On September 9, marks an important step in enhancing mental healthcare for children, youth and families as the first students begin Nova Scotia's new doctor of psychology program at Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) in Halifax.
These are the first students in the new doctor of psychology program at Mount Saint Vincent University. (Mount Saint Vincent University)
The Province is investing a total of $12.2 million in the project - $3.7 million from the Department of Advanced Education to support the academic program and $8.5 million from the Office of Addictions and Mental Health for the development and operation of the affiliated training clinic at the university.
"Today marks an exciting milestone for students, families and communities across Nova Scotia," said Brian Wong, Minister of Advanced Education. "By training the next generation of psychologists here at home, we're creating more opportunities for Nova Scotians to build careers in their communities and strengthening our mental health workforce. This program will give students the practical experience they need to support children, youth and families when they need it most."
The four-year PsyD and residency in school and child clinical psychology is the first program of its kind in Nova Scotia. It is designed to prepare students to provide psychological services to children, adolescents, youth and their families in school, healthcare and community settings.
The first cohort includes eight students, with eight new students starting each academic year. Students will provide supervised services for children, youth and families at the clinic, expected to open later this year.
Quotes:
"The new doctor of psychology program at MSVU is an important investment in the workforce we need to support Nova Scotians and strengthen mental health services across the province. By training more psychologists and supporting hands-on clinical experience through the new training clinic, we are improving access to care for children, youth and families, and helping to build capacity for the future."
Brian Comer, Minister of Addictions and Mental Health
"We are grateful to the Province for their shared commitment to advancing mental health education and expanding care for children, youth and families. And we are thrilled to welcome the first cohort of talented students to this new program. By providing exceptional education and hands-on clinical experience onsite, we're helping to build and retain the highly skilled mental health workforce our communities need."
Joël Dickinson, President and Vice-Chancellor, Mount Saint Vincent University
"MSVU's PsyD program stood out to me because of its strong clinical focus and emphasis on learning within the communities we will ultimately serve. I'm excited to develop the skills to support youth and families while learning alongside and from the communities that will shape our work as psychologists. Being part of the inaugural cohort makes this experience even more meaningful, as we have the opportunity to help shape a program that will serve future generations of psychologists and the communities they support."
Christopher Park, PsyD student, MSVU
"Being part of the inaugural PsyD cohort at Mount Saint Vincent University is an incredibly meaningful opportunity to build on my experiences in education, mental health support and advocacy. My experience as a teacher has shown me how closely learning, mental health and well-being are connected, while highlighting the importance of accessible support in schools. This program will allow me to combine my experience in education with strong clinical training so I can better support children and youth through early, collaborative and evidence-based care. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of this program and to begin my career as a psychologist supporting children, youth and families in Nova Scotia."
Alyssa Spridgeon, PsyD student, MSVU
Additional Resources:
- News release - Province Funds Groundbreaking Psychology Training Program: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/04/02/province-funds-groundbreaking-psychology-training-program
- MSVU's doctor of psychology program: https://www.msvu.ca/academics/faculty-of-education/doctor-of-psychology/
- Action for Health, the government's strategic plan to improve healthcare: https://actionforhealth.novascotia.ca/
