychologists through searchable criteria. Users can locate practitioners by location, specialty, and client demographics. This service improves access to mental healthcare while connecting professionals with appropriate referral networks across private practice and institutional settings.
Mental Health Policy
We shape provincial mental health frameworks through evidence-based policy recommendations. Our work addresses systemic challenges in psychological service delivery while promoting wellness initiatives. This includes advocating for regulatory improvements, funding models, and interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance mental healthcare accessibility and quality across Nova Scotia.
People
Kim O'Connor
President
Leading APNS strategic direction with extensive experience in professional governance and mental health policy development across Nova Scotia's diverse healthcare landscape.
Dr. Tara Power
President Elect
Transitioning to leadership with demonstrated expertise in psychological practice standards and advocacy initiatives shaping Nova Scotia's mental health policy environment.
Dawson Wambolt
Treasurer
Overseeing APNS financial stewardship with a focus on sustainable operations and responsible resource allocation for provincial psychology initiatives.
Dr. Melissa McGonnell
Secretary
Maintaining organizational records and governance documentation with attention to regulatory compliance and procedural transparency in professional association operations.
Dr. Kathryn Bell
Member-at-Large
Contributing specialized knowledge in clinical psychology while representing diverse practitioner perspectives in APNS strategic decision-making processes.
Questions
How do I find a licensed psychologist in Nova Scotia?
Use our online directory to search by location, specialty, or client demographics. All listed practitioners meet provincial registration requirements.
Are psychology services confidential?
Yes, psychologists maintain strict confidentiality except in cases of imminent safety risks or court-ordered disclosures with appropriate safeguards.
What mental health issues do psychologists address?
Our members treat diverse conditions including anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral disorders, and adjustment difficulties across all life stages.
How long does psychological treatment typically last?
Evidence shows 50% improvement within eight sessions, with most completing treatment in three to six months depending on individual needs and goals.
What's the difference between psychologists and psychiatrists?
Psychologists focus on evidence-based therapy and assessment, while psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication alongside treatment.
