Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Promoting Psychology to Benefit Society
Established in 1965, our organization serves as the leading professional voice for psychology in Nova Scotia. We advocate for the profession through government engagement, public education, and policy development while fostering a collaborative community among psychology professionals. Our work includes organizing educational workshops, submitting policy briefs on mental health legislation, and supporting the establishment of clinical psychology programs.With over five decades of experience, we maintain strong affiliations with national and international psychological associations while focusing on provincial mental health advocacy. Our team of registered psychologists and affiliated professionals work to ensure high standards of psychological practice, promote mental health awareness, and provide resources for both practitioners and the public seeking psychological services.
Services
Professional Advocacy
Policy Development
Continuing Education
Psychologist Directory
Mental Health Awareness
Government Consultation
Professional Networking
Practice Resources
Ethical Guidelines
Public Education
Details
- Year established: 1965
Highlights and features
- We advocate for psychology through government representations and policy development
- We organize professional workshops and continuing education opportunities
- We maintain Nova Scotia's official directory of registered psychologists
- Our organization has shaped provincial mental health policy since 1965
- We foster professional community through specialized interest groups and committees
Services
Professional Advocacy
We actively represent psychology interests through government consultations and policy submissions. Our advocacy focuses on improving mental health legislation, expanding access to psychological services, and ensuring appropriate funding for psychological research and practice. This includes regular submissions to government commissions and participation in healthcare policy development.
Continuing Education
We organize workshops and conferences to maintain professional standards and share emerging research. These programs cover clinical advancements, ethical practice updates, and specialized treatment methodologies. Our educational initiatives ensure Nova Scotia psychologists maintain current knowledge and skills aligned with national and international best practices.
Psychologist Directory
Our Find a Psychologist service connects the public with registered professionals. The searchable directory includes practice locations, areas of specialization, and client demographics. This resource helps Nova Scotians find qualified psychologists for private practice while maintaining professional accountability standards.
Mental Health Awareness
We promote psychological understanding through community outreach and educational materials. Our initiatives address common mental health concerns, treatment options, and psychological research findings. We provide resources explaining psychotherapy benefits and help-seeking guidance for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
Professional Networking
We foster collaboration through specialized interest groups and committees. Our networking opportunities include cultural diversity initiatives, post-disaster services coordination, and private practice support. These platforms enable psychologists to share expertise, develop professional relationships, and address emerging practice challenges collectively.
People
Kim O'Connor
President
Leading APNS strategic direction with extensive experience in professional psychology advocacy and policy development.
Dr. Tara Power
President Elect
Clinical psychologist with specialized expertise in mental health policy and professional standards development.
Dawson Wambolt
Treasurer
Financial steward with background in managing professional association budgets and resources.
Dr. Melissa McGonnell
Secretary
Experienced psychologist with focus on documentation and procedural compliance in professional settings.
Dr. Kathryn Bell
Member-at-Large
Clinical neuropsychologist contributing specialized knowledge to association initiatives and committees.
Questions
How do I find a registered psychologist in Nova Scotia?
Our Find a Psychologist directory lists all registered private practice psychologists searchable by location, specialty, and client demographics.
Is psychological treatment confidential?
Yes, sessions are confidential with limited legal exceptions for child protection or imminent safety risks.
What mental health services does APNS represent?
We represent clinical psychologists providing assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatments for mental health conditions.
How long does psychological treatment typically last?
Treatment duration varies by complexity, with 50% showing improvement in 8 sessions and 75% within 6 months.
What are the recommended fees for psychological services?
Our current recommended rate is $225 per hour for registered psychologists in Nova Scotia.
How is APNS different from the regulatory body?
We are the professional association advocating for psychology; the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology is the regulatory licensing body.
